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The sound of gunshots broke through the night silence as 15-year-old Mary ran for her life.
Terrified and alone, Mary could only think of one thing, the penalty for trying to escape from the Burmese barrack.
"There were soldiers that stood guard along those walls. The guards were not there to protect us. They were there to keep us in," she said.
Years earlier, Burmese soldiers had lured Mary into the army with promises of food, shelter, comfort and the opportunity to escape from her abusive relatives.
But life as a child soldier was even more violent than Mary's earlier home situation.
"Everybody was under tight security. We were not even allowed to smile or the stick would come down on us. Of course, you learned quickly not to smile."
"Some felt the stick for other things. I watched people beaten for escaping in the field. I watched others beaten till they bled and died in front of my eyes," she said.
Despite her fears, Mary knew she had to run away and she managed to slip through the facility's tight security.
Today, Mary has found new family and safe place to live at a rehabilitation home partnered with World Orphans.
Through continued support and vocational training, Mary has new hope for the future.
Thousands of children like Mary are receiving help from our partner churches in 14 different countries. But without the support of our generous donors, these projects could not survive.
This holiday season, World Orphans needs 300 individuals or families who will commit to giving $33 a month to help children like children like Mary and others that you will learn about during these 33 days.
Will you help World Orphans give the gift of hope to these children? As a way of thanking you for your support we'll send you a free gift. (More details.)
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