Belief in the Time of Coronavirus

Story by Azizi Life Team Member Sandrinne

Meet Gorethie Mukeshimana. Gorethie is married with three children, and is the president of the Abihuje (People Who Have Come Together) Cooperative. They specialize in weaving earrings and sisal baskets. I had the privilege to talk with her in this difficult time.

After hearing on the radio the government’s decisions regarding COVID-19, she decided to focus her time on working in her field of sweet potatoes and looking after her domestic animals. Gorethie does most of the home activities with the help of her children. Their daily schedule includes:

Her cooperative saved some money every week, so she is not afraid of being short of money in this time of economic uncertainty. Gorethie said,

“Azizi Life staff are the best most reliable people I can think of…. From the day the quarantine started there is no day that has passed without receiving different calls from Azizi Life staff asking how am I doing and encouraging me to have faith…”

Gorethie is a strong believer in God and leans on Him for comfort and mercy. She shares with us this Bible verse from John 14: 1:

‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me.’

Jesus Christ

Gorethie thanks Azizi Life for their moral and spiritual support and encouragement for all of us to continue fighting for survival so we can meet again in better circumstances.

As of May 23, 2020, Rwanda is reported to have just over 320 confirmed COVID-19 cases with no reported deaths. Please continue to pray for protection and health for Azizi Life partner artisans, as well as plentiful crops and improved weather conditions.

If you are inspired by Gorethie’s faith and hope, please share her story on your social media, and don’t forget to check out some of the beautiful fair trade products her cooperative makes!