The majority of the items you will find for sale here were handmade by mothers and widows in our ministry. While legally, Ugandan women are able to own property and possessions and be legal guardians, culturally, men are expected to provide and own everything. Many widows and single mothers are unable to provide for themselves or their families without the skill training and entrepreneurship skills Benjamin House Ministries teaches. Each of our "Made by Me" items are handmade by Ugandan women in our ministry. When you purchase "Made by Me" items, you receive beautiful and completely unique items that provide work for these mothers and widows! Here are a few of their stories.
Victoria was once labeled as an alcoholic, she made her living selling alcohol. She was a believer, but still struggled with an addiction to drinking. The ladies who lived nearby never stopped encouraging her to turn her life around. Now, she has focused her life on Jesus and has turned her life around for herself, her children, and her community.
Florence is happily married. When she was burned by a fire that started in her cooking hut, she became limited to what she can do with her hands. Because her hands will never fully recover, making these items is her main source of income.
Gertrude lives with her son and daughter. Gertrude's daughter, Grace, is battling cancer and her son has been involved with witch craft. She is the caretaker for most of her grandchildren, who are able to go to school because of sponsorship. Her struggles have made her a stronger believer. She is a hard working lady and very devoted to serving the church.
Rista was led to Christ in 2011 by one of our short term mission team members, Cathy. Since then she has been very active in the church and grown very much in her faith. The beads that she makes helps supply for her 6 children, however none of them are sponsored at this time. She is a loving mother with a heart to serve her community and children.
Mama Margaret is the mother to seven children and loves her husband very much, despite his alcoholism. As she diligently serves in the church and provides for her children, she also prays for her husband's salvation. Throughout her hardships, she has remained grateful and two of her children are now sponsored.
Optista is a woman with many different gifts. She is the mother of five children, she works for the government by farming, and she can sew and crochet. When her husband is not away working in the city, they are both very active in their church community. However, while he is out of town she leads a women's ministry. The beads that she makes are an extra help. She truly has a servant's heart which manifests itself in the way she helps lead the women in her community.
Robina is the caretaker for her niece and during the days she cooks for the local school. On Sunday mornings she spends her time teaching Children’s Church. She knows nearly every child by name and takes time to make sure they each feel important. Her true passion is child care and she loves making these items to help care for her niece.