This Christmas, let’s give children the chance to say: "My heart has found a home."
CRY Christmas Campaign | Homecoming
Discover the story of Lolita from Bolivia, a brave survivor on a journey of healing and restoration. Her strength and the dedication of those who stand beside her should inspire us to become agents of hope and kindness this festive season.
Lolita’s story is a voice for the countless children we support across the world who find themselves in children's homes or foster families, after being orphaned, abandoned, or abused. These are not institutions, but true homes — places where healing, belonging, and transformation begin.
The powerful story of Lolita serves as an example of the tangible and transformative work being carried out through our partners among children who have been orphaned, abandoned, or abused.
Disclaimer: The following tells a true story of a child who experienced abuse and neglect. No graphic details are written, but some themes may be emotionally difficult. The focus is on recovery through our partner programmes. Please read with care.
CRY and Lolita
A few years ago, while visiting our project partners in Bolivia, CRY met an extraordinary little girl named Lolita. Her young life had already been marked by suffering that no child should ever endure—all before she had even reached her sixth birthday. Here's some of her story.
Life in the shadows
One day, while visiting a relative in the hospital, the medical staff noticed this six-year-old girl in pain. With the innocence only a child can possess, she explained why she was hurt. Her few words brought silence to the ward.
Not long afterwards, Lolita’s oppressor was incarcerated for sexual abuse. Justice, it seemed, had finally been served. But the reality was far darker. Her mother continued to take Lolita into the prison, where the abuse was allowed to continue—even from behind bars.
After each visit, her mother tried to ease her own guilt by taking Lolita for fast food. For most children, this might have been a treat, a small comfort. For Lolita, however, it became a cruel reminder of trauma. In later years, she struggled with food because eating brought back the unbearable memories of what she had suffered.
By the grace of God, social services became aware of Lolita’s situation and placed her in the care of Nuevo Corazón (New Heart), an extraordinary children’s home supported by CRY.
This is a place designed to be a family for young girls who have endured violence or abuse, offering them safety, care, and the chance to begin healing.
Homecoming
For the first time in her life, Lolita discovered what it meant to be truly loved and cared for. At Nuevo Corazón, with the support of CRY, she began to experience dignity, hope, and the possibility of restoration—not just physically and emotionally, but through the pursuit of justice. Most miraculously, she found healing of the heart—a transformation that can come only from knowing the King of Kings, the baby born long ago in a humble stable in Bethlehem.
With the support of CRY, Lolita now attends a private school tailored to her emotional needs. She speaks regularly with a child therapist, has a home filled with “big sisters” who care for her as the youngest member, and calls our heroic partners, Freddy and Liliana, “Papa” and “Mama.” Her heart has found a home.
Lolita’s story is far from finished. In many ways, her journey is only just beginning. And CRY will remain committed to walking alongside her, and alongside our partners, for as long as it takes.
Her story reminds us that at Christmas, hope, redemption, and freedom are ours to receive. The Christ child born in Bethlehem — the King who still transforms lives today — invites each of us into a true homecoming.
Our Christmas Campaign
Lolita's story stands as a voice for all the children who find themselves in similar situations. It is also a powerful demonstration of the vital work carried out by Nuevo Corazón, CRY, and our other partners, providing care and support for vulnerable children around the world.
This Christmas, every pound raised through our campaign will go directly towards meeting the ongoing needs of children, like Lolita, who have been abandoned, orphaned, or abused and now placed under the loving care of CRY-supported children’s homes and foster services in:
- Bolivia (Lolita's home)
- Togo
- Madagascar
- Guatemala
- Zimbabwe
- Sri Lanka
- Mauritania
- Liberia
This is our most ambitious Christmas campaign ever, as we aim to raise at least half of the funds needed for supporting these children in 2026 — a vital £26,000.
As you give towards this campaign, you become part of that story — shining God's light into a child’s life and inviting them into the family of God. This Christmas, let’s give more children the chance to say: ‘My heart has found a home.’
Here’s what your support can achieve:
£25 can help provide counselling and trauma support for children who have never needed it more.
£50 can contribute to safe shelter, daily care, food, and clothing.
£100 can cover monthly tuition fees for children who finally have the chance to go to school.
£250 can provide food for a month for one of our children’s homes across the world or can contribute towards paying legal fees to ensure justice for these children is achieved.
