Lucia’s* life began with loss. Her mother passed away while giving birth to her, weakened from malnutrition. Her father, a soldier for Sudan, disappeared soon after. With both parents gone, Lucia was placed in the care of a stepmother who saw her not as a child to be loved, but as a burden. 

Lucia endured mistreatment and abuse. She was often hungry, left without the care and protection every child deserves. Each day was filled with fear. In South Sudan, nearly half of all children between ages 10-14 are already working just to survive — a fate Lucia could have faced if her community hadn’t intervened. At such a young age, she was already carrying pain no child should ever have to bear. 

People in her community began to notice. They saw her frail frame, the neglect, and the way her spirit was fading. They realized if nothing was done, she wouldn’t make it. So out of love and concern, they stepped in and brought her to LUV’s network, a place where she could finally be safe. 

From that day on, life began to look different for Lucia. She was welcomed with open arms, given nourishing food, a bed to call her own, an opportunity to start school for the first time, and the chance to simply be a child again. Surrounded by people who valued her, Lucia began to heal. Slowly, the fear gave way to trust. The emptiness she had known was replaced by belonging. 

Today, Lucia is thriving. She is now in the 11th grade, building friendships, and discovering her true potential. Her life, once dimmed by loss, now shines bright with laughter and possibility. 

This is what your partnership makes possible. When you give, you not only meet practical needs, but you become part of God’s work of rescue and redemption.  You ensure that vulnerable children like Lucia are not left alone in fear and danger, but instead are protected, cared for, and given the opportunity to grow up safe, strong, and free. 

One spark can change everything, and her story could have ended in tragedy — but because of people like you, it became a story of hope. 

Double your impact! Thanks to a generous matching gift, every dollar given by Dec 31 will be matched up to $250,000!

*Our commitment is to keep children safe online, so Lucia’s name was changed to protect her identity.