Hana: A Story of Grace, Hope, and Bridges

Hana: A Story of Grace, Hope, and Bridges

In Ethiopia, where 62.8% of the population identifies as Christian and 33.9% as Muslim, religious identity can create invisible walls. Families from Muslim backgrounds rarely send their children to church-based schools, fearing misunderstanding or cultural tension. But sometimes, God writes stories that break barriers. 

One of those stories belongs to Hana,* a bright-eyed four-year-old from a Muslim family. Her life began under heartbreaking circumstances: her father passed away before she was born, and two years later, her mother disappeared without a trace. Since then, Hana has been raised by her grandmother, a woman of deep love but limited means. Living in extreme poverty, her grandmother could not afford the basics of education for Hana. 

In September, Hana’s grandmother walked into Awash 7 Kilo School with a simple, desperate request: “Can you help my granddaughter learn?” 

In a beautiful act of compassion, the school said yes. Through the Vulnerable Student Fund, Hana received full support: tuition, exercise books, a uniform, and all the materials she needed to begin kindergarten. From September to June, she has been nurtured not only academically but spiritually and emotionally. Today, Hana is filled with joy and gratitude, blessing the church and the school for opening doors that once seemed closed. 

More Than Education—Building Bridges 

Hana’s story is extraordinary not only because she received an education, but because it represents something rare and hopeful: a Muslim child sent into a Christian school community. When Hana’s grandmother entrusted her to the school, something powerful happened: trust was built. This trust is a seed of peace, a sign that love can cross boundaries. 

Christ-centered education is not about exclusion; it is about living out the Gospel through acts of kindness and service. By embracing Hana, the school demonstrated that every child is valued, regardless of background. This simple act of grace sends a profound message to the community: “We see you. We care for you. Your child matters.” 

As stories like Hana’s spread, they create ripples of hope. Christ-centered schools don’t just serve the students that attend but they serve as a Gospel witness in the areas that they exist.   

A Call to Prayer and Action 

Please join us in praying for Hana, that she may grow to know Jesus. Pray that through her life, many will see the light of Christ. 

When you support student bursaries, it makes it possible for schools around the world to offer opportunities to children like Hana.  When these doors open, students receive not only education but also the love and care that point them to Jesus and in doing so, help build bridges of peace between communities. 

*Name changed for safety.