Melissa & Johnny
From broken to belonging, their story will move you.
Five years ago, a mom stood at our door with two young children and nothing left to offer them — just a desperate hope that someone would give them a chance.
She had an 8-year-old son named Johnny, silly and outgoing but with no stable ground beneath him. And a 10-year-old daughter named Melissa — quiet, withdrawn, sick for nearly a year, so far behind in school that the weight of it had stolen her confidence.
They needed more than a roof. They needed somewhere to stay.
- Extremely shy, rarely spoke
- Sick for nearly a full year
- Far behind in school
- Felt insecure and unseen
- Outgoing with no foundation
- No stable home
- Behind academically
- Sings & dances confidently
- Honors student
- Baptized & growing in faith
- Leader among her peers
- Maturing young man with dreams
- Honors student
- Baptized & faith-filled
"Soon they began to settle in and find their way. They were enrolled in school and started to catch up on what they'd missed. They began attending church, reading their Bibles, and taking part in nightly devotions. Over time, both Melissa and Johnny realized their need for Christ – and both were baptized."
– Rachelle, Cottage Mom
This is what your faithful support makes possible. Not just a season of help – but a transformation that unfolds over years, through consistent care, committed cottage parents, and the daily work of discipleship.
"We are so proud of both of them," Rachelle says, "and love to see how God has transformed their lives."
We're sure you love to see it too. Thank you for the part you've played in caring for Melissa and Johnny through your prayers and partnership.
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