How does God bestow a crown of beauty from ashes, the oil of joy from mourning, and a spirit of praise from a spirit of despair (Isaiah 61:3)? Everlyne can tell you! Even though Everlyne faced immense challenges that no child should ever have to go through, her story is not defined by tragedy and loss, but by God’s redemption and restoration.

Everylne was born into a life full of struggle, uncertainty, abuse, and loss. Her father was a volatile alcoholic, her mother was helpless against the grip of poverty and poor health, and life in general seemed like a never-ending nightmare. This only intensified when her mother passed away, leaving Everlyne and her siblings orphaned with no one able to support them.

Thanks to a kind neighbor, who saw Everlyne’s struggle and decided to reach out for help, she and two of her siblings were welcomed into our Ilula Children’s home in 2018. There, Everlyne has been able to rest in the loving embrace of parents who care for her heart, mind, body, and soul, helping her grow in her understanding of her unique God given design and talents, as well as her identity as a daughter of the King of Kings!  She has been able to release the worry of where her next meal would come from or where to find a place to rest safely at night. She has been able to release the struggles of poverty to finally experience a childhood full of joy!

As Everlyne has adjusted to her new home, she has blossomed into a remarkable young woman! Being able to go to school was a dream come true! Despite starting school later than most children, she learned to read and write with extra coaching from her parents and teachers, and has now caught up to grade level with the other children her age. She even has hopes of becoming a nurse one day!

Everlyne is relishing her nurturing family life! She loves to play with her siblings, especially when they have the chance to play a good game of soccer, running on the field until they are laughing and out of breath! Even chores become a time to spend with family and help remind Everlyne of the special home and family she is part of. But the best part of her ELI family life is she was able to hear that God loves her, she is precious and priceless to Him, He will always be there for her, and in Him she has hope and a future. Her heart has been forever changed! In fact,  Everlyne now uses her singing talents to lead worship at church services and family devotions, helping everyone express their thanks to God for the mighty work He has done in all their lives. 

Everlyne’s testimony is one to be shared boldly, and we are so thankful for the transformation we have seen within her! Beauty from ashes. Joy from mourning. Praise from despair. Redemption and restoration. The hope that was once lost in Everlyne’s life has finally been found, and her journey has just begun. God has many great things in store for her future, and we can’t wait to see what she does next!