Four years have passed since I last heard the singing of Filipino children. I had forgotten the beautiful sound of voices singing praises to the Lord in a language not their own. I cried. I cried because their beautiful smiling faces were full of joy. I cried because their crisp clean clothes showed a respect for their house of worship. I cried because the majority of these children are among the poorest of the poor in this large city.

Many of the children are sponsored by FCM. They have the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty through education. But more importantly, they are given hope through Christian discipleship. The other children - brothers, sisters, cousins, neighbors - follow the sponsored children to church and are also learning about the Lord. Parents of sponsored children are attending church and Bible studies for the first time. Some parents are also taking an active part in the feeding and discipleship programs. They are learning that it is better to give than to receive. And when you give of your time and talents, you are blessed.

Four years were erased by looking into the eyes of the children. Four years were erased by the sound of singing. The memories have returned, and I am blessed.

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.