Dear LFTI family,
Great news – currently over 1,000 rescued children are getting medical care, vaccinations, and most importantly, eating and sleeping as much as they want. In addition to these basic needs, LFTI provides trauma-informed counseling and ensures each child reaches specific milestones before going home with their adoptive parents.
Counseling children who have experienced the trauma of abandonment and trafficking is different for each child. Here’s a unique interaction between a counselor and a young girl rescued last spring, named Mira*:
During a session, the counselor told Mira, “I will ask you a few words, and you tell me what it describes in your mind.”
“Sun,” the counselor said. Mira replied, “Heat.”
The exercise continued: “Sleep – dreams.” “Sweets – I want.” “Bus – going somewhere.” “Color – black.” This got the counselor’s attention. Where they live in South Asia, the color black symbolizes bad luck and evil.
The counselor continued. “Father – anger.” “Mother – beatings.” Sadly, when asked about her name Mira, she responded, “Cursed.”
The counselor learned why she answered this way. Mira’s parents believed she was bad luck – and Mira thought they were right. They separated her from everyone in the family, making her sleep outside and eat alone. They eventually sent her on a bus with people who abused her and deprived her of food and water.
For months, our staff diligently worked with her. They showed her dignity, respect and shared stories about a man named Jesus. They taught her and all of the children that their value did not come from what other people said, but what Jesus believed about them and did on their behalf.
One day, I was visiting Mira’s transition home, preparing to purchase new holiday outfits for all the children. I said, “Mira, you are getting a new dress. What color would you like?”
Mira said confidently, “I want orange!” I didn’t expect her to pick such a bright and happy color. In our culture, orange represents joy and courage.
I asked, “Why do you say that?”
She replied, “Because I don’t think I am cursed anymore. It’s like those stories of Jesus – when everyone says you are bad luck, Jesus says you are VERY good! I think I’m good now.”
Holding back tears, I said, “Yes, Jesus sees you as VERY good! And an orange dress will be perfect.”
Transformation with children happens slowly, on their own terms. It is awesome to see breakthroughs and glimpses of their joy coming to the surface.
Stories like this are why I’m inviting *YOU* to take one a step with LFTI – a small step with a big impact. I’d love for you to join a group of committed supporters called Sustainers of Hope. Sustainers are people like you who care about LFTI children and offer a gift each month for their ongoing care.
Currently, 107 individuals and families support LFTI as Sustainers of Hope. This group makes up the largest part of LFTI’s annual funding! They are the lifeblood of monthly operations for over 50 children’s homes throughout South Asia. This fall we are praying for an additional 20 people to become Sustainers of Hope by the end of October.
When you sign up, you will receive a mailed photo of a rescued child each month and a special LFTI car decal to celebrate your partnership.
Your monthly involvement is especially important this fall as we care for over 1,000 little ones. Thank you for caring for children through Life for the Innocent. It is a privilege to partner with you to help boys and girls find transformation and know, in the words of Mira, they are “very good!”
With gratitude,
Sam
LFTI South Asia Program Director
*Mira’s name and image have been changed to protect her identity.
