Mark

MARK lived with deep bitterness over his absent mother, though for a long time he did not know that she struggled with mental illness. He could not understand why he and his siblings lived with their grandparents while most children lived with their parents. Most days, the only meal they ate was the one they received at Hope for Life.

When Mark was nine years old, he left home in search of work so he could help feed his sister and support the family. He made it only as far as the next town.

Unsure of where else to go, he eventually borrowed someone’s phone. Remarkably, he had Josephine’s number written in his book, and she was called to come and bring him home. On one occasion, when his mother left her two- and four-year-old children alone in the house, Mark reported the situation to the local chief. Later, when his mother wanted to join an independent, cult-like church, Mark brought her to Hope for Life so Josephine could counsel her.

After high school, Mark completed a six-month hospitality course. He is now able to buy food for his siblings, some of whom are still very young. He has also helped reconcile his grandparents after a period of separation. Today, Mark is the primary provider for his family.