A heart of worship with a lasting impact

The Mamas of Every Orphan’s Hope are the heart of the ministry. Each widow has chosen to follow God’s call and sacrificially raise children from traumatic circumstances who are not biologically their own. 

Mama Florence is one of the 10 extraordinary Family Home mamas. She began mothering orphaned children in 2012 and has profoundly impacted their lives through persistent prayers, encouragement to spend time in God’s Word, and a deep love for each of her children.

Florence became a widow in 1996, after 16 years of marriage when her husband passed away from kidney failure. 

In 2008, she became severely ill and spent a year in bed, wondering if she would live. She cried out to God, “God, if you hear me and heal me, I will work for you!” God heard His child’s precious prayers, and Florence survived her near-fatal sickness.

God then used Esther Denisha Tembo, Life Skills Supervisor at Every Orphan’s Hope, to connect Florence with her next assignment. While Florence was sick, Esther was a social worker for the Coptic Missionary Hospital. Esther would visit Florence at her home and witnessed her strong character and Christ-focus firsthand. Florence became a second mother to Esther.

Now working for Every Orphan’s Hope, Esther knew just who to call when the need for a new Mama arose in one of the homes. Florence remembers the day distinctly “I worked with Esther together at an Egyptian hospital in the past. She called me on the 16th of May. I interviewed on Monday, the 17th of May. And I have never stopped working since.” Now she’s known as Mama Florence. “God can do miracles! I love this job with all of my heart!” She exclaims.

Mama Florence with Clement, one of her sons

Mama Florence has touched each of her children in significant ways.

Lisa, now a young adult, recalls her time with Mama Florence. “Every day at 4 pm, Mama Florence would remind me to do my quiet time with Jesus at which I would get so frustrated with her. But I remember during one of these times, I had my first encounter with God, hearing him say to my spirit, ‘Lisa, let me be your Father.’ From that day on, Mama never had to remind me to have my devotional again. Mama Florence is a very prayerful woman who inspires me to pray.”

Meya, another young adult, recalls how Mama Florence modeled reconciliation to the children she raised. “She taught me how to work through conflict and not harbor bitterness. Anytime we had a conflict, she would come to me and work through it.”

Still today, the young adults call Mama Florence to have her pray over their college exams. Clement says, “I will be in my exam thinking about how hard it is, but also thinking, ‘but Mama Florence prayed for me so I know I’ll be okay.’”

Mama Florence carries the joy of the Lord with her

Anyone who meets Mama Florence can feel the deep abiding love she has for Jesus. That love fills the air around her. It walks with her, and you can’t help but feel your faith encouraged by just looking into her eyes.

When asked how she remains so steadfast, she responds,

“I wait on the Lord every day until the Lord says it’s over.”

Every Orphan’s Hope is thankful for Mama Florence and her spiritual and emotional impact on her children.