As a caring mother, Celine* did all she could for her children. But tragedy struck when Celine’s son fell gravely ill and was taken to the hospital.

“That was the most difficult time in my life,” she says.

Sadly, when her son died, Celine’s terrible grief worsened as she struggled to find the finances to bury him. She felt lost and alone, wondering if life would ever get better.

There are millions like Celine in the Dominican Republic. In fact, 40 percent of the people live in poverty. And the ongoing effects of the pandemic have only made things more difficult for those already experiencing despair and hopelessness.

Celine searched for meaning and comfort during her grief, but help was difficult to find, as she could not read or write. But one day, Celine finally found the answers she sought when a local pastor invited her to an audio Bible listening group.

There, Celine heard the messages of hope, love, and peace she had been praying for.

“Listening to the audio Bible helped me a lot and made me feel good,” she says. “I understand the Word of God and my life has changed.”

Celine has found strength and advice in Scripture.

“I regard it as my weapon of battle,” she says. “It is my tool to save myself.”

Celine now has her own Bible, which her children and grandchildren read aloud to her.

Our generous financial partners are transforming the lives of hurting people like Celine , and we are so grateful!.

*Name changed for privacy