Following God's Leading: Encouragement and Support for a Mother Caring Beyond Her Own Family
Volunteer: Deborah
Date: June 22, 2026
At ESGI, some of the most impactful outreach moments begin with a simple willingness to be led. When volunteers make themselves available to serve, ordinary routines can become extraordinary opportunities to bring hope, encouragement, and practical support to those carrying heavy burdens.
This week’s outreach report from Abuja tells the story of a hardworking mother whose quiet acts of sacrifice and compassion were met with timely encouragement and assistance.
A Divine Interruption
The day began like any other.
After dropping her son off at school, the volunteer realized she had not yet carried out her weekly outreach. Rather than return immediately to her daily activities, she chose to set aside time for evangelism and community engagement.
As she prepared to begin, she noticed a woman carrying a sack some distance ahead.
At that moment, she felt a strong prompting in her spirit to follow her.
Trusting that God was leading her, she did.
The woman eventually arrived at a location where she was purchasing ice blocks for her small business. It was there that the volunteer approached her and began a conversation.
A Message of Hope
After exchanging greetings, the volunteer shared a simple but powerful message:
“Jesus loves you, and He sees you even in your darkest moments.”
The response was immediate and unexpected.
The woman began to cry.
Through her tears, she replied:
“I know God loves me, and I know He sees me.”
What appeared to be a brief encounter quickly became a deeply meaningful conversation.
A Family Carrying More Than Their Own Burdens
As they continued talking, the woman, Mrs. Axxxx, shared details about her life and family.
She explained that she works as a cleaner while also running a small kunu (millet drink) business to supplement the family’s income. Her husband works as a security guard, and together they strive to provide for their children despite limited financial resources.
The couple are parents to four children of their own.
However, their story did not end there.
Mrs. Axxxx revealed that they are also caring for a fifth child—a boy who is not biologically theirs.
According to her, a woman in their neighborhood gave birth and later developed severe mental illness. Unable to cope with the situation, the child’s father brought the baby to Mrs. Axxxx and her husband before disappearing from the child’s life.
The boy is now nine years old.
Despite their own financial struggles, the couple chose not to abandon him.
For years, they have continued to feed, clothe, and care for him as part of their family.
A Remarkable Example of Compassion
In a world where many people struggle to care for their own households, Mrs. Axxxx and her husband have chosen to extend compassion beyond their immediate family.
Their willingness to take responsibility for a vulnerable child reflects extraordinary generosity, sacrifice, and humanity.
Yet the reality is that such compassion often comes with significant financial and emotional challenges.
Balancing the needs of five children on modest incomes has not been easy.
Nevertheless, they continue to persevere.
Encouragement for the Journey
Recognizing the weight of the responsibilities she carries, the volunteer took time to encourage Mrs. Axxxx.
She reminded her not to lose hope despite the challenges surrounding her.
She reassured her that God had not forgotten her family and that every act of love and sacrifice matters.
The words of encouragement appeared to strengthen her spirit, and she expressed deep appreciation for the conversation and support.
Practical Support for Immediate Needs
In addition to offering encouragement and prayer, the volunteer provided practical assistance through ESGI outreach funds.
A sum of ₦10,000 was given to help support Mrs. Axxxx and her family with immediate needs.
The support was received with overwhelming gratitude.
She offered heartfelt prayers for the organisation, asking God to continue blessing, expanding, and strengthening ESGI and everyone who contributes to its mission.
The Power of Being Present
This outreach serves as a reminder that sometimes the greatest impact begins simply by paying attention and being willing to follow God’s leading.
A brief encounter became an opportunity to:
Encourage a weary mother
Recognize a family’s hidden sacrifices
Support a household caring for vulnerable children
Demonstrate God’s love in a practical way
Through moments like these, hope is restored and burdens become a little lighter.
Conclusion
Mrs. Axxxx’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and quiet sacrifice. Despite limited resources, she and her husband continue to care not only for their own children but also for a child who had nowhere else to turn.
At ESGI, we are grateful for opportunities to support families like hers and to remind them that they are seen, valued, and remembered.
We thank God for every volunteer, donor, and partner who makes these life-changing encounters possible.
Together, we are strengthening hope, supporting families, and sharing the love of Christ—one life at a time.