(PEH-dee) – Warm, inviting, uplifting, hopeful. The crimson red color of the fleece blankets spoke as tenderly and strongly as the blankets themselves. Missionary Daniel and Sky Scott’s African partner, Gladys, felt the Lord asking her to prepare food baskets for 20 needy widows in her area. Along with the food, a red blanket would be given to each widow to help ward off the winter wind and also be a tangible reminder that they were covered in the blood of Jesus. The women came together for worship before they carted their bags of meal, potatoes, sugar, canned fish, and tea home in rusty wheelbarrows, their red blankets tied as capes around their shoulders, a stark contrast to the brown landscape. “Lord, we pray for these 20 widows. May they put their hope in You alone, Jesus. May they surrender any ties they may still have to ancestor veneration. Teach them to pray, night and day, in a way that honors You. Convict them of areas in their life where they may be living for pleasure. Holy Spirit, help them learn to control their tongues from idle talk and devote themselves to helping others and doing good (1 Timothy 5:3-16). May these widows know Your presence and protection.”