The beginning (2)

Ruth House. The background

 

Rev. Jim and Mary Smith started working in Africa over 15 years ago. Eventually, their work settled in Ghana, where they were able to buy land and build their main mission base – “The Pearl.” During this time, they met women who had been victims of violence inside their marriages, but this seemed, on the surface, to be an acceptable thing. Then the government, under pressure from many people, both men and women, passed the “Violence against women” act, making violence against women within the marriage unacceptable. A campaign started to build refuges or hostels where women caught up in violence, could find shelter.

 

                                         Refuge from the violence

At this point, Jim and Mary felt a strong thrust from God to build a hostel for such women on or near their base. We were meeting and teaching women who were victims of violence, and we wanted to do something to say to them, “We, in the West, believe this is wrong. We want to help.”

 

So the idea for Ruth House came into being. We have bought land for the house, and we have had proper plans made. Our concept for Ruth House is simple. We are going to build an African style house, with 6 rooms, communal washing and eating facilities, and 24 hour security. We see Ruth House as a temporary stop over - a chance to get out of the cycle of violence, and a chance for other family members, medical and social services to get involved. Fortunately, we will have a full time nurse on our base, which is just next door, so instant medical help will be available.

 

                                Why “Ruth?”

 

We chose “Ruth House” because it represents something very powerful in the heart of God. Ruth, a young widow, went into the fields to gather up corn left behind by the harvesters. This was a dangerous place for her to be, and she could have easily been assaulted by the male harvesters. But the owner of the field said this:  "Listen, my daughter. From now on don't go to any other field to glean—stay right here in this one. And stay close to my young women. Watch where they are harvesting and follow them. And don't worry about a thing; I've given orders to my servants not to harass you. When you get thirsty, feel free to go and drink from the water buckets that the servants have filled."

 

She was safe under this protection, from any instant harm. That’s what we believe God wants for the broken women of Ghana - he wants to offer a place of protection from harm. That is what we will provide.