Receiving an Education Despite All Odds

Although Dove* was born in Thailand, she never received a passport or any other legal documents because her parents illegally immigrated into the country. Because of this, Dove was unable to attend school.  

After fleeing home, her parents had a difficult time adjusting to life in the new country. They couldn’t speak the local language and, because of that, had to work poorly paid jobs. To make matters even more challenging, Dove’s parents would often get drunk and argue. “In those moments,” Dove said, “my sister and I were powerless.” Her only comfort was knowing that she had her sister. 

“Life with my parents was a never-ending nightmare. I was so grateful that at least I had my sister. We comforted each other a lot. Then, one day, my sister ran away. She must have wanted to leave our family’s suffering behind her.” 

Then, someone told Dove’s parents about the ICR Canada children’s home and how their daughter could go to school for free. They thought it would be good for her, so they decided to send her there. Dove was amazed when she went to the children’s home for the first time. When she arrived, she received a school uniform, and a bag full of notebooks and other supplies.

She quickly made friends, but she noticed they all seemed much happier than her despite coming from similar backgrounds. When she asked them why they appeared to be so much happier than her, they told her about God. “They explained to me that the world was not created by chance, but by a God who had something in mind.”

Through her school lessons, Dove learned how to read and started reading the Bible by herself. “Jesus wants to help everyone, even me!” Dove exclaimed.

As her relationship with Jesus continued to grow, the weight of her upbringing began to lift from her. Now, Dove is happy and prays for her parents to experience the ease and peace that can only be found in Jesus.  

Through the generosity of Canadians like you, children in countries like Thailand, Pakistan, or Indonesia can receive the supplies they need to start the next school year. Thank you for investing in the future of children just like Dove .

*Name changed, representative image