Meet Mercy Jaryce (Age 14)

Mercy Jaryce, born in 2010, lives in the Voca Mission community of Paynesville with her mother and two younger siblings. Her father, who was once the family's pillar, fell ill and passed away, leaving her mother to labor with the burden of raising the children alone. To make ends meet, Mercy and her mother sell cooked food around Paynesville, using the modest earnings to pay rent and provide for their essential needs.

Despite the difficulty, Mercy's mother is given a hint of solace. She feels gratitude; though her daughter's work is risky, it is also a stark reminder of their trials, which have served as an open door. Mercy's mother is holding on to the hope that God has opened a door for Mercy and a better future, which will outweigh their past and present struggles.