When in Africa, I had the absolute privilege and honour of doing a very special project with 5 incredible women and 5 beautiful young African girls. Our desire was to share with you one special girl’s story of overcoming horrific evil, standing in victory – not as a victim, but victor – and most importantly, discovering the powerful love and hope of Jesus.

Amina Piles, a young Mozambican daughter of God, allowed us to capture her beauty in a prophetic piece of art, titled “Beauty from Ashes”.  Now studying Psychology at University, Amina’s story will challenge you and stir your heart.

Amina was born in Maputo, Mozambique in 1994. Her mother was only 11 years old at the time.
She was passed between abusive relatives, unwanted and unloved, beaten and starved,
treated like a slave and forced to sleep in a pigsty.

When she was 10 years old, she was taken in by her drunken uncle, where he forced her to live as his ‘wife’. Unable to bear the abuse any longer, she ran away and found herself at the only place of refuge on offer – the local garbage dump. There she, and many other children with similar stories, slept on cardboard boxes and scavenged for food. During this time, her best friend was killed during the night and,
not long after, Amina fell life threateningly ill.

It was then, lying there near death and without hope that a miracle happened. Heidi Baker, missionary and founder of IRIS Global, would visit the dump site every week to bring bread and water to the children, seeing to there needs. Hearing Amina’s cries – too weak to get to where the food was being distributed – Heidi found her, and took her in, caring for her physical, spiritual and emotional needs. She was given a new safe home and a family who loved and cared for her. She received an education, hope and a future. She now dreams of using her new skills to help others around the world and is currently travelling & studying in America.

You can hear the full interview of Amina’s story here:

(Stories of both Amina and Angelica, Mozambique)

This shoot is all about victory – the triumph of light over darkness. While in Mozambique, we went back to one of these garbage dumps, similar to the one she was rescued from. No longer a small, weak child – she is now a strong, powerful princess of God. The dirt and ashes that decorated the tattered rags of her clothes have been replaced by a God-given, glorious crown of beauty.

While we were at the dump site, we made friends with some beautiful young girls who lived on the outskirts of the rubble. In the middle of the shoot, I stumbled on some hot coals and my shoe melted off my foot. These beautiful girls quickly rushed to my aid and used recycled goods from the site to fix my broken shoe. We asked to take their photos – they were so excited to play with us and our cameras!

I believe God was talking to us through these girls. Seeing them with Amina brought hope to my heart and tears to my eyes. To see God’s miraculous transformation of one life is such a clear reminder that He is still bringing light to the darkness, seeing lives renewed and restored. His desire is to see every child adopted and in a safe loving home, and his method is you and me.

Thankfully, these girls were not in such a dire situation as Amina was years before – but they were still in significant poverty. They were so inspired by Amina, seeing her in her beautiful African gown and royal headpiece – a princess – but knowing she had come out of such similar circumstances.
They could see Hope. Inspiration. The chance of a better future.

The photos with these sweet young girls were not planned or pre-staged, but set up by God and simply us playing with the children. Using some of the remaining material and leaves one of the beautiful girls wore it and just happened to have a matching yellow shirt already on. The girls were starting to get it, Amina wasn’t the only princess, buy they too were valuable and priceless. Royalty and loved! We were able to share a story deeper than we imagined – not just about Amina, but also the girls, here and elsewhere, who are still living in these circumstances. They need people like us to stand up and do something. Give a voice to the voiceless, the ones who are too small to be heard or seen. Bring water and bread to the hungry and a home to the orphans.
We need to be the light in the darkness.

For more information about the non-for profit Iris Global,
please visit their website: www.irisglobal.org

Isaiah 61:3
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.

I hope that these photos inspire, touch and challenge you as much as these moments impacted me.

Thank you to the team: Amina, Nicole , Kate and Crystalyn.

Jessica Brewer

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