Maria spreads hope and faith
Mother of six, Maria Musita has embarked on a mission to support and uplift the children of her community.Known for her nurturing spirit and generous heart, Maria began feeding neighbourhood children three days a week in December last year. This year, she plans to continue her efforts as demand grows.
“The children from my location are already asking if they will get the meals in December, which touches my heart,” Musita says with a tearful smile.
Last year, she served over 40 children, but she anticipates even more this year.
Maria’s Soup Kitchen is not just about feeding hungry stomachs. For her, it's an opportunity to instil faith and values in the younger generation. “The aim is not just to feed the children but also to teach them the word of God,” she explains.
Before and after each meal, the children gather to pray and read scripture. “The children are not on the right path, so we need to feed them with faith as well,” Maria adds with conviction.
Her initiative is inspired by the Group of Hope programme that was launched in 2017 to support school dropouts and street children in Gobabis.
Maria recalls: “We would always meet and talk about life and pray. I am a God-fearing woman, so they knew around me they wouldn't insult or disrespect each other.”
Grateful for the local shops that contributed to last year's efforts, Maria hopes that more businesses will join her cause to make this year’s anticipated event special for her community again. “Someone from Cameroon made it financially possible to have the soup kitchen open again in December. It is not much, but with the little we can put a smile on the children's faces. I thank the Lord for his goodness and his miracles” Maria says.
Her unwavering dedication has made her a symbol of hope, nourishing not just the physical needs of those she serves, but also uplifting their spirits and renewing their faith in a brighter future.