Reflecting on her experiences in Kenya, Rodah Wanyanga sought to alleviate the marginalization of single mothers in church and society. At times, single mothers are not given the chance to lead in the church, and in some parishes are not allowed to partake of the Lord’s table and take part in church leadership. In her own words, “My intention is to empower single women so that they can use their God-given gifts in the Church of Christ.”
As a result, Wanyanga set out to create a program that invites single moms from parishes all across her diocese into a time of discernment and reflection. The program began by introducing the theme of forgiveness, and to establish that all people are beloved children of God, and was paired with a time of study on mental wellness, led by a colleague, The Rev. Florence Aseka.
Participants were taught aspects of how one might create a rule of life for themselves, and share this type of plan with others. The lesson has several purposes, to begin the process of discovering shame resilience, to incorporate God in everyday life, and living a life without fear.
The group found much mutual support and encouragement when talking about the challenges of parenting. New conflict resolution skills as well as a powerful devotion on Luke 20:9-19, showing how Jesus himself, being rejected by others, became the savior of the world.
From a time of reflection came an economic development opportunity – an opportunity to raise chickens and to create sustainable economic models to support the greater community. An expert on poultry rearing taught the women about good record keeping, proper care of chickens, and the prevention of aviary illnesses. The women who learned about this opportunity also chose to partner with other diocesan institutions to ensure its success.
In their final time together, the women all invited the bishop to come and pray with them. Each was presented with a prayer book. Each regional deanery also received supplies, including incubators, to begin the poultry rearing projects, and each deanery will have an expert assigned to them to assist in their on-going success.
The spiritual development and economic development model of this program is just the beginning of a new approach on how the church can empower women to claim their position in society, and how the people of the church can pronounce God’s blessings upon them. The great hope with the conclusion of the program is that more women who are being marginalized for being single will come forward and receive the approval and empowerment of a church that will pledge to care and support them in their lives.
