Mary was in the third grade when her exploitation began. What started in innocence quickly became years of isolation, control, and trauma that stretched into her twenties. By the time she entered the aftercare program through our partners, Mary was a young mother, unsure how to trust or hope again.

But God was already at work.

In the safety of a partner’s aftercare home, Mary began the long journey of healing. Trauma counseling helped her name the pain. Inner healing classes created space for her to feel again. She opened her heart to the God who had never abandoned her—not even in the darkest moments. In time, Mary chose to give her life to Him.

With medical care and emotional support for both herself and her young son, Victor, Mary began to see a future she had never dared to imagine. Through vocational training, she discovered a love for cooking and developed a plan to open a small restaurant something she could carry with her back home.

Now, Mary is returning to her home country to reunite with her parents and siblings after many years apart. It won’t be easy. Learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and rebuilding broken family bonds will all take time. Victor, too, is adjusting and processing change as only a child can.

But Mary doesn’t walk this road alone. God has already walked her through so much, and He will not stop now.

Pray with us for Mary and Victor in this new season. And thank God with us for healing, for redemption, and for a future filled with hope.