By Juli McGowan Boit | Published: September 25, 2013
Beatrice Teka
1970 – 2011
Guest at Living Room: June 1–17, 2011
In 2004, Betty, a single mother of two boys, had grown terribly sick and in many ways had lost hope. She would tell the story of a night when she was lying alone in a little grass hut, weak and tired of the constant sickness afflicting her. The grass on the roof was so sparse that she could see the stars piercing through. That night she cried out to a God that she did not know, asking him to either take her life, allowing her to finally rest, or restore it to her, and she would live for Him. Shortly after, a friend advised her to go for HIV testing, where she was found to be HIV positive. It was a time when stigma and fear were great, and as a result, people simply did not disclose their status.
Upon meeting Betty, our team listened to her story and embraced her. We walked alongside her as she discovered the God who was giving her back her life. The love of God transformed Betty and provided her with the courage and boldness to speak openly about her HIV status. Initially, it was shocking because it had never been done before. Betty was breaking the stronghold of silence that had nurtured HIV for far too long. Over time, she empowered many others to also share their stories, to go for testing and to live in freedom. She became a beloved member of the Living Room staff and was a wonderful HIV counselor.
In June of 2011, Betty grew very sick and joined us as a patient of the Living Room. She often referred to herself as “God’s favorite,” and on the Friday morning she passed away and was finally with Jesus face to face, she got to experience the fullness of that truth.
Betty is worth running for
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