I was at BigStuf Camps as a camper the summer before my senior year of high school when God got ahold of my heart. He called me to sponsor a little boy in Kenya thru the organization Compassion International. The things I heard at camp that week completely broke my heart for the children and people of Kenya. I wanted to do something to help. I was excited to begin sponsoring this little boy, but the longer I started sponsoring him, the more I always wondered if what I was doing was really helping. In all honesty, there were some months that I didn't want to give up my money to help pay for this little boy. I liked to think I was making a difference in this boy's life, but I really had no idea.
Well, as most of you know, back in May of 2009, I was given the opportunity to travel to Kenya and meet precious Lekumok face-to-face. As soon as I saw him and met him, I immediately knew that me sponsoring him made a HUGE difference in not only his life, but his family's lives also. I remember feeling guilty for even doubting what Compassion International does for those children. I got to meet this little boy, his parents, his siblings, and his friends. I got to see his school and even had the rare privilege of visiting his home. Lekumok is the sweetest boy who comes from a family living in poverty. He lives in a tiny hut where his family of 9 must fit. In order to get to school he has to WALK an insane amount of miles just to get there-and when school is over, he must walk all those miles back. I remember when I was in Kenya, we drove to his home, and I wanted to complain about how long the DRIVE was. Talk about how spoiled I am. To us in America, all these things mentioned seem like a negative living situation to us. But let me tell you, Lekumok is a thankful boy. He is thankful to have a roof over his head, even if it is just a hut. He is thankful to go to school. Going to school is not a thing that every person gets to participate in. He gets to go to school because of the work of Compassion International. Compassion helps him get food and clean water along with medical care. And most importantly, Lekumok gets to hear about and experience the love of Jesus Christ on a daily basis. After my trip to Kenya last year, I am more convinced then ever that Compassion International makes such a huge difference in the lives of the sponsor children as well as their families.
Just a few short days ago, I was once again reminded of how incredible the organization Compassion International is. I got a letter in the mail from Lekumok. When I first started sponsoring him, a translator would have to write the letters for him. This letter was written all by himself. That is a huge deal. Here is what the letter says, word for word:
Rachel,
How are you? I am fine and my family is fine too. I am now in grade four. I was number 15 of 26. Pray for me to do well. How is your family? Thank you for coming to see me. Greet your family. I love you.
That may not seem like a big deal of a letter, but trust me, it is. Just a couple of years ago he could not even write a letter, and now he is writing by himself. He is excelling in school. His family is doing great. And has he has mentioned in other letters, he is in love with Jesus. Him being in love with Jesus Christ makes my heart smile so much. And that last part of the letter made my tear up. Big time. I love you. Wow. Thanks for that, God! I could not be more excited about the work Compassion International does for these kids. I am so blessed to be Lekumok's sponsor and am so incredibly thankful for him. I have learned so much about joy from him and love him so much!
Thank you, Compassion International, for every single thing you do for these children.
I think Carrie Underwood's song "Change" best explains Compassion... "The smallest thing can make all the difference.."
Want to know more about Compassion International? Go to www.compassion.com
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