The SOUND of HOPE
“I was living on the street. I had completely lost hope.”
Rafi came to the United States as a young man, and as he grew up, he worked hard to build a life he could be proud of. His greatest joy was his family. “I have three beautiful children.”
In 2020, Rafi’s life took an unexpected turn. After a painful divorce, he lost his home and the stability he had worked so hard to build. “My biggest challenge was being homeless, living on the street.”
Struggling with anxiety and depression, the loss of daily contact with his children weighed heavily on him. “I haven’t seen my kids the past six years. I miss them dearly.”
Rafi reached a breaking point on a cold, rainy day. “I had completely lost hope,” he says. Sitting alone in a park, unsure where to turn, a stranger stopped and showed him compassion. “He said, ‘It’s raining, it’s cold. Let’s go to my church.’” That simple act of kindness became the turning point that led Rafi to Bread of Life Mission.
“Learning to study the Bible has been so important. It’s helped me learn humility.”
When Rafi arrived, he found safety and care. “They gave me a place to stay, food and a shower,” he says gratefully. He soon began attending classes, which became a foundation for healing and growth.
Today, Rafi gives back by helping in the kitchen, serving meals to others who are struggling. “I help in whatever way I can,” he says, and his faith remains steady. “I give God 100%.”
Looking ahead, Rafi’s hope is clear. “I pray every day for the future of my kids and my family. To be reunited with them and to tell them I’m sorry and ask for their forgiveness.”
Because of you, neighbors like Rafi know that God loves them and they are worthy of a new beginning. Thank you for opening the door to hope and healing this summer! “I am so thankful for the people who welcomed me and prayed for healing for me and my family. Even when I felt completely lost, God knew exactly where I was, and what I needed.”
To read the rest of this issue of The Sound of Hope Newsletter click here.