Messages to children affected by war

“I’m not going to pretend to know what it’s like to be in your situation. I don’t know what it’s like to be taken from my family or to live in eternal fear. If someone forced me to kill my friends and family . . . I don’t know. That would be devastating. I am praying for you. I am so sorry. Oh, God, watch over them and give them comfort. Please cry out to Jesus when you need Him. I know it may seem like God doesn’t exist or doesn’t care—but He does. I want to be with you right now. You’re brave—much stronger than I am. I will cry for you tonight. God be with you. Please don’t lose hope. You mean everything to me, even though I don’t know your name. You are wonderful and amazing. Please . . . please keep hope. Help is on the way, but it has a lot of people to reach. I love you.”—Kathryn

“I’m from Haiti. I know how it is to be hungry and poor. Don’t let fear stand in your way! My mom got shot on her deathbed from Haitian gangs. I’m sorry for what happened to you. I will l pray for you.”—Sherley

“It’s people like you that God uses to change me. Your strength in the face of hopelessness, your courage, and your love that overcomes the unbearable inspire me. Rest in the ever-caring Father, who holds you near His heart.”—a changed life

“Because of your strength, your fear will to survive. Because of your lives, I vow, I promise you that I will change. I promise you that I will try my best to help. I don’t know what that is yet, but I will. I promise you that much.”

“The things that are happening to you are wrong. You do not deserve to be treated the way you are being treated. I’m sorry. I am so helpless. I want to bring you home with me, get you away from all that you are going through, and love you and just let you be a child again. May God empower those able to come to your rescue. May Jesus come to you.”—K.

“I’ve never felt so shocked. I always thought these disasters were not that big a deal, but then I realize how selfish I am. I hope the best for you and your future. To think I am selfish because I wanted to commit suicide, then I realize your situation. I am truly sorry. You are all such beautiful children. The next time I think my life is so unbearable, I will think of you before I think of myself. I love you all.”—M. age 14

“I hear your cries and I can only say, that I would give my life to save yours. Someday, it will all be better.”—Kassandra

“I cannot imagine what you are going through. I pray for you and that you will have peace in your hearts. God is out there, and he wants you to trust him. It is my prayer that someday I can be a doctor so I can help people like you! I am praying.”

“I know that all this happened, that this is real. I have a personal experience of it, and I know that God never stops stretching his hand to help the disadvantaged.”—Kemei (Kenya, Africa)

Text on card: “You are in our prayers! Don’t forget
that. Hope is on the way.”—Javae

“I don’t know how to help you. I will find a way. Your faces are burned into my memory.”—Adam

“If I had gone through what you went through, I would have given up all hope of anything. I admire you so much for being so strong. You are a special part of this world, and have a special purpose being here. Never forget that, although I don’t know who you are and where you live, I’ll be thinking of and praying for you. So tonight as you go to bed, know that someone is thinking of you. You are loved.”—Sunnie

“I know that there is nothing I could say that would stop the pain or the terrible things that are happening to you, but this I can say: God loves you. Believe in Him and His power and I know that things will get better. You will always be in my prayers.”—Rubin

“I do not know you, but I beg for your forgiveness. Please forgive me for being ignorant of your struggle. Please forgive me for being so complacent. I pray that you never leave my heart, and that God can use me to help in any way I can. God bless.”—Spencer

“My heart is torn for you. I will be praying for you, that you would have hope and learn how to love. Love is the most important thing you can have. It is easy when you have been hurt to ignore the scars on your heart by only hating others, but this is not what Jesus was like. I will be praying for you, that you will learn how to forgive your enemies and love others.”—Stephanie

“There’s nothing I can put in writing to describe what I feel at this moment. I’m ashamed mostly. The many things in my life that I take for granted can’t make up for what one child can lose in a disaster. How you all recover and keep being brave just warms my heart. I wish I could do everything to help. But I will when I get older. I’ll be a volunteer. I’ll help save lives. God bless all of you.”—Shannon
 
“I would give everything just to hold one of you in my arms and show you real love. I would never let go. My heart is breaking for you. There’s a God who loves you. If I could take your load and relieve your pain I would. I don’t want these to be empty words. I want to do something for you, but for now I can only pray and hope for you. You are always loved.”—Rosa

“We love you, and we are thankful you survived to share your story with the world. You inspire me.”

“I pray the Lord will heal your land. May the God of love and peace come to you.”

“People here are praying for you. I weep as I see the pictures and hear your stories. My heart is overflowing. I don’t know your names, but I will never forget you.”—Meghan

“My heart breaks for you, as tears fill my eyes. I am reminded of each moment of my sheltered life, and I ache to offer the same to you. Your fight, your strength inspire me. Our God compels me to keep working, to continue school to have more resources for you. My heart and my passion above all else is to bring you life in our Lord. Every step I make from this day to the last, may it be in respect to your plight, that God’s truth and justice and love may overcome and be known more fully. I long to embrace you and extend, no, pour my strength out for your joy. In God, you are loved. In Him there is healing and promise of life and love.”—K

“Never give up and always be strong. Just believe in God. I will find a way to help you and I will never stop. I promise. I’m going to give my life to help you. With all my love.”—Juan

“None of this is your fault. Do not blame yourselves. Remember you are loved and will not be forgotten.”—Jen

“I feel sick to my stomach knowing that people around the world are going through this and I haven’t done anything “really” to help (worldwide). I am very sorry for the things that have happened to you. When bad things happen, get back on your feet and move forward best as you can. I work now, where I can help and send money. I have you in my heart. I will pray and keep praying. Love you all. God bless you.”—Yalonda

“As you lay down to sleep, I pray the Lord your soul to keep. Never give up. I’m sorry it took me to come to this exhibit and just now decide to do something about our world today. I will do something to help, and I will never give up.”—Antjuanece

“To be forced to kill someone is horrid, but I don’t even have the proper words to help. I will say this, though, if you have gone through this and survived, then you are stronger and braver than anyone I know. And there IS hope.”—William

“I will pray for you, every day, for the rest of my life. Don’t give up hope because there is always hope—no matter what.”—Hayley

“Now that I see you’ve lost your house, family and friends, I realize I don’t need all the things I want or get mad about. I will never again be mad if I don’t get what I want. I will always have you in mind.”—Lon

“Do not lose hope. God created you with a purpose. He has good plans for you. Always remember that the devil is a liar and should always be under our feet. God loves you very much, take heart.”—Daisy Nayula (Kenya, Africa)

“I hope and pray that this war zone that you are in will be destroyed and you won’t have to suffer anymore. Whatever you do, believe in God. Have faith and hope. It may be hard, but try. God is with you.”—Svetlana

“I do not know what it is like to live in a place of war. I do know this though: It is a very hard time. Don’t lose hope. I will come and help you someday.”—Vickie
 
“You’ve been through more than I can imagine, but please do not give up hope! Remember, God is always there for you, and, trust me, He’s a good listener. We’re praying for you.”—Breanna

“I pray for you everyday. Don’t lose hope, I’m trying not to cry writing this, but it’s so hard. God bless you.”—SV

“I will grow up to be a doctor so that I can help you. You will never be alone. There are people who care.”—Alex

“I cry for you! I am so sorry you have not been safe. Cling to your Heavenly Father. He loves you! I am praying for you! There is hope Jesus will never leave you or forsake you.”—Angela

“Stay strong and be brave. God is always with you wherever you are. You are a child of His. Never forget that!”—Jessi

“Your life is so precious and beautiful. I know that God is looking down at you and smiling a perfect smile of love for you. God is not only looking down, He is always and forever with you. Thinking of you with love.”—Nathan

“God will not forget you. Neither will I.”—Allison

“I feel like I have no right to shed these tears. I will never come close to understanding your experiences. But I know that Jesus Christ understands you perfectly. Turn to Him, and He will give you peace and love.”—Kyle

“There is a safe place reserved just for you. Keep pushing through. The time will come that fear and hate will pass. Only love and peace will survive.”—J

“No matter what has happened, someone will always love you.”—Hilary

“I will always pray for you every day and night.”—Mikenna

“People may tell you that you’re disposable, don’t listen. God is with you no matter what you do.”—Ty

“I will pray for you for the rest of my life. May God bless you.”—Ann

“I’m so sorry! It makes me want to cry for you, but you don’t want my pity; you want my love. Here it is: I love you.”—Chelsea

“Do not lose faith and hope. The Lord loves you and has a plan for you. He will always look after you!”—Kasey

“You will never be far from my thoughts. My heart goes out to you. I have faith you will be all right. I love you. Someday I will come to your home and shake your hand and show you the love you may not remember.”—Anna

“I can’t even fathom the trials you’ve faced. I could never forget—even if I tried—your stories and pictures. God will deliver you.”

“I pray that God will bring you peace and a calmness during this time. Remember that there are people everywhere praying and thinking about you. Stay strong and rely on God!”—Olivia

“No matter what, God loves you and he will punish these LRA troops for cruelty. Don’t worry.”—Ariel

“I am going to school to become a social worker who will work with kids just like you. I want you to know that you are loved—by me and by God.”—Candice

“I think about your situation often. I want you to know that you aren’t forgotten. You are heroes. NEVER GIVE UP. We hold you in our hearts.”—Danielle

“I can’t even imagine the pain you go through every day. Being scared to live your own life must be awful. Please believe that life will get better. It will. Know that I love you. I care, and I promise I will help you somehow. I will raise awareness. I want to come visit. I will help you. Believe that God is with you. He is there when the war begins and ends. He loves you, and He made you special. Pray to Him in your time of need. Be strong and courageous.”—Meredith

“Just hearing and seeing what you have gone through makes me cry. You are AMAZING! You’re so strong! I love you. God bless you all. Keep praying!”—Kelly

“I thought my life was hard, but I see how much harder it must be for you. I am so selfish thinking the world revolves around me and my friends and my family and people I know.”—Lonnece

“God will never forget you, ever. He will help you in your time of need if you just believe in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I’m very sorry for what is happening to you. I will always pray for you. God bless you.”—Joshua

“I pray with all my heart that all this grief will be ended for you. I have great faith that the Lord will reward you for your struggles. I send you love. Find strength in your faith. May the Spirit guide you and protect you always. Remember, I love you in a way I can’t explain. My heart is with you.”—Callie, age15

“No one deserves to go through this pain and torture—and neither should you. I can’t even put into words how sad this makes me feel. It makes me think about things I’ve taken for granted that you didn’t have. I will pray for you. Be strong.”—Mary

“Trust in God’s plan. He will always be there for you. I’ll keep you all in my prayers. Stay strong and don’t lose faith.”—Kawika

“Please, don’t give up faith and hope. God is there for you, even when you don’t think so. People can help only so much but God can heal broken hearts and any problem in your life. God loves you so much, and I pray that He will guide and protect you always. Trust God! No matter how hard it seems now, never lose hope. I will be praying for you, and I know things will get better. In heaven, I will see you, and I will hope that we can have a good time.”—Geovany

“Stay strong. We may live miles away from each other, but we’re all one big family and we love you. Never give up during the hard times. We can all move past the destruction, but we all have to stick together. We love you. Always smile and know tomorrow will be better.” 

“Dear child, I will probably never see or know what you have gone through. But I will always remember what happened and do whatever I can to help. I will be praying. God bless you.”—Trenda

“I don’t know how you can survive this; it sure is painful. When I become a doctor, I’ll help as many people as I can. The pain you feel—it must be terrible. But I will come! I will save you! Soon.”—Anna

“Through every day, hour, and second, the Lord God is with you and loves all of you dearly because you are His children. I will be praying every night for all of you. You’ll be in my heart always.”—Olivia

“I know you are wondering, “Why did this have to happen to me?” People are coming to help you. It may be difficult, but stay strong and always remember that God is watching over you! We all love you. There’s hope! I love you!”—Ashley

“Stay strong in the hope and faith of God. In a world filled with pain and sorrow, He’s the one who will lift you above the chaos and into His arms of love.”—Cia

“God is always looking over you. You should not be afraid. Be strong. We love you and care for you so much. We hope you feel safe and better soon. I send you all my love.”—Sabrina

“Be strong, have faith, believe it will get better. I promise you I will come and help you someday!”—Kyleigh