Rural Orphan's and Widows AIDS Network (ROWAN)

Our vision is that every widow a leader, every orphan a beloved child being transformed in the image of Christ to fulfill their divine purposes. In partnership with the global body of Christ, we support and strengthen indigenous organizations and their leaders to meet the spiritual, physical, and social needs of widows and orphans. In 2023, our children went back to their boarding schools or day schools which includes school fees, books, supplies, uniforms, food and safe housing. Over 188 widows joined the ROWAN demonstration farm and began sustainable farming at their personal homes. ROWAN expanded the Hope Clinic and Maternity Center, assisted in 72 new births, provided quality healthcare to 1,700 patients at our clinic, and donated dry food to the widows throughout the year. News came in March of 2022 that a mining company wants to come and displace all our land and up to 2 million homes in the region. U.S. staff member and a volunteer went to the ground to learn more, and organized private lawyers to support our people. Coordinating efforts were executed across the region and ROWAN spearheaded the plans. ROWAN is the only organization that stepped up to protect the people and hired private lawyers to represent the affected persons. ROWAN coordinated and empowered 10,000 people to be educated on land rights and how to receive compensation for their properties. For Christmas, ROWAN raised funds for these efforts and program needs to continue our work during this uncertain season. Hope is the message of this ministry, and hope continues to spread no matter what the circumstance!