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Haruto stared at his screen, the glow illuminating tears he refused to let fall. Another day of feeling invisible at school, another night alone with his thoughts.
“I want to die! I want to disappear right now …” he typed into the O&Dan platform — a OneHope Japan online outreach with a name that’s a pun on the Japanese words “your cheerleaders.”
Haruto didn’t really expect anyone to understand. In Japan’s high-pressure society, he had never considered faith as an answer to his isolation.
To his surprise, an online missionary responded, sharing Isaiah 43:4: “You are precious and honored in my sight, and I love you.” The missionary explained how this verse had transformed their own life during similar struggles.
Haruto didn’t reply immediately. For two days he contemplated the words — then, though skeptical, Haruto hit the “Decision” button, mostly hoping to continue the conversation with someone who seemed to care. What began as a desperate cry for help led to ongoing discussions about purpose and identity.
“I want to try believing in God,” Haruto eventually messaged back.
Through the digital community of O&Dan, Haruto discovered something he couldn’t find in his carefully compartmentalized social circles — a relationship with Jesus Christ and the hope that comes from being truly known and deeply loved.
Brenda had been in church all her life and even made a decision to follow Jesus when she was a young child. But this didn’t prepare her for the tragic moment she lost her mother …
Outwardly Brenda knew she was fortunate her auntie could take her in and she was able to stay in her hometown in Malawi and attend her regular school — but inwardly she felt desperately lonely, had no hope, and didn’t really understand who she was anymore.
But then you sent the Unstoppable program to her school, through the Student Christian Organization of Malawi. Many African nations have a strong tradition of organizations such as this or Scripture Union in the schools.
“We were introduced to this program and took time to weekly go through the lessons and indeed my life has greatly changed for the better,” Brenda says today.
“After going through the program, I can confidently say that I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and I am His child. I have also learned that it is only hope which found in Christ that heals.”
Brenda still has her struggles, but now her faith in Jesus gives her tremendous hope for the future!
“I am confident that I am not alone, God is my father, and He provides suitable people to help us during hard times,” she says. “I really thank you for such a program that is helping girls like me.”
Thank you so much for your generous monthly commitment to sharing God’s Word with boys and girls around the world! May it fill you with joy to know that young people like Haruto, Enid, and Brenda are being transformed by the Gospel because of your faithfulness.
Please consider an extra gift today to share God’s Word with children and youth all across the globe.