Imagine you’re a four-year-old boy living in an ‘unrecognized country’ struggling to recover from the scars of war. This was life for Elvin in the Gjakova district of Kosovo. Barely surviving, with little food, electricity, or funds, life was bleak, and hope seemed distant.
Elvin’s world began to change when he found a haven at Cornerstone Kosovo. Every Saturday, he eagerly attended, drawn to the love and care of the community. As he recalls, “I didn’t know much what we were doing when we were coming here, but my heart was getting filled with joy, and I couldn’t wait for the next Saturday to come!”
Now 15, Elvin understands why he was so excited for those Saturdays. “The love of Jesus was feeding my heart and that was the reason I was thirsty to know more of Him. Each time [I came], I learned many new things that I didn’t learn from school or family…I learned about love and care! This year I am so overwhelmed with Jesus’ goodness and the people who love Him! They (Cornerstone Kosovo) are helping me with school supplies, a new school bag, and are willing to invest in my future! This is really God and His love!”
Elvin’s story is a beautiful example of how love and hope can transform lives, even in the most challenging circumstances. There are countless children like Elvin who are longing for help and hope. They’re waiting for someone to reach out with love, care, and the chance for a brighter future.
Through the support of our programs like Cornerstone Kosovo, children like Elvin are experiencing peace, joy, and the love of Jesus. As Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)
Elvin shares, “Everywhere around me at school, friends or relatives all talk about hatred and how we need to pay back everybody who treats us wrongly, but here I learned about love and care. I have lived with hatred, and it made me so angry; I didn’t have peace or any good friends. After I started to read my Bible and come to church, I started to see things differently. I learned that love can help me and my heart, and life started to change. Not only me, but friends around me can see it and they ask me questions. I wish everybody and all my friends find this love!”
As we reflect on Elvin’s story, we’re reminded of the incredible impact of love, support, and community. More children like Elvin are waiting for the chance to experience this transformation. Through your support, we can continue to offer children the resources and love they need to grow, thrive, and find hope.
If you feel moved to help these children experience the same transformation, your generosity will provide nutritious meals, education support, clean drinking water, and the love of a community that cares.
When I introduce new people to Forward Edge, I’ll often describe what we do this way: we help children around the world overcome poverty, discover their true worth, and pursue God’s extraordinary purpose for their lives. I believe these three descriptors are distinct and important. Let me explain a little
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This blog is a part of an ongoing series on Forward Edge’s Pearl Partners. Check out our highlights on Cuba and Haiti and enjoy this interview with Jane Wathagana. 20 years ago, Jane Wathagana was a successful businesswoman in Kenya, the Director of Animal World Safaris and Elangata Luxury
13 yrs. old
Entered the program: October 2023
Xhuliana lives with her parents, grandmother, and four siblings in a three-room unfinished house on their great grandfather’s property. For many years, the family was renting and needed to find a better living situation. Their great grandfather asked all of his children to pitch in to help build Xhuliana’s family a small home. However, only the bathroom has been completed. The whole family of eight shares one room. It is very difficult for Xhuliana and her sisters, Gjulijeta and Laura (also in the Corner Stone program), as space and privacy are at a minimum; they are praying that soon God will provide the means to finish the home.
Xhuliana’s mother stays home to care for the family and her father tries hard to find work as a painter. Xhuliana’s grandmother cleans a pharmacy to help provide for the family.
