African natives with white skin and white or blond hair?
Yes, there are people with those highly unusual features in the continent where black is the dominant colour. They are albinos, just like Christine Nabukenya, who lives somewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Albinos—just like Christians—are persecuted in some parts of the continent, according to God Reports.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, albinos have been killed and dismembered. The persecution goes on even when they're dead since their graves have been desecrated.
Why is this so?
Local sources say witch doctors have exploited superstitions that albino body parts contain certain magical powers that bring prosperity to people who are able to unlock these powers through rituals.
But while some people see magical powers in the body parts of people with albinism, others see them for the opposite reason, regarding them as cursed and bringer of bad luck.
These people see albinism as a contagious "disease" and a punishment from God.
Because of these extreme cultural prejudices, albinos like Christine live fearful lives.
Christine feared going to school because of her albinism. Some of her classmates shunned her because they thought her "disease" might be contagious.
Christine became an orphan when she was only eight years old following the death of her mother.
Luckily, Christine found a "loving God" when Every Child Ministries (ECM) reached out to her. She became involved in their programmes including Bible reading, crafts, and tailoring.
She became a devout follower of Jesus, and now at 14 years old she wants to help other children who feel scorned by their culture, including albinos like her.
She told ECM that she wants to finish college and become a fashion designer and writer. She also wants to get involved in charity programmes. "I want to help the forgotten children of Africa become remembered children of Africa, as I am," she said.
Christine is thankful for the way God has transformed her life. "If it was not for Him, maybe I would not have come to ECM," she said. "Thank you very much God. I bless your name."
