On the border with Thailand, the Shan State in Myanmar is a major market for exports, where local goods like cloth, alcohol, jewelry, fruits and electrical products are found. It is also a tourist and trading town, drawing in people from different places and groups.

But behind all the glitz and grandeur of a recognized trade point, Shan State is right in the heart of the Golden Triangle, one of the most extensive opium producing and trading areas in the world. Many people, including children, are exposed to the danger of the drug trade which has made living conditions deplorable.

Yeng* is a cheerful teenager who moved to the Shan State with her family in search of a better life. But due to the nature of the area, life just got worse. The family simply couldn't make ends meet and this caused horrible fights between the parents. The situation quickly spiraled downward when her father turned to alcohol and began venting his anger on the young children. He soon grew fed up and left the country, abandoning his family.

With no one to turn to, Yeng and her mother were left stranded and helpless. When Yeng thought life reached its lowest point, her mother remarried. Yeng's step-father pulled her out of school and made her work for a vegetable vendor who rarely paid her. Though obedient to her step-father, Yeng's heart yearned to keep studying but with an insufficient income, the future looked dangerously bleak for Yeng.

On one of their visits to a local church, Yeng and her mother heard about the Hand of Hope Children's Home run by Joyce Meyer Ministries world outreach Hand of Hope. The pastor of the Children's Home was happy to welcome her into the home and before she knew it Yeng was back to studying – even improving in her subjects!

She is fed regular and nutritious meals, something she always lacked. Constantly taught – and shown – the love of God, Yeng is happy, blissful, and feels destined for great things. Life has finally begun to look upward, and according to Yeng, appears to be on an upward course for a long time to come. By partnering with Hand of Hope you can give children like Yeng the opportunities they never had. Partner with Hand of Hope and reach out to children across the world!

*Name changed for privacy