Grief has a way of stopping you in your tracks.
For Rissa, life changed in an instant. After the brutal stabbing of her two sons—one of whom tragically lost his life—her world was shattered. The pain was overwhelming. Moving from Sydney to Newcastle was meant to be a fresh start, but in those early months, the weight of loss followed her. She felt lost, broken, and deeply depressed, struggling to imagine life without her son. To cope, Rissa turned to drugs, trying to numb a heartbreak that felt too heavy to carry.
Yet even in the darkness, she kept praying.
“I asked God every day to help me get better—for my children, for my family.”
Then came a turning point. One morning, Rissa woke up and made a decision that would change everything: she had had enough. Enough of the pain. Enough of the cycle. She chose to stop. It wasn’t easy, but with courage and determination, she began the long journey toward healing.
A few months into her recovery, she prayed again—this time asking God for purpose.
Soon after, a simple phone call from her sister-in-law opened the door. She invited Rissa to volunteer with Church 4 Life Charities. Rissa said yes—and in that yes, something new began.
Through volunteering, Rissa found more than something to do. She found community. She found people who cared. She found a place where she belonged. Seven months later, she was offered a paid position—an answered prayer, and a powerful reminder that God had not forgotten her.
Today, Rissa stands in a very different place. Stronger. Hopeful. Restored. Not only has her life changed, but her whole family can see the difference. As she has healed, their lives have been transformed too. What once felt broken is now being rebuilt with love, purpose, and renewed strength.
Rissa’s story is one of deep loss—but even greater courage. It’s a reminder that no matter how dark the season, there is always hope for a new beginning.
We are so thankful for every supporter and volunteer who makes stories like Rissa’s possible. Through Church 4 Life Charities, lives are being restored, families are being strengthened, and hope is being reignited every single day.
#Church4LifeCharities #1000LivesChanged
