Letter from Sam: Arya’s Story

Hi LFTI family,

Because I know you care about rescued children, I want to tell you about an 11-year-old girl named Arya – and humbly ask for your help this month to serve children like her.

At a young age, Arya was dedicated as a servant for the local temple. Sadly, the priest sexually abused her. She begged him not to hurt her, but he didn’t care. He said she was no good and worthless.

What Arya did next was so brave.

She decided to run away. Going to her parents wasn’t an option because they would bring her back. Arya knew if she was caught, she would be hurt or possibly even killed.

But she took the risk one night and ran all the way to the next town. She decided to stay there, and began begging on the streets.

Unfortunately, during this time, Arya was picked up and sold many times. She believed her life had no value, yet still courageously survived exploitation of the worst kind. 

But I remember the day everything changed – when God led LFTI to this amazing young girl.

We brought her to a transition home and gave her some hot lemon rice. As she ate, Arya watched the staff kindly interact with the other kids. She had questions, but was afraid to talk.

After the staff gave her soap and new clothes, Arya thought, “Now they will abuse me after I wash.” But no one came to her that night as she slept.

Arya didn’t understand why she was being treated so well. When she had the courage, she asked a home staffer, “Where am I being sent? I do not want to go back to the temple.”

They replied, “You do not have to go anywhere now. But when you do leave, it will be as a beloved daughter.”

Arya thought no one would ever want her as a daughter.

But a couple weeks later, she met her new adoptive parents. A smiling woman slowly approached Arya. She said, “I will be your mother. I am so excited to meet you!”

Arya quietly replied, “I am no good.” Her new mother said, “You are good. You are the biggest blessing of our lives!” 

Your generosity makes these moments possible.

Arya came to Life for the Innocent in a unique season – a few weeks before COVID-19 hit. Unfortunately, traffickers are taking advantage of this crisis.

But you and I have a special opportunity to provide life-saving care to children rescued during this pandemic.

Currently, over 1,700 boys and girls are in the homes – the most ever served at once. Like Arya, each child is receiving food, medical attention, homeschooling. and counseling. They will go home with their adoptive parents soon.

Meanwhile, LFTI is going the extra mile to ensure their safety. We are providing COVID-19 tests, extra cleaning services, and additional temporary housing to follow social distancing guidelines. Thus, our day-to-day costs have increased.

To address these important needs, LFTI is praying for $32,000 before our fiscal year ends June 30. So, will you consider making a special gift to Life for the Innocent today?

We will use your support immediately and stretch every dollar to care for rescued children. With your help, a child like Arya can have a new life with a wonderful family!

Thank you so much for considering how you can extend a loving hand to LFTI boys and girls this summer. You are a blessing!