by: Kathy Davis | Sr. Director of Wholistic Care
Ahana’s world was upended at the tender age of four when cancer claimed her mother’s life. Left in the care of five older siblings, she endured a childhood marked by hardship and loss. Her father’s remarriage brought additional challenges, as the children faced the harsh reality of a stepmother’s abuse.
Amidst these trials, Ahana and her youngest sister found solace in Bethel Gospel Church (BGC). The church became their sanctuary, offering safety, nourishment, and a sense of belonging.
Bethel Gospel Church is a church partner of World Orphans, located near the major city of Hyderabad, India. They have a passion for caring for the most vulnerable in their communities, with ministries that seek to reunify orphaned children with their biological families and facilitate church-based foster care, as well as provide educational opportunities for students and empower caregivers to thrive.
Years passed and Ahana blossomed within the nurturing environment of BGC. The church provided her with education, skills training, and a deep-rooted faith in Christ. From a timid child grappling with loss, she emerged as a confident and capable young woman.
Ahana’s unwavering faith in Christ has been the cornerstone of her resilience, enabling her to break the cycle of poverty and become a beacon of hope for her family and community.
In 2006, Ahana came to Bethel Gospel Church Home, where she received the support and resources she needed to thrive. In 2022, she completed her bachelor’s degree in commerce and was reunited with her family.
Adjusting to family life after years of separation was challenging, but with the help of social workers, Ahana was able to navigate these challenges and build strong relationships with her extended family members.
Thanks to the continuous support of BGC and World Orphans, Ahana was able to pursue further studies and complete her master’s degree in business administration. She is now working in the digital marketing field, earning a good salary and becoming self-reliant.
Ahana’s lifestyle has changed dramatically. She is now able to take care of her family’s well-being and provide them with a better life. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of a church community united by a shared purpose. BGC played a crucial role in Ahana’s success, providing her with the support and resources she needed to overcome adversity.
As Ahana navigates her adult life, she carries with her the indelible mark of BGC and the enduring spirit of partnership that made her journey possible. Her story is a living testament to the belief that every child, regardless of circumstance, deserves an opportunity to reach their full potential.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
—Isaiah 40:31 NIV
This article was originally published in the World Orphans Fall Insight Magazine 2024.