South Africa (MNN) – Single Moms Raising Sons, a ministry of Christian World Outreach (CWO), is encouraging and meeting with grandmothers who are raising their grandchildren.
Though the ministry began as a way to reach single moms, grandmothers raising their grandchildren need support too and are often dealing with challenges that are new compared to when they raised their own children.
“We have meetings with the grannies and speak into their lives, helping them with parenting skills now that some of them are in their 80s and raising their grandchildren. [We are] just sharing the Gospel with them and giving them tools that they can use to raise their grandchildren,” says Greg Yoder with CWO.
The response has been positive, as the grannies are grateful for the meetings and excited that somebody is coming alongside them to share the support they need to raise their grandchildren.
Some of these families also have physical needs, and CWO is partnering with other organizations to meet those needs through food, clothing, and other essential items.
Recently, CWO was able to help several grannies get scales so that they can weigh their products and sell them for a fair price at the market.
“[It’s] been exciting to come alongside them in that way, and the donations that people have given have helped in a physical as well as a spiritual way,” Yoder says.
Through this ministry, the grandmothers are not the only ones being supported. The children raised by their grandmothers are able to live more stable lives.
“These kids are hurting,” Yoder says. “If they’re being raised by a granny who’s generations older than them, it can be difficult for both of them, and looking at your grandmother raising you can be really difficult.”
This ministry also helps boys go to camp to learn from male mentors. And for married grandmothers, some of the grandfathers are coming alongside them to help raise these children.
As many of the grandmothers are believers, it’s exciting to see them pass their faith to their grandchildren. As CWO helps them invest in these young people physically and spiritually, they are passing on a positive legacy.
“We’re just excited about what’s happening in South Africa with this ministry,” Yoder says. [There is an] excitement that these ladies have when they come together, being able to share their stories with each other, and ultimately receiving the healing that they need, that really comes from God’s love and what he can do in their lives.”
Men Molding Men camp helps boys learn from male mentors (Photo courtesy of CWO)
Please pray for workers and volunteers as CWO continues to find new groups that want to meet. Pray that the information shared will be valuable and transformative for these grandmothers and their grandchildren.
For those who want to give to this ministry, donations can go to the general fund so that CWO can do things like buy scales for grannies, help boys go to camp, support other ministries like Healing Hearts and Men Around the Fire, and continue the many programs that serve children being raised by a single parent.
Header Photo Provided by Single Moms Raising Sons, a ministry of Christian World Outreach
