At Kids Alive, we walk alongside vulnerable children as they navigate the harsh realities of trauma such as abuse, sexual violence, and neglect. Our team is committed to providing a place of safety and protection—a safe haven—to heal those traumatic wounds and build communities where violence and trauma are reduced. As a Safe Haven Champion, you support our family strengthening, protective care, and justice advocacy programs. These programs involve residential homes, reunification, job skills, parent trainings, government collaboration, and victim advocacy and restoration.
Rebecca,* a sixteen-year-old at Oasis, says that God’s love has helped her feel safe and accepted after a difficult past. “Despite everything I’ve been through, God accepts me as I am,” she shares. “He tells me I am His beloved daughter.” Surrounded by caregivers and peers who reflect God’s compassion, Rebecca is learning that healing happens in relationship—with God and with others. Each day at Oasis, through devotionals, prayer, and encouragement from staff, she is growing in confidence that she is loved and never alone.
Rebecca says that experiencing God’s unconditional love has changed the way she relates to those around her. “Here at Oasis, I’m surrounded by people who love me even when I make mistakes,” she explains. “That helps me want to love others the same way.” She now looks for ways to offer kindness and understanding, choosing patience when it’s hard and forgiveness when it’s needed. As Rebecca continues to grow, she hopes her life will reflect the same love and grace that first made her feel safe.
Sarita,* a nine-year-old at Juniper Tree Children’s Home, says she used to worry about what each day would bring. But now, she says, she feels peace knowing that God cares for her. “He gives me a place to sleep, food to eat, and I never lack anything,” she shares. Through the steady care of her house parents, teachers, and friends, Sarita is learning that God’s love isn’t just about having what she needs—it’s about being seen, known, and safe. In devotions and worship, she has found joy in singing and learning about Jesus, realizing that His presence can turn fear into peace and uncertainty into hope.
Sarita says that God’s love fills her home with peace and teaches her how to love those around her. “At home we are like a family, and we live with peace and love,” she explains. She enjoys helping others and being kind to her classmates, seeing God’s love in the way her teachers and friends support one another. “When I help or forgive,” she says, “it makes me happy because I know that’s what God wants me to do.”
Rose,* an eleven-year-old at Kids Alive Haiti, remembers a time when fear and uncertainty filled her nights. “I used to be afraid,” she says quietly. “But now, when I close my eyes, I feel safe—because I know God is watching over me.” Through the love and consistency of her caregivers, Rose has begun to believe that her story can be different. Daily devotions, prayer, and the steady rhythm of school have helped her rebuild trust and discover that God’s love is not distant—it’s something she can feel in the peace that surrounds her each day.
Rose says God’s love guides how she behaves at home and school. “Because God loves me, I want to show that love to others,” she explains. She tries to stay calm when conflicts arise and chooses kindness over anger—asking adults for help rather than taking matters into her own hands. Rose believes that showing patience and forgiveness reflects God’s heart, and she hopes her gentle example helps others feel the same love and safety she’s found in Him.
Sara,* a seventeen-year-old who has lived at The Ark Constanza for eleven years, reflects on how God’s Word continues to guide her. Through daily life in a loving, family-style environment and discipleship from caring staff, she’s learned to love deeply, show respect, and trust God with her future. During school breaks, Sara stays with a foster family where her host mom helps her grow in faith. Her favorite verse, Psalm 119:105, reminds her that God’s Word is like a lamp lighting her path—teaching her that she doesn’t need to have everything figured out, only to keep walking with Him.
Sara says she’s learning that love and forgiveness are ways to obey God and guard her heart. “To love like God means to love without filters or limits,” she explains. Even when she feels tired or discouraged, she looks for ways to serve others—helping when someone needs it, speaking kindly, and extending grace as an act of worship. Her faith has become a daily practice of choosing love, just as God first loved her.
Goodson,* a ten-year-old at Kids Alive Zambia, shares that God’s love has helped him find peace and strength even through hard times. After losing his hand, he says he’s learned to trust that God is still with him in every moment. “God is always watching over me—both in good times and in sorrow,” he explains. Through prayer, Bible reading, and encouragement from his caregivers, Goodson is growing in faith and determination to keep studying and follow the plans God has for his life.
Goodson says that living in a home filled with God’s love has taught him to care for others and his surroundings. “Here we pray, read the Bible, and show love to one another,” he shares. “Our home is peaceful and free from violence because we learn to forgive and to live the way God wants us to.” He believes that kindness, respect, and caring for others are ways to show gratitude for all that God has done.
Mwangaza,* a seventeen-year-old at Kids Alive Kenya, shares that God’s love gives her strength and hope when life feels uncertain. “Even when I’m going through a lot, I’m reminded of His good plans for me,” she says. Through prayer and reading Scripture, she finds peace in knowing that God’s promises are true. His Word reminds her that no matter her background or struggles, she is seen, loved, and valued equally in His eyes. This growing faith has helped her face challenges with courage and trust that things will get better.
Mwangaza says that learning to rest in God’s love has changed the way she interacts with others. “At home, it’s easier to forgive when I’m wronged,” she explains. “God’s love makes our home peaceful.” At school, she’s learning to treat classmates with respect and kindness, knowing that everyone is created equal. As she continues to grow in faith, she hopes her words and actions will reflect the same compassion and grace that God has shown her.
Ramy,* a ten-year-old at Dar El Awlad, says he used to struggle with feeling alone and unsure of his worth. “When I first came here, I didn’t know what love really was,” he shares. “Now I see it every day.” Over time, through the patience and care of his house parents and teachers, Ramy began to believe that God’s love is steady and real. “God loves me, so He sent me here,” he says with confidence. At school and during devotion time, he’s learning that God’s love isn’t just words—it’s what makes him feel safe, valued, and ready to dream again.
Ramy says that as he has experienced love and kindness, he’s learning how to give it back. “When I see my house mom care for me when I’m sick or sad, it makes me want to help others too,” he explains. Now, instead of hiding when he feels hurt, Ramy reaches out to others with compassion. He helps younger boys with homework, plays fairly, and tries to listen first. “God’s love teaches me that we are all family here,” he says. “I want people to feel the same care that has helped me here.
Thank You!
We are deeply grateful to supporters like you. Your generosity makes it possible to bring hope, healing, and justice into the lives of vulnerable children and families all around the world. Your partnership equips us to walk alongside them, giving them every chance to flourish in their community and thrive in their relationship with God.
*pseudonym used for safety
