A story from Just Projects International . . .

Meet Samuel (pseudonym). The third son of six siblings to farmers, Samuel’s father died when he was young, leaving his mom to take care of all the kids. Without any means to go to school, Samuel had to look after their livestock at a very young age to help out. When his mom heard that their ethnic army was coming anytime to the village to take some kids for military training, his mom was distressed and decided to ask for help. His mom later learned of a shelter home situated far from their village that houses kids and even sends the kids to school. Filled with relief and hope, Samuel’s mom then sent him to In-Fire’s Shelter home for vulnerable children.

Samuel was so delighted that he could finally get to school! However, he was already 12 yrs old when he enrolled in Grade 1 so he had to brace himself with all the challenges from adjusting with his very young classmates, the language barrier as he comes from a different tribe plus the cultural differences. It was truly challenging on the early years for him.

“It was really hard that I had to study with the small children. I felt embarrassed at the start. But, I was determined to study and succeed. Now, I am excited to be in Grade 8 this year,” Sam recalls.

He finds it such a great privilege to see his dream of being in school come true! He also enjoys the company of friends inside the shelter home and in school and prides himself with some new things he’s learned. “I have improved in my writing and speaking the Burmese language. I also like playing sports and happy to serve in key athletic roles. I feel so blessed staying in this home as I have learnt discipline and punctuality. We also read the bible regularly which allows me to discover more about Jesus. We also have opportunity to pursue other hobbies such as playing musical instruments, learn English and other ethnic dialects. I really thank God for everything that he has done in my life. I also am grateful for all who are supporting us and I keep praying for them every day.”

Today, Samuel has grown to become a leader in the shelter home and serves the worship team by playing the guitar. When asked what he wants to pursue after he finishes school, he enthusiastically shared his heart with us. “I would like to serve in the ministry when I finished my studies. My dream is to serve back my tribe, share what I have learned and preach the good news of Jesus throughout our village.”