“Let the Little Children Come to Me”: Samantha’s Journey from Grief to Hope

Samantha, eleven years old, arrived at Homes for Families in March of this year. She came with her mom, Julie, and her ten-year-old sister, carrying a burden of grief. Earlier this year, they had suffered an unimaginable loss when they faced the death of a family member.

A few months later, Samantha had the opportunity to attend a three-day summer camp with other students and leaders from our Bluebonnet Campus. Although she was happy to be at camp, Samantha was still struggling to process all she had experienced. Grief is a heavy load for anyone, especially a child. In those first hours at camp, Samantha kept her distance, guarded and going through the motions, her heart not yet ready to let anything in.

But God was not finished with the week. He was just getting started.

On the second evening of camp, something shifted. When the worship service began, Samantha didn’t hang back. She ran to the front, near the stage, and found her place. When the children were invited to stand and sing, she didn’t hesitate. She raised her voice. She leaned into the words. She was present in a way she hadn’t been before, hungry for worship and eager to learn more.

STCH Ministries Student Ministries Coordinator Shaun Williams was watching, and he captured a photograph of the moment. When he looks at that image, he sees something he can hardly put into words: a recognition on Samantha’s face, something awakening behind her eyes. “It’s as if her eyes are open for the first time,” he shared, “and the seed was taking hold.”

He couldn’t help but think of the words of Jesus in Mark 10:14-15:

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Samantha’s story is a powerful reminder that our mission is about more than providing a safe place to live. It is about planting seeds of truth, love and hope in the lives of children and families and trusting God to bring those seeds to life. A young girl walked into camp weighed down by grief and walked out with new hope beginning to grow in her heart. She didn’t come looking for a breakthrough, but God, in His kindness, met her right where she was.

Thank you for partnering with STCH Ministries as we create opportunities for children like Samantha to experience God’s love, hear His truth and discover the hope found in Jesus. We are grateful for every prayer, every gift and every act of service that makes moments like these possible.

Please continue praying that every seed planted in the hearts of those we serve would take root and grow into a life transformed by Christ’s love!