The Lord is your Shepherd. In your darkest hour, He is with you. Never too far and always close. Call him in the morning. Call him when the sun sets. He is with you every step you take. It is our relationship with God that strengthens us—a sentiment many women and girls hold strongly. Through every struggle that must be overcome, knowing that we can lean on Him keeps us going.
The strength of mothers and daughters who, against the odds, continue to push through adversity is something to marvel at. These are the stories that we know we must tell. Stories of resilience and triumph that will move you to believe in the power of Jesus. It is faith that leads these women and girls and will continue to do so throughout their lives.
These women hold stories that, when shared, will move you to get up and try again. They propel you to live with unwavering conviction, trusting that when God orders each step, the path unknown will lead to glory.
How Rihanata finds strength
Meet Rihanata, a teenager living in a remote community in South Burkina Faso. At age five, she was burned by a hot stew when she fell on a charcoal stove. Compassion provided the funds for all the medical bills needed for her treatment. Ten years later, she is thriving and full of big dreams.
As we know, life is full of surprises. Only God knew what Rihanata would endure on that day. She remembers this day quite well—a memory forever etched in her mind. It was a visit to friends next door; one she made daily. She could not have imagined the events that would take place. “I wanted to sit in a chair at the edge of the terrace. I didn’t know that the chair had its front legs on the terrace and its back legs on the floor. Little did I know about the risk of a boiling sauce pot on the stove behind me. Unfortunately, I fell from the chair, which was not well placed, completely spilling the sauce on me.” An innocent decision that flipped the world she knew upside down.
Rihanata is a survivor. She is grateful for the medical support provided by the Compassion centre at her local church, where she registered with Compassion’s program. With scars still visible as a reminder of that day, she remains faithful to her daily prayer and attends church even though her experience could have easily led her to question God. Patrice, a health worker at the centre, says, “What I like most about Rihanata is that she loves prayer, attending church and centre activities. Rihanata is one of the best singers in the children’s choir. Moreover, she feels no complexity about her health; rather, she interconnects with everyone with care and respect.”
“I am just me. I am the same Rihanata who is funny and friendly. I don’t think I am different because of these scars on my face and arms. I praise God because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and I thank Him for good health and the gift of life,” says Rihanata.
The story of Marjorie’s resilience
Marjorie is a living testament that all things are possible with God. A sentiment that anchors her in life and one that she held firmly in her pursuit of becoming a nurse. A dream she was once told was impossible due to extreme poverty.
Her story begins in the rural indigenous village of San Pablo, Ecuador. Growing up, hunger and a lack of resources were part of her daily life. So much so, her parents discouraged her from pursuing her dream, believing it was out of reach. But God’s grace is always working. At age five, she was registered in the Compassion sponsorship program, where she received the support she needed to grow and learn. Because of this support, as a young woman, she was able to achieve her dream—attending university and earning her nursing degree.
“It was hard, but every time I felt like giving up, I remembered the support I had from the church, the people who believed in me and that pushed me forward.” – Marjorie
Marjorie credits her faith for pushing her through challenges, both financial and emotional. When she returned to San Pablo, she became a Health Specialist at the local Compassion centre, where she teaches children about health and illness prevention. It’s a role she holds proudly. She hopes to inspire children to pursue their dreams faithfully. She recalls, “One of the most important memories I had when I was a little girl was the pastor telling me that everything is possible when you have God in your heart. That changed my mind and my world.” She is an inspiration for girls, especially in regions where they are often pulled from school to help at home, denying them the chance to pursue their dreams and build a future free from poverty.
Marjorie and Rihanata illustrate the promise of Scripture, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, ESV) God is continuously working in the lives of women and girls like them, hoping for a better life. Overcoming obstacles and achieving the impossible with God in their hearts, guiding them in each step. And one way He does this is through the compassion of others who are called to help women and girls in Jesus’ name. You can give a Gift of Compassion and partner with local churches to ensure girls like Marjorie and Rihanata receive the support they need to pursue their dreams.
Give a gift that ignites hope for women and girls.
This is the day big dreams begin.
