We met Agnes in 2003 and for nearly a year she cleaned our flat every Friday. Household help is common to South African families but it was a huge adjustment for me and quite honestly I didn't handle it very well. My viewpoint was that she has come to clean to give me more time to work. So work I did. She would want to talk and sing to baby Malachi and I would whisk him off to the office with me. She would want to visit throughout our lunch time and I just wanted to get my checklist finished before the end of the day. She would want to teach me not to waste food or materials and I would get annoyed that she was rebuking me. I was so focused on "ministry work" that I completely missed the person He placed in my life to teach me and help me understand this nation. I'm so grateful we have a God who loves to redeem things!
Sometime around 2007 the Lord joined Agnes and I together again. For 2 years she once again came to clean my house every Friday, but thankfully my mindset had changed. I cherish how she would sing to baby Kyla. I enjoyed our lunches so much I scheduled my day around them. And I learned that taking her advice on just about anything is always good for me! Agnes is one of the strongest women I know. She is beautiful inside and out. She sees things in black and white and loves fiercely. She is tender and sweet and opens her home to anyone in need.
Over the years, Agnes has always had children come and go from her home. Since 2008 we've had the privilege of supporting her by providing food to the children who stop by her house on the way home from school, which now averages about 80 per day. Just like we have seen God bring help to Martha we have seen it with Agnes too. Other missionary families have been drawn to her like moths to a flame, and the Stubbs family in particular has been a huge blessing!
General Motors SA is now an official sponsor for Agnes's House. Derek and I offer as much assistance as we can with advice, support, and projects. The Stubbs are working to build up the property in the way we have with Martha's House and I know that God is using Agnes to bring light into dark places every single day. Agnes is a mighty woman of God and we thank the Lord for her and her presence in her community.
