Led by the Spirit, Guided to a Widow in Need
ES16 Abuja Weekly Outreach Report
Volunteer: Rhoda
Date: May 25, 2026
At ESGI, we often witness how God works through ordinary acts of obedience to bring extraordinary blessings into people’s lives. This week’s outreach in Abuja was a beautiful reminder that when we allow ourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit, we can become answers to someone else’s prayer.
A Prayer for Divine Direction
The day began with a simple but heartfelt prayer:
“Holy Spirit, lead me to the person who needs to be empowered today.”
With that prayer in my heart, I stepped out of my home, trusting God to guide my footsteps. For nearly thirty minutes, I walked through the neighborhood searching for someone I felt prompted to help. Yet despite my efforts, I did not encounter anyone with whom I felt a spiritual connection.
Eventually, I considered returning home, wondering if perhaps I had misunderstood the prompting.
But God had other plans.
An Unexpected Encounter
Just as I was about to turn back, I noticed an elderly woman walking toward me. She carried a remarkably large bowl of dried cassava flakes (garri) balanced on her head. The load looked incredibly heavy, especially for someone of her age.
Immediately, I felt a strong conviction in my spirit that she was the reason I had come out that morning.
I greeted her warmly and began a conversation.
She explained that she came from a nearby community and spent her days hawking garri around the neighborhood to earn a living. As we spoke further, she shared parts of her life story. She had two children, but tragically, she had lost one. Her surviving child, now about twenty years old, was married and living separately.
She also revealed that her husband had passed away, leaving her to navigate life’s challenges alone.
A Widow Carrying More Than Garri
As she stood before me carrying that enormous bowl on her head, I couldn’t help but think about the weight she carried beyond the physical load.
The burden of widowhood.
The pain of losing a child.
The daily struggle of earning enough to survive.
The reality of growing older while still having to work tirelessly to provide for herself.
Yet despite these hardships, she continued pressing forward with remarkable resilience.
God’s Gift Arrives
As our conversation continued, I asked her whether she had a relationship with God. With a smile, she responded that she did.
That opened the door for me to share something special with her.
I told her, “God has a gift for you today.”
Because she did not have a bank account, I accompanied her to the nearest POS stand. There, I withdrew ₦10,000 from the outreach funds and handed it to her as a gift of love and support.
The response was immediate and unforgettable.
Tears of Gratitude
The moment she received the money, tears began to flow down her face.
She repeatedly said, “Thank you. God bless you, my daughter.”
The words came over and over again.
When I asked why she was crying, she struggled to respond. The emotions were simply too overwhelming.
Watching an elderly woman moved to tears by an act of kindness was deeply emotional. It was a powerful reminder that what may seem like a modest gift to one person can represent hope, relief, and encouragement to another.
At that moment, I understood that God had indeed answered my prayer. He had faithfully led me to someone who needed empowerment, encouragement, and a reminder that she had not been forgotten.
The Impact of Compassion
This encounter highlights the realities many elderly widows face across our communities. Without stable support systems, many continue to work under difficult conditions simply to meet their basic needs.
Yet it also demonstrates the power of compassion in action.
Because of the generosity of ESGI partners and supporters, we are able to respond to these moments when they arise. We are able to meet practical needs, restore dignity, and communicate God’s love in tangible ways.
Sometimes, changing a life begins with a simple prayer, a willing heart, and the courage to act.
Thank You for Making a Difference
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every donor, supporter, and partner who makes these outreaches possible. Your generosity allows ESGI volunteers to be instruments of hope and encouragement in communities across Nigeria.
Together, we are demonstrating God’s love, one life at a time.
“God be praised for answering prayers and allowing us to bring hope to those who need it most.”