Finding strength and hope after years of waiting for a child #rwanda #RwOT

Even though people may share the same background, siblings may have vastly different life paths, showing just how unpredictable and challenging life can be. In some cases, people with strong faith may still face significant challenges, such as infertility, while others seem to have it all. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and despair.

It is common for individuals to look for answers in unhealthy places when their hopes are dashed, yet these paths often lead to more emotional distress. However, there is another way â€" a path of faith, patience, and shared strength.

Sandra Kirenga, driven by her own experiences and the struggles she witnessed in others, founded the 'Lady In Waiting', a platform, bringing together over 300 women from different countries who are committed to comforting one another through various means.

To support those walking the same difficult road, her initiative, aims to comfort those who are dealing with infertility and childlessness. The foundation of this platform is built on the Word of God, offering hope and guidance to those who have been waiting for years to conceive.

Kirenga realized that while many of her friends and family struggled with childlessness, others faced similar challenges, whether in marriage or other aspects of life.

"We all have something we are waiting for. Whether it's a child, a job, or a breakthrough in any other area, we all have something that we desire and pray for," she says.

Uganda's Sarah Muhwezi shared how she spent 14 years without having a child but gave birth to a baby boy in her 15th year of marriage.

One of the key goals of her platform is to help women find hope and strength through shared experiences. "Whether you're waiting for a child or a job, being with others in the same situation helps you find strength and hope," Kirenga explains.

She created a space where women in similar situations could come together, support one another, and share their strength in times of uncertainty. It's a place where women can share their struggles and receive encouragement to keep going, even when the wait feels endless.

Kirenga also emphasizes that the pressure from family members and society to "move forward" can add unnecessary stress to the waiting process. She encourages those struggling with infertility or delayed milestones to stand firm in their faith and trust God's timing.

"We want them to know who they are in Jesus and find strength to withstand the pressures from others. God's plan for each person is unique, and we must learn to wait for what He has prepared for us," she says.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 48 million couples globally face infertility, with one in six adults experiencing fertility problems in their lifetime. The road to parenthood can be long and difficult, and many couples find themselves in a seemingly endless cycle of medical treatments, tests, and emotional strain.

In the "Lady In Waiting" gathering, various parents shared testimonies about how one should not be overwhelmed by sorrow, even when facing serious challenges.

At a recent gathering in Kigali, Uganda-based evangelist Sarah Muhwezi shared her powerful testimony. After 15 years of marriage, she and her husband struggled with infertility, trying everything from medical treatments to IVF, but nothing worked.

'It was extremely painful to wait. I felt like I wasn't producing any fruit, and it caused so much anxiety,' she recalls. But despite the challenges, Sarah remained patient and prayed continuously, supported by her husband, who is a pastor.

"I finally gave birth after 14 years of marriage. My child is now nine months old. Through prayer and patience, I found my answer. It was a difficult journey, but God's timing was perfect," Muhwezi shares, her voice filled with gratitude.

Her testimony highlights the importance of trusting God's plan, even when it seems like there is no hope in sight. "Waiting through prayer is the best way to resist discouragement and avoid harmful distractions that may lead to bad decisions," she advises.

"With God, nothing is impossible. I encourage others facing similar struggles to remain patient and steadfast in their faith," she added.

This powerful message is a reminder that while the wait may be long, God is always at work, and with patience, faith, and support from others, the strength to overcome even the hardest trials can be found.

Sandra Kirenga, the founder of the Lady In Waiting platform (L), is among those who attended the conference of the members of this platform recently held in Kigali.

Different women are advised how they should not be taken with sorrow but instead follow God's path and wait for what He has prepared for them.

Members of the Lady in Waiting platform recently gathered in Kigali to discuss how to comfort each another during difficult times.

Women in similar situations come together, support one another, and share their strength in times of uncertainty.

At the Lady in Waiting conference, various books were introduced that offer comfort to those facing different challenges and provide guidance on how to cope with them.