"In the orphanage, everything is the opposite of love..."

Mariyan was just a little boy when he was placed in an orphanage in Bulgaria — one of thousands of children institutionalized due to poverty and abandonment. For him, every day was a battle for survival.

"There were many fights and bullying... In the orphanage, there is everything but love." — Mariyan

But everything changed the day Mariyan attended one of our Christian Summer Camps.

Mariyan (front right) attending Christian summer camp as a child in Bulgaria.

Something new and unfamiliar

At just six years old, Mariyan met Emil and Suzy — staff from Mission Without Borders — who welcomed him with open arms. They showed him the kind of love, patience, and kindness he had never known.

"They accepted me as I was. I wouldn't have believed I could have a life other than the one in the orphanage without their love and care." — Mariyan

At camp, surrounded by laughter, games, and Gospel-centred activities, Mariyan began to believe that another life was possible. One where he was valued, seen, and loved — by people and by God.

This summer, you can make that possible for another child, like Mariyan.

A gift of R430 sends a child to camp for one day

R3,000 gives them the full week of fun, rest, and spiritual care

Today, Mariyan Gives Back

Now a young man, Mariyan’s life looks very different. He’s no longer the troubled, lonely boy from the orphanage — he’s a believer, employed, and a dedicated volunteer at our summer camps.

Mariyan giving back as a volunteer at Christian summer camp, where his own journey of faith began.

"Jesus changed my life... What I like about volunteering for the Mission is helping others and seeing their lives change like mine did."

You Can Help Transform a Life Like Mariyan’s

Summer Camp is more than just a getaway — it’s a place of deep impact:

• A safe, joy-filled environment where children can just be kids

• Nourishing meals and meaningful friendships

• Time to encounter God through prayer, worship, and Bible study

• Mentorship from loving, Christian adults

Thanks to generous supporters like you, children like Mariyan are discovering hope, healing, and a new future through Christ.

Will you help rewrite another child's story this summer?