Imagine a mother having to send her children to bed hungry due to a lack of support. Her family survived on the occasional bread and tea she could manage to find, never knowing when the next meal would come. This was the reality for Raya, now 44 years old, when she was a young mother of three small children.
At the time, Raya’s husband struggled with alcohol addiction, and the family had no steady income. Some days they went without food—and even without water. Raya sought help from neighbors and local shops but was repeatedly turned away. Eventually, she resorted to taking her children to nearby fields to gather leftover vegetables in exchange for food.
Desperate for work, Raya traveled to a larger city in search of opportunity. There, a woman showed her unexpected kindness—offering meals, clothing and help restoring her teeth. Only later did Raya learn that this woman was exploiting her, forcing her into prostitution. Raya endured up to ten clients a day, sending the money home so her children could be adequately fed.
Though she was able to provide for her children financially, Raya missed them deeply. When she returned home, however, she faced humiliation and neglect from her mother-in-law, including being denied food. With no safe options, Raya was forced to leave again and return to prostitution. Attempts to reconnect with her children resulted in further abuse from family members, yet she continued working to ensure rent was paid and her children had shelter.
During this period, Raya lived with a man who abused her, took her earnings, and driven by despair, she began to rely on alcohol. When he later showed inappropriate interest in her daughter, Raya immediately ended the relationship.
It has now been six to seven months since she left that situation. Raya is seeking freedom from alcohol addiction and longs to find honest work. At times, however, survival pressures still push her back into prostitution. Her journey is difficult, but she is not alone.
Our team in Central Asia is walking alongside Raya, building trust with her and her children. She is open to prayer, knows about God, and we continue to pray together believing that He is able to fully restore her life and renew her hope.
One way you can partner with us in bringing healing and restoration to women like Raya is by supporting this ministry financially. Your generosity helps fund the projects that make this life-changing work possible.
Click here to learn more and get involved.
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This story comes from a ministry partner supported by the Freedom Challenge, a movement dedicated to advocating for and empowering women and children in vulnerable situations. Freedom Challenge is a ministry of OM, working together to bring freedom, justice and the love of Christ to communities around the world.
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