How a young girl came to know Jesus through our family programme
A child weighed down by grief and poverty is now filled with confidence and hope.1st April 2025
The loss of a dream
Grejsi’s family lived in poverty in Albania – but they had big dreams for the future. They moved abroad and started a new life, away from the low-paid work and lack of opportunity holding them back.
Then Grejsi’s world collapsed. Her father died in a car accident. Suddenly, she, her mother, and little brother were plunged into grief – and poverty threatened to overwhelm them.
Their new life relied on Grejsi’s father’s wages – and now that he was gone, they returned to Albania to live in one of the poorest communities in Durres.
Albana, Grejsi’s mother, started a job in a sewing enterprise, working long hours for very little pay. Her wages were barely enough to cover the basics like food and bills. Life became all about survival, and they struggled to keep their heads above water every day.
Grejsi, 11, and her brother, nine-year-old Lionel, became quiet and withdrawn, weighed down by grief and stress.
The best decision I ever made
A door unexpectedly opened when it looked like Grejsi’s life would always feel hopeless.
Mission Without Borders asked Grejsi’s family if they’d like to enroll in our family sponsorship programme, and they began receiving regular emotional and material support.
As a result, Grejsi and Lionel started attending the Mission’s After School Project five times a week. Here, they received educational support, heard Bible stories, and felt loved and supported.
“A year after we joined the programme, I accepted Jesus as my Saviour,” Grejsi said. “It was the best decision I ever made because now I know that I’m never alone.”
All of it stemmed from Jesus
“When Grejsi and Lionel first joined the programme, they were shy and withdrawn, carrying the weight of their father’s loss,” said Arjan, who coordinates Christian outreach for Mission Without Borders in Albania.
“It was a year after their involvement that Grejsi decided to accept Jesus as her Saviour,” he said. “I believe the strongest influence came from the genuine love and kindness she and Lionel experienced, which made her realise that all of it stemmed from Jesus.” Grejsi also feels safe and happy knowing that her mother is no longer isolated. Albana goes to a women’s Bible study, where she can share her burdens and feel supported by others who face similar struggles.
Albana said, “Life as a single mother is hard, but I know I’m not alone. God is with us, and the Mission has given us hope.”
Grejsi’s family still faces challenges and lives in an area with limited resources. But where they were once overwhelmed by loss and despair, now their lives are full of love and joy.
“With Jesus, I can face any waves in life,” Grejsi said. “If we focus on our troubles, we will be like Peter, who got overwhelmed by the waves and started to sink. But if we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can stay above the water.”
Help us share God’s love with more children like Grejsi – sponsor a family today.
