Cyrus and Julie Mad-Bondo were born in the Central African Republic and moved to the U.S. in 1994. They have been blessed with three beautiful children: Becky, Michael, and Irene. They also are the proud grandparents of Isaac Arthur.

The Mad-Bondo family moved from Ohio to Central Virginia in 2008 for Cyrus’ new job. They had been settled in their new home only three months when tragedy struck. Irene, who was 10 at the time, went to a neighbor’s house to go swimming. She never returned home.

Cyrus and Julie were devastated to learn that their youngest daughter had drowned in that swimming pool. Soon afterward, Cyrus’ co-worker at a Christian humanitarian aid organization raised the funds to build a children’s home in memory of Irene.

Today, Irene’s Home of Hope - located in Bangui, Central African Republic - serves as a guiding light for vulnerable children whose parents have died from war and preventable diseases.

The home’s mission is to provide:

• a secure and loving environment where children can receive an education and be taught the Word of God

• a safe space for youth at risk

• vocational training in tailoring for disadvantaged mothers

The Mad-Bondo family is grateful for a donation of any amount toward this God-honoring children’s home.