This is 12 year old Jose, one of our sponsored children in the Philippines. I remember the first time I saw him. He was happy with a big beautiful smile that captured my heart. I could tell he was very poor and did not have much hope for the future being any better. I went back a year later and he was wearing the same old t-shirt he was wearing the year before. It was the only one he had. I visited his home and my heart was pierced when I saw the conditions. I've seen homes of the poor before, but nothing like this one. We now sponsor 3 of the 4 children in this family. The whole family comes for breakfast at the church. Jose's mother helps cook and serve the food. Jose's older brother is in college, preparing to become an architect. All the family is active in the church.  

When not in school, Jose helps his mother sell fresh fish they catch. He worries that when he is in school there will be no one to help his mother. But he knows education is the pathway out of the severe poverty of his family. So he is determined to go to school everyday and try his hardest to do well. He hopes to be a teacher some day. 

Sponsoring these 3 children has given them a spark that was not there before. Thank you Partners, Sponsors and Friends who give so many children like Jose and his brother and sister can receive and, in turn, give to others. 

Thank you for praying for our team of 4 who are currently in the Philippines. All of the pastors who care for our sponsored children will be coming together in Tagbilaran City this week. It will be a time of encouragement and equipping for some of the finest men and women we have met anywhere.

Remember, you can make an eternal impact on the life of a child or teen by sponsoring them and making education a reality. The cost is only $1 a day to change a life.