Loading ...Beauty Dikito’s Story
I came to Canada from Africa on July 5, 2001. When I arrived I knew nobody, but I met a woman who escorted me to The Salvation Army shelter. There I told the staff about the problems I had in my country and they answered me: “You are welcome here!” The next day they started helping me to complete Immigration and Housing applications. You know what? All the things they helped me with, I succeeded in. Really, to tell you the truth, I enjoyed staying at the shelter, because it was the first time I received anything freely: food, shower, bedding and even some pocket money each week. Surely it was a miracle and I thank God.
In 2002, I decided to go to school at The Salvation Army Immigrant & Refugee Services Centre. After I started to school I became ill and went to the family Doctor. He sent me to the specialist and they found that I had breast cancer. On June 7, 2002 I had to go for surgery. In the hospital I was praying: “God, help me! I don’t want to die. I want to go back home and see my family.” That was my prayer. I said to God: “But do Your will.” I was lonely and very afraid of the surgery. To my surprise, after surgery, I opened my eyes and saw Ivy beside my bed! I wanted to cry loudly, but had neither strength nor power. Tears just fell from my eyes. Ivy aid:“Beauty, don’t cry. Majors Doug and June sent me here to give you money so that when you are discharged you will take a taxi to go home.” In my mind I said: “Thank you, Lord. You answered my prayer.” Ivy worked at The Salvation Army E.S.L. school as a Secretary.
When I was going through these hard times I received a phone call from home telling me that my mother lost a leg because of diabetes. At that time I had no money because I had to stop working due to my illness. I went to school and told Florence about it. Florence works at The Salvation Army as a Settlement Counselor. She said: “Beauty, I cannot guarantee it, but will try my best.” After a few days she invited me to come to her office. She said: “Good news! Come and take your mother’s wheelchair.” Really, it was a miracle. I thank God. I shipped the wheelchair to my mother. After a few days I called my mother asking about the wheelchair. She told me that when my sister pushes her in the wheelchair, it’s as if she were on a plane!
I was sick and my mother was sick at the same time. I had a hard time, but with God everything is possible. At school my class was on the second floor. On the first floor there was a Women’s League Group which met every Wednesday afternoon. I decided to join them, but when I felt very sick or down, I would not attend. I would call them and Captain Darlene always prayed for me through the phone. Those prayers helped me. I felt better after prayer.
Now let me tell you something. I am 51 years old, but if you saw me face to face you would see that I’m like a 40 year-old because of Jesus who died for my sins. I grew up in a Christian family, going to church every Sunday. One day I told my mother: “Mom, I’m sick and tired with your church; too much bowing and knee down.” At that time I didn’t know what I was going to church for. I thought going to church was to wear a new dress or best clothes, not knowing that my body is a temple of God, in and out. Now I can see the difference, because if I am praying or asking God for anything, I feel it in my mind and heart. This is a true story. I thank God for all He has done for me. Now I am a Salvation Army Soldier.*
I would like you to read John 14:1- 4.
I want to thank Canada’s government and the people living in Canada. Canada is a sweet country. God bless!