From time to time, as a new story about a current or former (Compassion-)sponsored child comes to my attention, I will post it here.
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Compassion’s blog frequently runs a story about former sponsored children, now adults who were truly able to break the cycle of poverty, through the opportunities afforded them by caring sponsors. Read about Henry and Xiomara and their family in Colombia: http://blog.compassion.com/child-sponsorship-releases-generations-from-poverty/.
While you’re at it, read about Patricia, a 12-year-old girl who saw other children in her neighborhood who were always causing trouble and respected no one. What is she doing to change her world? Go to http://blog.compassion.com/young-missionary/.
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The following story comes from Mark Pellingra, Northeast Regional Manager for Compassion International. Mark met Darin in a trip to Rwanda. Some editing has been done for clarity and brevity.
Compassion International President and CEO Wess Stafford has often said, “You just can’t outgive the poor!” Consider Darin.
“Darin is a graduate of Compassion’s sponsorship program in Rwanda. Through the program, he learned tailoring and is now self-employed. He is very bright, energetic and full of the joy of Christ. As he shared his testimony with us, it was obvious that the grace of God had preserved his life through even the darkest days of his family’s tribulations during the genocide. Darin expressed gratitude over and over for the blessings of his church, for his sponsor and for Compassion. At the church-run project, he learned about Jesus and came to a lively faith in Christ.
“Darin also learned how to sew. After his high school graduation, he began his business making school uniforms. He did so well that he hired two others–both students! He also took in two orphans and helped to sponsor another boy who was unable to receive an education. He explained that his main job is to disciple these young men, but God uses the business to provide for all their material needs. He proudly told us that his profit margin is over 160%! His dream is to one day own a factory and be able to support a whole development project. But he says, ‘For now, I will take care of those unfortunate that the Lord blesses me with.’
“Jesus used the example of the poor widow to teach his disciples about sacrificial giving. I have to admit that I haven’t heard the word sacrifice used very much in reference to giving, though I have seen it demonstrated through people like Darin. It was a humbling experience to listen to him. Can you imagine if he were your sponsored child? One life impacts so many others!”
Many other stories have been told about formerly-sponsored children who have broken the cycle of poverty. (Read the story of Israel Candia here. You can’t imagine how your life might change!
