(all identifying details have been altered to protect identity. Written by a member of Ellilta staff).
A Young Heart Misled
Jenny, a 41-year-old woman from Addis Ababa, was born to a soldier father and a gardener mother. As an 8th grader, she fell in love with a man who pursued her. Young and without her parents’ approval, she moved in with him, beginning a challenging chapter of her life.
A Painful Betrayal
Jenny became pregnant, only to discover the man was married with children. Devastated, she learned he was HIV-positive and later passed away, as did his wife. Heartbroken, Jenny gave her newborn to her mother and, lost in pain, began working at a bar, turning to prostitution.
Another Broken Promise
While living this difficult life, Jenny met another man who claimed to love her. She became pregnant again, but he abandoned her too. Once more, she entrusted her newborn to her mother and returned to prostitution, trapped in a cycle of hurt.
A Body in Pain
Over time, Jenny’s health declined due to a spinal cord illness, leaving her bedridden and unable to work. In this low moment, she feared she and her children might be HIV-positive, like her first partner, and she struggled with constant pain and tears.
A Lifeline from Ellilta
While bedridden, Jenny heard a radio program by Ellilta, an organization supporting women in prostitution. Desperate for change, she reached out to them, seeking help and hope while carrying the weight of her fears and past betrayals.
Finding Peace in Faith
At Ellilta, daily devotion time touched Jenny’s heart. She began to forgive the father of her children for his betrayal, slowly letting go of her anger. The love of Christ began to heal her spirit, offering her a new perspective.
A Transformative Retreat
A special retreat, inspired by the Book of Ruth and focused on life’s past, present, and future, changed Jenny’s life. Through psychological art therapy, she and other women used stones to represent people in their lives—large for those who did good, medium for neutral, and small for those who caused pain.
The Power of Forgiveness
During the retreat, Jenny shared her story and threw small stones into a lake, symbolizing forgiveness for those who hurt her, especially the father of her children. Inspired by Jesus’ forgiveness of those who crucified Him, she found freedom from her grudges.
Courage and Gratitude
With newfound strength, Jenny tested for HIV and learned she was positive, but her children were not. Filled with gratitude, she embraced her faith and the love of Christ, finding peace and purpose despite her diagnosis.
A New Beginning
Today, Jenny works at Parker Clay, living with hope and resilience. Free from the burdens of her past, she moves forward with a heart full of forgiveness and a renewed sense of purpose.
