Sidonie watched her husband, Rodan, stumble into their home. He had wasted his earnings on drink again; inebriation dulled his senses. Anxiety grew in Sidonie. What money could she save to provide for her young son before Rodan wasted it all?
A Family’s Struggle
Sidonie’s son, Ansun, was like the 30 million children UNICEF estimates does not attend school.[1] Without a proper education, his education would be severely limited at best, nonexistent at worst. Sidonie did not have the money to send her son to school, and her options were limited.
Fortunately, Sidonie heard about GFA World’s Bridge of Hope Program, which takes in children like her son and addresses their physical and educational needs. Clutching to the barest glimmer of hope, Sidonie decided to visit the center.
“Every day, my husband goes for work, but when he returns home in the evening, he will spend all the money in buying alcohol for him and his friends,” Sidonie lamented to Bridge of Hope staff. “Because of his bad habits, we are facing difficulties for our daily needs. We do not have peace at home. … I am worried that because of their father’s addiction, my children’s future will be ruined.”
The Bridge of Hope staff listened to Sidonie pour out her woes, and they comforted and consoled the desperate woman.
We can enroll your son immediately, the staff told her. Ansun would attend the Bridge of Hope center and get the tutoring and encouragement he needed.
Wide Open Doors
Years passed, and change had come to the family. Thanks to the devoted tutelage he received at the Bridge of Hope center, Ansun could attend a boarding school for talented young students. At first, Ansun was hesitant of going to the new school, so attached was he to the center. But thanks to the staff’s gentle encouragement, and promises that he could visit on holidays, the young boy went on to further his education.
Ansun’s father, Rodan, changed as well. The Bridge of Hope staff, when visiting Ansun’s home, encouraged Rodan to give up his destructive habits. The anxiety that had caused his addiction was swept away by the love of God shown by the staff.
Through Bridge of Hope, real change has been made in the family. And now Sidonie doesn’t worry for her son. His future is not one clouded with uncertainty and fear but one filled with anticipation of limitless possibilities.
Read more stories of GFA Bridge of Hope centers opening doors to a brighter future.
