Let your light shine before others
This year, Harriet plans to publish Shukuru Yesu (Thanks to Jesus), as well as hymn books, prayer books and literacy learning aids. Pray that these publications will equip churches to bring hope to those who most need it.
You can help Harriet Maneno and her team bring hope to those who most need it.
My name is Harriet Maneno. I am 43 years old and married with 5 children; I have 2 boys and 3 girls.
I gave my life to Jesus in my youth. At the age of 17 years I was baptised. At our local church I was chosen to be a Sunday school teacher and choir mistress. I was confirmed in 2002. As I continued to serve the Lord, my faith started growing and my lifestyle changed.
We are God’s handiwork
In 2006 I married Abui. I moved to Yei, my husband’s town, and started again. This was challenging in every way; financially, physically, emotionally and socially. I concentrated on building good relationships. God offered me my first job as a cook at Nimaya Primary School.
At my new church I was elected to be a prayer leader and counsellor for women and youth. I attended seminars, Bible studies and conferences, and visited the sick and needy. I was issued with certificates in secretarial work, trauma healing and child protection.
A friend introduced me to the Sudan Literature Centre (SLC). I was interviewed by the Sector Head, James Zindo, and started work on 2 February 2010 as a casual labourer. Because of the war, the SLC in Yei closed and in 2016 I was asked to relocate to the SLC in Arua, Uganda.
God is using me
God has given me valuable gifts for working with books. I work hard and am patient and always striving for perfection. Rules and regulations must be followed, and time and resources must be carefully managed. To produce quality books we have to maintain our machines. To avoid disappointing our customers, we must keep our promises. Marketable books must be ready for sale. I advertise them over the radio, and in churches and refugee settlements. I now supervise our casual workers and am learning how to accurately calculate the cost of each project.
To do good works
In the area of Arua where I live, drug abuse, quarrels and breaking marriages are common. Self-control and forgiveness don’t come naturally. Without books it is difficult for people to change. Unlike many organisations, we teach that if we want to claim rights, we must also fulfil responsibilities.
However, hymn books, prayer books, Sunday school materials, catechisms, Bible story books and training manuals alone do not transform lives. We must also set an example. People see what we do in our family. Do we make time to pray together, read the Bible, sing praises and restore broken relationships? Many families in our neighbourhood now have evening prayers before going to bed. This is how I see the hand of God at work.
Please pray that our Lord’s grace will be sufficient for me and that his power will be made perfect in my weakness.
Harriet Maneno is the Production Supervisor for the Sudan Literature Centre in Arua, Uganda.