Huánuco, Peru — As we sat nearby the kids and teens at play, I felt the faint squeeze of her hand in mine. Her eyes flickered back and forth as she watched, lit with joy and excitement to be outside, basking in the sunshine. I had paused to greet Yessica* and watch the fun with her.
This past July, our local team organized an afternoon for child survivors of sexual violence and their families—a moment of respite in their difficult journeys. While the team typically focuses on counseling services, legal support, education goals and meeting physical and spiritual needs; creating safe and healing spaces for joy and connection is equally essential for restoration.
I had been chasing down a ball with the kids when I spotted Yessica sitting off to the side. My breath caught as our eyes met and I hurried over to kneel beside her wheelchair. “I heard you might be coming,” I said, tears of joy threatening to spill. She nodded as a big smile spread across her face.
As tears filled my eyes, I marveled at her courage and determination.
Months before, Yessica had been struck by sudden illness that left her fully paralyzed. The doctors, unsure of what was causing it, were hopeless. We feared the worst but pleaded with God for healing. As if she hadn’t endured enough—already grappling with the trauma of sexual violence—and now this!? Yet the team clung to hope in the face of calamity and rallied support, putting the word out locally and internationally to pray.
I brushed aside these memories in the moment, as I stood and wheeled her toward the fun. She laughed and joined in as she could. I couldn’t believe it, she was healing! Slowly but surely, she was regaining strength.
This past week, Yessica was able to join us for Christmas festivities. After months of physical therapy—made possible by the generosity of donors like you—she proudly showed us she can now stand, taking practiced steps forward while holding my wife’s hands. As tears filled my eyes, I marveled at her courage and determination. I’ve seen this time and time again, where God works in beautiful ways through his people. Whether it be the local team showing up, being present in the face of suffering, or donors from thousands of miles away giving generously. When people suffer, God is the first to weep with us, and is eager for us to step up and show up, working through us to bless the most vulnerable.
I looked over at her parents, beaming with pride and joy as they watched their daughter. Yessica, who once thought her life was over, is now dreaming about her future. So full of light—a glimpse of what is yet to come.
Jon Raber, Director of Capacity Development
* Name and photo changed for respect of privacy and safety
