Milka: A child forced to grow up too soon
We recently featured Milka, a vulnerable young girl whose story mirrors that of many children in her community. Instead of sitting in a classroom, learning and laughing with friends, Milka spent her days collecting sand from a nearby riverbank and selling it door to door – often miles away from home – just so her family could have something to eat that day.
But there were many heartbreaking days when she couldn’t sell anything. On those nights, Milka and her three younger siblings went to bed hungry. Sadly, nights like these were not uncommon.
Milka’s mother has been, and continues to be, unwell. As the oldest child, Milka carried the heavy responsibility of providing for her family – far beyond what any child should ever have to bear.
Stories like Milka’s are all too familiar in the Central African Republic. Most girls do not have the privilege of experiencing a real childhood. From the moment a little girl is able to hold a baby, she becomes a caregiver. She carries water, cooks, washes clothes, and tends to her siblings. For Milka, these daily struggles made her the breadwinner of her family – at such a tender age.
A DIVINE ENCOUNTER
One day, the Lord directed this weary young girl to our ministry. Milka arrived at Irene’s Home of Hope City Light Center, visibly exhausted, hungry, and burdened – not only by the heavy pan of sand she had carried for miles, but by the weight of responsibility far too great for her small shoulders.
She knocked on our door to ask if we needed some sand to scrub our pots and pans. That simple knock became a turning point in Milka’s life – a moment when God opened a new door of hope, love, and restoration.
FAITH IN ACTION
Just two weeks after our August post about Milka, we received a heartfelt message from one of Julie’s Heart Cry supporters. This family wrote:
Julie and Cyrus,
Our family has been lifting Milka in prayer over the past couple of weeks – she has truly been on my heart. I have a quick question: how much would it cost to sponsor her for a semester or a full year at the Youth at Risk program? It sounds like a beautiful opportunity for her to receive support, care, and a nurturing environment.
What happened next left us deeply moved. Their daughter – a high school student – pledged her own scholarship funds to cover Milka’s care.
That single act of obedience set in motion a vetting process that opened the door to a life-changing opportunity for Milka. A young girl in one part of the world prayed, listened, and responded to the Holy Spirit’s prompting – and a young girl thousands of miles away found hope, love, and the beginning of transformation.
TESTAMENT OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
We are deeply grateful for your partnership in this ministry. Every day, we see women and children who are struggling to find safety, peace, and purpose. Because of you, we’re able to offer them not only practical help but also the love of Christ — reminding them they are seen, valued, and never alone.
Milka’s story is a living reminder that God continues to work through the compassion, generosity, and prayers of faithful supporters like you. Together, we are witnessing the fruit of faith in action.