As Orphans Become Adults, Love Keeps on Giving
Below, one of our teammates in Bolivia shares an example of what transitioning into adulthood can look like for orphaned and vulnerable young adults in Bolivia—
We have often heard that we can only give as much as we have been given.
For orphans, this can look bleak. Most of the time, what they received in childhood was not love, protection, and security, but hurt, abandonment, and neglect. While they may grow up in loving children’s homes, often, that void in their hearts and their hurt from the past can be difficult to overcome.
As they enter adulthood, they continue to carry this hurt with them, making it difficult for them to form healthy, loving relationships.
This was the case for Ariana.*
Ariana was neglected as a child. She was forced to learn to survive by herself at a time when she should have been depending on loving caregivers.
Due to the lack of care in her home, she was taken to a children’s home. Although Ariana was cared for, she found it hard to receive love as caregivers came and went. Even as an adult, her past experiences caused her to perceive love from others as a threat.
However, things are changing for her now.
“After many years of constantly being there for her and pointing her to the love of Christ, Ariana’s heart is healing as she accepts the love being offered to her.”
Ariana is growing into a young lady who is full of compassion for those around her. She is quick to offer help to anyone in need, and she has become a catalyst for helping other orphaned young adults as they age out of the children’s homes and transition into adulthood. Teens look up to her and appreciate her guidance as she teaches them things in life she has already learned.
At Lifesong, we stand by a 4-part pledge to the children we serve. The fourth part of the pledge affirms our commitment to providing orphaned young adults with continued love and support as they transition into adult living.
Be taught the Gospel and how to live as a follower of Jesus Christ
Not want for food, clothing, medical care, or shelter
Receive a quality education to provide a foundation for their future
Experience continued love and support while transitioning into adult living
Another young woman has been loving others by planning birthday parties for them.
Most of these young adults have never had a birthday party, and she has found a way to give them the party of their dreams! She comes up with a theme, makes invitations, goes to the market to purchase decorations and supplies, and works tirelessly to pull it all off, so they feel loved and important.
Top: Young adults and ministry leaders play dancing video games at a recent birthday party.
“We stand back and watch in awe as we see the restorative work God has done in the hearts of the young adults we serve.”
To God be the glory as cycles of hurt are broken and replaced with futures full of love.
*Names have been changed to protect the identities of the children we serve.
Pray for Bolivia
- Praise God that young adults are reaching out to ask for counsel and help in their problems.
- Pray for the young adults to pursue relationships with Godly men and women and not settle for less.
- Pray that the youth will understand the love that God has for them and will surrender themselves to His love.
- Praise God that two young women were able to travel on a vacation with one of our leaders, a wonderful time of learning and relationship-building.
- Praise God that several young adults are excited to attend a new church with which our team has connected.
Join our prayer team to receive monthly prayer requests & praises from across our ministry.
Will you help orphaned and vulnerable young adults in Bolivia experience the hope of the Gospel?
When you give to Lifesong, you show orphaned and vulnerable children they are seen, known, and loved through Gospel-centered holistic care. Thanks to TMG Foundation, 100% of your gift goes directly to helping orphaned and vulnerable children.