Family Sponsorship Delivers Hope in Albania
The death of their father derailed an Albanian family's dreams, but their hope was restored with the support of Mission Without Borders' Family Sponsorship program.13th March 2025
Family Sponsorship delivers hope and reignites dreams
The loss of a dream
Grejsi’s family lived in poverty in Albania – but they had big dreams for the future. They moved abroad and were starting a new life, away from the low-paid work and lack of opportunity that was holding them back.
Then Grejsi’s world collapsed. Her father was killed in a car accident. Suddenly she and her mother and little brother were plunged into grief – and poverty threatened to overwhelm them.
Their new life had relied on Grejsi’s father’s wages – and now that he was gone, they returned to Albania, to live in one of the poorest communities in Durres. Albana, Grejsi’s mother, got a job in a sewing enterprise, working long hours for very little pay. Her wages were barely enough to cover the basics like food and bills.
Life became all about survival, every day a struggle to keep their heads above water. Grejsi, 11, and her brother, nine-year-old Lionel, became quiet and withdrawn, weighed down by grief and stress.
The best decision I ever made
Just when it looked like Grejsi’s life would always feel hopeless, a door unexpectedly opened.
Mission Without Borders asked Grejsi’s family if they’d like to enroll on our family sponsorship program, and they began receiving regular emotional and material support.
As a result, Grejsi and Lionel began going to the Mission’s after school project five days a week. Here, they received educational support, heard Bible stories, and felt loved and supported.
“A year after we joined the program, I accepted Jesus as my Saviour,” Grejsi said. “It was the best decision I ever made because now I know that I’m never alone.”
"I talk to Jesus whenever I feel scared or worried. I know He hears me and gives me the strength to keep going."Grejsi, 11
All of it stemmed from Jesus
“When Grejsi and Lionel first joined the program, they were shy and withdrawn, carrying the weight of their father's loss,” said Arjan, who coordinates Christian outreach for Mission Without Borders in Albania.
“It was a year after their involvement that Grejsi decided to accept Jesus as her Saviour,” he said. “I believe the strongest influence came from the genuine love and kindness she and Lionel experienced, which made her realize that all of it stemmed from Jesus.”
Grejsi also feels safe and happy knowing that her mother is no longer isolated. Albana goes to a women’s Bible study, a space where she can share her burdens and feel supported by others who face similar struggles.
Albana said, “Life as a single mother is hard, but I know that I’m not alone. God is with us, and the Mission has given us hope.” Grejsi’s family still face challenges and live in an area with limited resources. But where they were once overwhelmed by loss and despair, now their lives are full of love and joy.
“With Jesus, I can face any waves in life,” Grejsi said. “If we focus on our troubles, we will be like Peter, who got overwhelmed by the waves and started to sink. But if we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can stay above the water.”
You can help share God’s love with more children like Grejsi – sponsor a family today.
