VOICE OF TRUTH FOR TODAY
Ratanang’s Story: From Orphan to Daughter
After more than two decades in international ministry, our greatest joy has never been the number of countries reached or programs launched — it has always been watching lives transformed by the love of Jesus. One of those lives is our dear friend, Ratanang.
Ratanang grew up in Soshanguve, South Africa, where poverty, disease, and violence are daily realities. As a young teenager, she lost both parents to AIDS and became head of her household at just thirteen years old, responsible for caring for her younger brother while trying to survive herself. Grief and fear overwhelmed her, and hope felt impossible. She often wondered, Where is God?
At eighteen, Ratanang begged for an opportunity to work at our orphan care center — and to everyone’s surprise, she was hired. When we met her, we were immediately drawn to her warmth, humor, and radiant smile. Over the years, we watched God redeem her story. Today, she is a leader — rescuing others with the same compassion once shown to her.
Ratanang’s journey has not been easy. She has endured tragedy, violence, illness, and loss. For years, she believed suffering meant God was punishing her. But through discipleship, prayer, and truth, she discovered something life-changing: God was not against her — He was walking with her.
During a retreat, Ratanang encountered the Father’s love in a profound way. Through tears she declared, “He said I’m not an orphan anymore!” Scripture affirms this truth: “You received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father’” (Romans 8:15, ESV).
Today, Ratanang is a wife, a mother, and a courageous follower of Jesus. Once broken by despair, she now carries hope — proving that God restores, redeems, and calls His children by name.
Please pray for Ratanang and countless others like her who follow Jesus under extraordinary challenges. Their stories will echo for generations.
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Excerpt from Voice of Truth Magazine
“Global Connections” by Dr. Jennie Cerullo & Dr. Marcia Ball