Is anyone ever truly prepared for the death of someone they love?
For a little girl named Zuri, the news crashed in without warning. Shock settled like a hollow numbness, tingling through her body. A thousand unanswered questions pounded on the door of her heart:
What happened?
This can’t be real.
Why him?
Why is this happening to me?
Where is God?
Grief didn’t knock politely. It arrived uninvited and unannounced.
When her uncle, a pivotal caregiver, died unexpectedly, her world tilted on its axis. Tears clouded her eyes. The place that once felt safe and steady suddenly felt fragile and broken. His absence carved an aching space in her heart. Emotions bubbled beneath the surface, and grief pulsed through her small frame.
Relief alone could not heal wounds like these. Time alone could not steady her shaking world.
But God.
Scripture reminds us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Long before Zuri’s loss, God had already been at work. By His grace, she was part of a RiverCross Club. RiverCross Clubs are small, structured groups where young people listen to the Bridge to Freedom story, process hardship, build resilience, and grow in hope in Christ with the guidance of trained caregivers. Story helps children process difficult experiences indirectly. When children hear characters facing grief, fear, or loss, they often recognize their own emotions in the story. This creates a safe distance that allows them to reflect, express feelings, and begin building resilience and hope.
During an immersive audio drama session, something stirred in Zuri’s heart. After the third gathering, tears returned — but this time, they came with courage. She stayed behind to speak with her leader, Daniel, who had been trained as a RiverCross Facilitator. Often, this training takes place at a RiverCross Summit.
She poured out her heart to Daniel. She remembered her uncle. She spoke of his faith and the pastor he had been close to. As she listened to the truth that God was with her — not distant, not silent, not unaware — comfort began to take root. In that sacred space, she encountered a God who draws near to the brokenhearted.
Because God was with her, she could begin to re-story her experience of loss. She could face painful memories with courage. She could discover that grief does not have the final word.
Because of your prayers and generosity, that caregiver was trained and equipped to walk alongside a child in grief — and had a front-row seat to witness Jesus’ transforming love at work in a tender, wounded heart.
Your generosity equips the very people God has already placed in the right places—caregivers, teachers, pastors, and leaders who are walking with children through hardship every day.
Together, we strengthen caregivers.
Together, we help children process grief and build resilience.
Together, we treasure children and strengthen the communities around them.
This June, caregivers from across Africa will gather for the 5th annual RiverCross Summit to be trained to lead RiverCross Clubs for children like Zuri: Every participant contributes financially toward their training, but what they are able to contribute does not cover the full cost. Through your generosity, you can help ensure caregivers like Zuri’s receive the training and tools they need. And together, we remind children like Zuri that even in grief, they are not alone.
***Disclaimer: Names have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved.