I met an orphan girl named Mary today.

As I was thinking about her story after we left the orphanage, this scripture came to mind on Mary's Magnificat. One of the most passionate love songs to God reverberates in the beat of Mary's every word:

And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, holy is his name."

Mary almost said this exact thing to me today.

She's a strikingly beautiful young girl of 13 and filled with a love for her Savior that's humbling. She even wants to been in some kind of full-time ministry. Seeing her smile radiate and experience the genuine love she has inside made me believe her every word.

That's her life now, but her life a year ago was a nightmare.

Her parents lived in the country and were extremely poor. A man they knew promised to help pay for her education if she would come live with him in the city. They agreed and he turned her into a slave.

When he started to abuse her she ran away. Another family took her in but they were just as cruel. She found out her parents were sick and dying and begged for them to let her visit them one last time. They refused, so she ran away and ended up on the streets.

No one would help her, compassion could not be found. Scared to death at 12 years old and all alone, she stayed up day and night for 3 days trying to protect herself.

A few days later, a group of 4 boys beat her and raped her.

Wonderful Ethiopian people helping children on the street found her. Beaten, bloodied, unconscious.

I stood in tears listening to the director tell me this story. I went back and found Mary and listened to more of her story today. She told me of her love for others and Jesus – Her Magnificat.

Mary Before

Mary Today – the Mighty One has done great things!

You can become part of Mary's story. I didn't have a special fundraising push on my blog this month, but you are invited to respond to any of these stories with your prayers and your gifts. Just note the orphanage or person we highlighted, and we'll use your gift to support them. Give securely, and online, on our donation page. Thank you.