Women Who Hope: Esther

Major Esther is a Salvation Army officer (minister) from Zambia. She currently serves at International Headquarters in London, England, and recently contributed to ‘Reflections on Justice’, a collection of devotional readings written by Salvationist women from around the world.

Years ago, when my husband and I lead a village church in rural Africa, I remember standing up to fight for a girl-child who was to be married. The girl, whose mother worshipped in our congregation, was 15 years old, still in school and attended our youth programme. Her father planned to marry her to a much older man. She did not know her rights in this situation, and I knew her education would be cut short.

I felt this was clear child abuse, but cultural practice and village tradition did not clearly condemn the issue. In the eyes of the law, this was still a grey area, so I prayed to God for wisdom, strength and guidance. I decided to take a risk and, one day before she was handed over to a new husband, we picked the girl up from school and found her a safe place until law enforcement could intervene. The girl’s father was angry with us, but I stood firm and took the schoolgirl’s situation to the police.

Our case was presented, I gave defence for my actions, and the case ruled in our favour. The government was already fighting this kind of injustice in our country and the police were grateful for our act of courage. The girl was rescued and protected from child marriage, and she continued to pursue her education.

This situation made me realise that even when I don’t have anything in my hands to give out, my own life is a tool for God to spread his love and give hope to those in need. It convinced me of two things: that the world needs us, and that we are not alone in this fight. We are indeed women who hope in God! The world is hurting and many people have lost their strength to fight, but when we prayerfully step into a helpless situation with the help of God, there is always hope.