Your support transforms lives
By Julie Mad-Bondo
While watching a movie in 2023 that focused on rescuing children from sex trafficking, I began to wonder if similar horrors were occurring in the areas where Julie’s Heart Cry ministry operates.
Our primary focus was promoting self-sustainability among pastors, wives, and young women. The ladies had the opportunity to learn a trade, and children in ultra-poor families or orphans received a scholarship to a Christian school for $400 per academic year.
We were familiar with child mothers, so I’m not sure why the idea of children as young as 6 years old being sexually abused had not crossed my mind since they always go hand in hand.
PROVIDING HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
We have 65-plus children in Julie’s Heart Cry and Irene’s Home of Hope/City Light programs. Some of the girls reside at the Irene’s Home of Hope compound because they need to be recused and protected from predators … including family members.
These remarkable young ladies have endured unimaginable experiences and witnessed unspeakable horrors, yet they continue to made significant progress every day. However, they still have a long way to go to improve their lives.
As I reflect on where these girls have come from and the journey that lies ahead of them, I want you to know how much you are appreciated for your willingness to join hands in providing these girls with what they need.
Because of your faithful love and generosity, JHC recently rescued a little girl who was being abused sexually – and her caregiver knew about it. But, since it was considered the fault of this little girl, the caregiver did nothing to help her.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, the caregiver’s family had the audacity to demand the return of this young girl as she was nothing more than a maid. Despite the immense pressure, I’m truly proud of our staff’s strength in standing firm against such cruel individuals.
In this region of Africa, girls of any age – when raped and sexually abused – are automatically at fault. An example is the 14-year-old (at the time of abuse) child mother in our program. A family member sexually abused her, and when her grandmother found out the girl was pregnant, she wanted to kill her granddaughter! The grandmother believed this young girl brought a curse to the family by allowing herself to be raped.
When we were made aware of the situation, we brought the girl to Irene's Home of Home for the safety of her and her unborn baby.
WILL YOU HELP US HELP THEM?
Folks, you are making a difference!
I am stepping out in faith to ask for your financial help for the girls the Lord is bringing to us. The medical needs they are facing are enormous and costly as we care for them.
Please join me in raising your hands as I did when I said, “Lord, use me to go and do whatever you place in front of me.”
You are offering tangible hope by rescuing girls – some as young as 7 years old – and teens from sexually abusive and sometimes violent circumstances. Thank you in advance for joining hands with Julie’s Heart Cry ministry.
Your sacrificial support is always appreciated.