Rising Through Faith
In Isinya, Kenya, a small salon has become a powerful symbol of resilience, faith, and new beginnings.
For Angela Wanyama Auma, the salon represents more than just a business; it is a lifeline, a source of independence, and a tangible sign of God’s provision. It’s also an answer to prayer following years of rejection, abuse, and financial instability.
Auma was born into a strict Muslim family where religious traditions were deeply upheld. Her life took a dramatic turn when she discovered the Christian faith through a fellowship gathering.
“When I first heard the Word of God, something in me changed,” she said. “I couldn’t ignore the peace and truth I felt.”
However, her newfound faith was met with harsh rejection. When she shared her decision with her father, he declared that she no longer belonged to the family. Her brothers forcibly removed her belongings and threw them outside the home, leaving Auma without shelter, support, or a sense of belonging.
She briefly sought refuge with a friend, but life remained unstable. Hoping for safety and a fresh start, Auma eventually married her partner and relocated to Zambia, his home country.
Instead of the security she hoped for, she endured physical abuse and mistreatment. In 2023, her husband left the Christian faith and converted to Islam. The Muslim community in Lusaka promised material benefits to his family, including a car and scholarships for their children, if his family followed suit.
Auma refused to renounce her faith for these promises, and the abuse intensified. By November 2024, her husband stopped providing for the family altogether.
With no support and limited resources, Auma returned to Kenya with her three children. She faced homelessness, financial instability, and deep emotional trauma while trying to rebuild her life.
“Coming back to Kenya with my children was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I had no home and no support,” she said. “Some days I wonder how we managed to stand, but I believe God had a purpose.”
Despite these hardships, Auma remained steadfast and determined to create a better life for her children. The Isinya salon project became a pivotal turning point.
Today, the salon provides Auma with a stable source of income, restoring her dignity and independence while enabling her to care for her children.
“I thank ICC for helping me set up this salon,” she said. “It’s more than a business; it’s a hope for my children and me. With God’s guidance, we are finally moving forward.”
Auma’s journey, from rejection and suffering to empowerment and renewed purpose, testifies to how God works through compassion and timely intervention to bring healing, restoration, and hope, even in the most difficult circumstances.
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