Life on the streets was all that “Joy” knew. The 4-year-old often wandered about naked, as her drug-addicted parents were so destitute they couldn’t provide for her most basic needs.
Our Elijah team was alerted to Joy’s plight, and immediately began working with local officials to get her to safety. Working against time, the team knew that Joy could be trafficked at any moment…if she didn’t die from neglect and abuse first.
We first made several attempts to help the parents get off drugs, get the family to a safe place off the streets, and mentor them to eventually become a healthy family. But the parents repeatedly refused our efforts. Although 4, Joy looked more like a 2-year-old due to severe neglect and malnutrition.
After running out of options, our team completed the legal arrangements with government officials and took custody of Joy. We considered several care options, but it seemed she was best fit to live at Hope House, our home for the restoration and care of rescued children. Praise to God—and with your help—Joy is finally safe, eating healthy, getting medical care, and learning about the love of Jesus!
She’s been amazed by the plentiful food available at Hope House, not to mention having more than one set of clothes—that get washed regularly! And then there was her first-ever shower. The list of firsts was long, and is ongoing.
It wasn’t long before we heard her say, “I’m so excited to go to school,” and “I’m so happy to live in a safe place where I can sleep well.” She also told us how grateful she was to not have to sleep on the streets where she would always be wet during the rainy season. During her short time with us Joy has also discovered how much she enjoys playing games, learning to read, listening to music, and dancing, which she is often spotted doing on her own.
Early on Joy expressed surprise when caregivers at Hope House didn’t strike children for misbehaving. She thought this very strange because she was accustomed to regular beatings from her often-violent mother.
For that reason, perhaps Joy’s most important “first” was that of being loved. “I want someone to love me…not hit me,” she told us once while recalling life before her rescue, breaking our hearts. Now that she’s soaking up lots of love and care, however, Joy is blossoming like a spring flower, bringing joy and a smile to all who meet her. And we’re super-excited that she learns each day about the greatest love of all that comes from Jesus.
We can’t help but be hopeful about Joy’s future—one made possible through your compassion. Although you may live half a world away, you participated in Joy’s rescue through your generous expressions of love through this ministry. Thank you!
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