Bryan’s family situation is complicated. His six-year-old mind is incapable of analyzing the complexities. He just knows he misses spending time with his dad. Bryan loves his mom, who has always been there to care for him. But he doesn’t get along with his stepfather. Plus, Bryan is tired of his baby half-brother getting so much attention.
It’s been two years since Bryan’s parents separated. They were only teenagers when he was born. Bryan still remembers when his dad was a constant presence, and longs to regain that closeness. Visits are now rare, leaving an aching void in the boy’s life. Such relational loss can be brutal for a young child. Meanwhile, Bryan and his family, who live in the Ecuadorian capital Quito, feel the harsh daily effects of poverty. While his mom works hard to provide and Bryan’s stepfather also contributes, it’s a stretch to afford even the bare essentials.
For those in extreme poverty, sacrifices must be made in order to survive. Education is often one of those sacrifices. Though free public education is available in Ecuador, impoverished families generally cannot afford the required school supplies and uniforms for their children. Even when these kids do attend school, they frequently fall behind academically due largely to instability and lack of support at home. The cruel irony is that education is crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty.
Despite his family’s circumstances, Bryan not only gets to be in the classroom, he receives regular academic tutoring and spiritual guidance at an after-school program run by Cross International’s local ministry partner, The Moses Project. Through the program, Bryan’s school-related fees are covered, and he enjoys a hot, nutritious meal each time he attends. The extra academic assistance is pivotal in ensuring Bryan is able to keep pace in his studies. Beyond that, he now has positive adult role models teaching him Bible lessons and sharing about the love of his Heavenly Father, who has promised to never leave.
The Moses Project has made such an impression on Bryan that he wants his whole family, including his stepfather and half-brother, to know Jesus. And when he grows up, Bryan says he hopes to help others the way people have helped him.
Thank you for joining with Cross International to create brighter futures for children like Bryan!
