“I grew up in orphanages, so I know how important it is to have support and encouragement”.
This story features Mariyan Panov, 21, a young man who grew up in an orphanage. After meeting the Mission Without Borders team at a Summer Camp, Mariyan accepted Christ and began his journey of faith.12th January 2025
Summer Camp Acceptance
In 2010, when Mariyan was six years old, he went along to a Summer Camp run by Mission Without Borders along with other children from the orphanage. At that time, he was afraid of strangers. He had a violent temper, and he was behind in speech development.
Here, Mariyan met Emil for the first time. Emil works for Mission Without Borders and is also a Pastor – and he and his wife Suzy would go on to have a profound effect on Mariyan’s life.
“I never had parents, so when I met Emil and his wife and their two daughters, I was very surprised,” Mariyan said. “The way they looked at each other, the way they spoke, the way they hugged their children. I was sure that if I ever had a family, I would want it to be like theirs.
Emil agreed that he felt as though he was Mariyan’s father. “He lived with the hope that he was part of my family. He started calling me ‘dad’ and my wife ‘mum’, and he still does to this day.
“When I first met Mariyan, he was a little boy, one of the smallest and naughtiest of the children. He knew how to get under everyone's skin to get attention. I often had to teach him order and discipline, but he always said he could tell how much we loved him. He loved coming to camp and being with us.”
Knowing the Love of Jesus through serving others
At one of the following Summer Camps, Mariyan accepted Jesus Christ during a Bible meeting in which there was a call to repentance. Over time, his faith grew, with help and support from Emil and others from Mission Without Borders.
“I accepted Jesus as my Saviour and He changed me. He changed my life, my heart, He gave me a family and a job. I feel very calm and happy. Believe in Jesus: He loves you!”
Mariyan also began volunteering for Mission Without Borders in all its activities and projects, including helping out at Summer Camp.
“What I like about volunteering for Mission Without Borders is the opportunity to help other people and see their lives change for the better,” he said. “When I was a child, the people at Mission Without Borders helped me to find hope and meaning in life. Now, as a volunteer, I can return that kindness and be part of their journey to a better future. Seeing the children grow and change in positive ways fills me with joy and pride.
Children like Mariyan deserve the warmth and belonging of a loving family. At Mission Without Borders, we provide guidance, love and support to children who have none. Your support transforms lives—donate now to help these children experience the care, hope, and joy they deserve. Donate today.