When the lowest of the low—those shunned by their community and despised by all—turn their lives around, everyone stands up and takes notice. 

Elizabeth's illegal brewing business and her addiction to the same drink became so all-consuming that, when one of her sons became sick, she completely forgot about taking him to the hospital. Tragically, he died. Her devastated heart grew in self-hatred. It could have been a turning point but instead she drowned her feelings with more alcohol. The business she had operated for 40 years continued until . . .

She was arrested and sentenced to 6 months in jail. Instead of feeling compassion for her, the community celebrated because they finally had peace from the toxic environment she brought to their village. Elizabeth's husband found a new place to drink as neighbors stepped in to care for her children, who missed their mom but not the chaos of living in a brewing den. For the first time in their young lives they had a taste of what peace felt like. 

When no one visited her while she was in jail, Elizabeth began to realize how truly rejected she was. The only light she began to see came from the Bible devotions that the prison chaplain would give from time to time. Then, by some miracle, the government released her from jail after only 1 month. 

Although she was now free from prison, she still felt like she was still serving a life sentence of darkness without hope. Upon returning home, she found that her oldest son had smashed her brewing pots and poured out any alcohol he could find. Then the neighbors gathered and told her they would no longer allow her to brew. So Elizabeth packed a few possessions and set out to restart her business in a neighboring village—one more place for her to spread the darkness of alcoholism. 

But instead of perpetuating this vicious cycle, Elizabeth encountered light to guide her out of her own darkness. One of the first visitors to her new home was Selina, a woman with her own past of pain, rejection, and problems. Selina shared how she had grown desperate for a change when she was an illegal brewer. Elizabeth listened with rapt attention and within a week found herself traveling with two other brewers to the same training center where Selina had found both hope and the skills to change. Elizabeth also chose to participate in a 3-month rehabilitation program because of her addiction. Leaving her addiction and brewing was a battle she was determined to win—and she did! 

When she returned to her home village and family, she declared, “I have changed from the inside out and am no longer interested in brewing or drinking!” Her children and community were so thrilled they organized a big party to celebrate her transformation. She had gone from despised and shunned to loved and accepted!

Elizabeth’s inspiring story does not end there. One night she had a dream: “I heard a voice saying that I should donate part of my land so a local church could have a proper building.” For a full year, she ignored this repeated dream. She finally decided to listen: she donated a half-acre for them to build on. The church wanted to quickly erect a semi-permanent structure. Still, Elizabeth was adamant about what she had seen in her vision. They needed a permanent sanctuary that would honor God. So it was built!

Elizabeth's once-divisive life now centers on bringing her family and community together. Today her family is overjoyed to support her in her old age. The community loves getting to worship with her at the new church by her home. She counsels young couples at the church, and her joy is to reach out to alcoholics and brewers. She encourages everyone to meet the God who can bring lasting transformation to any life that is willing. Elizabeth has become a unifying figure, someone everyone appreciates and respects. After years of being feared and despised, she has now become a beacon of hope to everyone she knows!