Malisha’s* story is a common one in rural South Asia.

Her parents were married at a young age, and were expected to have children as soon as possible. After Malisha was born, her family was doing okay for a while—but then tragedy struck. Her father died of a heart attack when Malisha was only three years old.

Malisha’s mother did her best to make it work, but life as a solo parent and only breadwinner in rural South Asia (or anywhere) is overwhelming. A situation that may have been disastrous for Malisha and her family became a story of God’s provision and love.

Because one of our Restoring Hope village pastors stepped in. Through the support of the local church, Malisha was reunified with her grandmother who was able to become her caregiver. And Malisha is now attending the very best college preparatory school in her area.

Without the help of Restoring Hope, Malisha’s education would have been minimal, and her future would have been in jeopardy. Very likely she would have relied on day-to-day subsistence work, or she would have married too young, hoping for the best.

Malisha, now 15, has been baptized in Jesus Christ and is working toward becoming a police officer in her community.

Her story is one of hundreds happening across Restoring Hope's network of village churches in South Asia—children overcoming tragedy and experiencing triumph because someone chose to step in.

You can be part of the next story. Will you help write more stories like Malisha's by making a special donation to Restoring hope today?

*Pseudonyms are used to protect the identities of people and areas Restoring Hope serves.