A reminder of joy in a year when it was sometimes hard to find

After an extraordinary year in which joy has been elusive for many, World Vision’s communicators from around the world compiled a photo essay of their favourite images. They capture the sorrow, heartache, joy, celebration, and hope of people caught up in the COVID-19 pandemic along with natural disasters, political unrest and persecution.

Take a few moments to enjoy and give thanks to our loving God who walks with us through life’s valleys and rejoices when agencies such as World Vision bring relief to suffering people. You can view the whole photo essay here.

World Vision programs strive to include people living with disabilities like 12-year-old Beatrice. She not only received a wheelchair from World Vision, but a clean water source that’s wheelchair accessible. “I’m grateful to World Vision for the wheelchair that has made my movement easier, and for the water. Life is beautiful,” Beatrice says. ©2021 World Vision/photo by Derrick Kyatuka

 

 

Laksmi was sexually trafficked at the age of 15. She says, “I’m stuck in the red-light area and can’t change that. But I want my children to move out of here and have their own life.” World Vision established an anti-trafficking network with the Indian police, which is helping Laksmi’s family to realize her dream. This network helps vulnerable children like Laksmi’s daughter, Binsa, enroll in school. It also set up Child-Friendly Learning and Recreation Centers for vulnerable children. ©2021 World Vision/photo by Jim Kasom

7.2 earthquake struck Haiti in August and brought a boulder crashing down on the home of Jasmine and her 4-year-old daughter, Nelly. “My mother held unto me and didn’t let go,” says Nelly. A 7.2 earthquake struck Haiti in August and brought a boulder crashing down on the home of Jasmine and her 4-year-old daughter, Nelly. “My mother held unto me and d©2021 World Vision/photo by Guy Vital-Herne

In 2019, Balamanikandan, now 9, ran to be the first person in line to receive a World Vision Gift Catalog goat. He named the goat, Thulasi, which means basil. Thanks to the gift of goats, Balamanikandan can attend his fourth-grade classes in his Indian community, without worrying about paying his education expenses. He says, “Now Thulasi has grown big, but still she likes to be with me.” ©2021 World Vision/photo by Luke Aslaksan