The Children of the Persecuted Church
Juan finds a safe haven in Colombia
Juan was only 10 years old when he and 49 other children were recruited by an illegal armed group in Colombia.
The rebels offered Juan money and food in exchange for his involvement with the guerrillas. But he soon discovered that they were empty promises…he was often hungry and was paid only $10 a month.
Juan only dreamed of his freedom
Juan was subjected to harsh training, humiliation and brutal punishments. Although he regretted joining the guerrillas and dreamed of being free again, he knew he couldn’t escape…he would be executed as a traitor.
One morning, Juan and a group of his friends pretended to be sick because they were exhausted and wanted a break from training. Several days later, the commanders miraculously decided to let them go because of their “disease”!
Juan’s Christian family quickly arranged for him to flee their region and live at one of our children’s homes in the area.
Open Doors Home for Children in Colombia
More than 50 children and teenagers from Christian families live in our home in Colombia. And each of them receives an education. All of them have heartbreaking stories of forced recruitment, sexual abuse, bereavement or threats to their life.
Devastated by his past
When Juan first came to the home, it was very painful for him. He struggled to adjust to life in the children’s home, despite the caring efforts of his teachers. And he could never talk about the things that had happened to him during his time with the guerrillas.
But slowly he made the turn. And soon God moved in his heart with healing and with hope.
Juan discovers the healing power of God's Word
Juan began reading the Word of God. He started participating in class, and sharing about the changes God was making in his heart during the lessons.
Soon, Juan was completely transformed!
“We can see many changes in Juan,” said one of his teachers at the children’s home. “He is not the same boy who entered the home. He is now a completely new person.”
Safe havens for children impacted by persecution
Our children’s homes in Colombia and around the world are safe havens for so many who have been forced to run because of their faith. And God is doing amazing work in so many of their hearts. Healing their hurts and transforming their lives.
And isn't that what we celebrate at Christmas—God's amazing work in our lives, families and even the entire world? In so many ways, we have our own safe haven in Christ, who connected heaven and earth and holds our hearts and lives within His presence.
It doesn't mean we won't suffer. It doesn't even mean we'll ever be prevented from experiencing true agony. But it does mean we will never walk the pathway of pain alone. Because in Christ, God is with us.
That's what our homes for children around the world are all about. Presence. God's presence. And His presence coming to life through His people.
And Juan is just one example of why your support for persecuted children in Colombia and around the world is so important. So please give today if you can. And please share Juan’s story with your friends and family.
Juan finds a safe haven in Colombia
Juan was only 10 years old when he and 49 other children were recruited by an illegal armed group in Colombia.
The rebels offered Juan money and food in exchange for his involvement with the guerrillas. But he soon discovered that they were empty promises…he was often hungry and was paid only $10 a month.
Juan only dreamed of his freedom
Juan was subjected to harsh training, humiliation and brutal punishments. Although he regretted joining the guerrillas and dreamed of being free again, he knew he couldn’t escape…he would be executed as a traitor.
One morning, Juan and a group of his friends pretended to be sick because they were exhausted and wanted a break from training. Several days later, the commanders miraculously decided to let them go because of their “disease”!
Juan’s Christian family quickly arranged for him to flee their region and live at one of our children’s homes in the area.
Open Doors Home for Children in Colombia
More than 50 children and teenagers from Christian families live in our home in Colombia. And each of them receives an education. All of them have heartbreaking stories of forced recruitment, sexual abuse, bereavement or threats to their life.
Devastated by his past
When Juan first came to the home, it was very painful for him. He struggled to adjust to life in the children’s home, despite the caring efforts of his teachers. And he could never talk about the things that had happened to him during his time with the guerrillas.
But slowly he made the turn. And soon God moved in his heart with healing and with hope.
Juan discovers the healing power of God's Word
Juan began reading the Word of God. He started participating in class, and sharing about the changes God was making in his heart during the lessons.
Soon, Juan was completely transformed!
“We can see many changes in Juan,” said one of his teachers at the children’s home. “He is not the same boy who entered the home. He is now a completely new person.”
Safe havens for children impacted by persecution
Our children’s homes in Colombia and around the world are safe havens for so many who have been forced to run because of their faith. And God is doing amazing work in so many of their hearts. Healing their hurts and transforming their lives.
And isn't that what we celebrate at Christmas—God's amazing work in our lives, families and even the entire world? In so many ways, we have our own safe haven in Christ, who connected heaven and earth and holds our hearts and lives within His presence.
It doesn't mean we won't suffer. It doesn't even mean we'll ever be prevented from experiencing true agony. But it does mean we will never walk the pathway of pain alone. Because in Christ, God is with us.
That's what our homes for children around the world are all about. Presence. God's presence. And His presence coming to life through His people.
And Juan is just one example of why your support for persecuted children in Colombia and around the world is so important. So please give today if you can. And please share Juan’s story with your friends and family.
