See this woman? She’s a hero of the faith. Through her, the walls of poverty are crumbling for her family.

Ana Morales is the mother of our very own Tony Beltran. Tony graduated from the Leadership Development Program in the Dominican Republic and will be graduating from Moody Bible Institute in May.

Tony is known for his leadership and for speaking with passion. That passion shines through as he looks at his mother and testifies about this amazing woman.

Ana Morales is a portrait of perseverance. Poise and confidence inhabit her words.

Ana grew up in church, where she first learned to trust our heavenly Father. That trust was vital in the midst of poverty. As a child, Ana and her siblings often went without meals.

As a young woman, Ana married. After two years of marriage and with a 6-month-old baby, her husband died. She clung to that same trust that sustained her through her childhood.

“When you are young, and when you experience hard times, you grow up with lessons in courage and perseverance. You realize that you will make it and that God will provide.”

Ana Morales is a prayer warrior.

Tony recollects his mother’s early encouragement. She once told him, “While I have knees, you will go to college.” This prayer warrior was constantly on her knees, lifting up prayers to Jesus for her young son. She saw early on that Tony was admired for his passion, always willing to work hard and excellent at scripture memory.

Ana Morales is a servant leader.

Tony speaks about his time at Moody Bible Institute. About the people he’s met and the lessons he’s learned on leadership. Yet one of the many things he realizes: “The best leader I ever met was right in my house. It was my mother.”

The mother and son look at each other, recalling difficult times. Ana admits that often there was not enough food to go around for all of her children. So to make sure they could eat what little was available, she pretended she was working in the kitchen and didn’t need any food.

Ana knows, though, that it takes a community of believers.

“Compassion is a ‘Fountain of Help,’” she says, tears streaming from her eyes. Ana was able to provide the intangible things Tony needed: love, prayer and family. But she was not always able to provide financially.

Around the same time that Ana was praying for her son, the lives of the Sibley family were about to change. They began sponsoring 14-year-old Tony. Their choice allowed Tony to continue with high school and eventually move on to the Leadership Development Program and Moody Bible Institute.

Gary and Cindy Sibley joined us for the wonderful celebration of Tony’s graduation.

Cindy and Ana grabbed one another’s hands and the tears began to flow again.

“We met yesterday for the first time. It was extremely emotional!”

They share the love of the same child. They have been used by God to help raise this child to become quite a man.

When Tony was younger, Ana’s biggest hope for him was that he would finish his schooling. Now that he has earned a master’s degree she prays he will maintain the path of the Lord and God’s plan for his life.

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We at Compassion are very, very proud of Patrick, a Leadership Development Program student in Uganda who recently refused a bribe that would have allowed a dangerous drug to be released to the public.

While Patrick was working as an intern at a pharmaceutical company, he was asked repeatedly to pass a drug that had harmful chemicals in it. In fact, Patrick was offered 10 million Ugandan shillings — enough for him and his family to buy land and a new house.

Patrick refused the bribe and told the company that he simply would not pass the bad drugs.

The pharmaceutical company destroyed the drug in question, and now thousands of Ugandans are safer due to Patrick’s integrity and strength in Christ. Recognized for his leadership, Patrick was offered a promotion by the same company a week later.

Here is his story in his own words.

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The youths in our student centers face many challenges. Because of cultural paradigms, poor academic preparation by the national school system (especially in rural areas), and financial barriers, one of the greatest challenges for youths is learning how to dream.

Often it is difficult for children and students to pursue a vision to move forward. Many young women in Guatemala are forbidden to pursue a college education, and in some cases they are not even allowed to finish high school.

Young men are also faced with a similar challenge, as they are called to provide for their home at a very young age, which keeps them from finishing their high school education.

According to Guatemala’s National Statistical Institute (INE, 2002 Census), only 16.71 percent of youths in Guatemala receive a high school education.

Despite these challenges, our church partners play a key role in releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name. Poverty is defined not just as economic insufficiency, but when viewed holistically the poor tend to lack vision, trust, self-esteem and opportunities for a better future.

“It is a process in which we try to launch them as leaders. Many people say: ‘They are young. They are not competent.’ But if we do not let them lead, they will not be able to develop their leadership. We are there by their side to help them,” says Gerson, Dios es Amor Student Center Director.

The student center begins working with children to help them plan for their futures at  age 12, which marks a significant time of change in their lives. The staff begins by sharing with the youths the opportunity that the Leadership Development Program (LDP) offers, and identifying and developing each child’s strengths, skills and talents.

“If they have an aptitude for music, we encourage them to use their talent for worship. Others develop their leadership by taking the responsibility of coordinating devotional activities for the children,” says Gerson.

The staff at the student center provides mentoring and other activities that teach valuable lessons to promote holistic development and preparation that stays with the students, even through their college years and into adulthood.

The student center also addresses age-appropriate issues, such as sex, diseases like HIV, vices, and peer pressure. In addition, due to the dangerous environment that the children are exposed to, the student center also invites the Communications Representative of the National Police to talk to the students. He discusses time management and creates awareness of the negative consequences of joining gangs and using drugs.

Moreover, the staff helps youths with their academic performance through tutoring, especially the areas in which they are struggling in school. However, the hard work of improving their academic performance cannot be done without additional encouragement from the staff and a deep understanding of the importance of education by the children.

Another is to invite LDP students to the centers so that they can be role models to the children. The LDP students serve as an example to the children that they, too, are capable of becoming leaders. After all, the LDP students were once in the children’s shoes, with similar backgrounds, and now they are in a place with unlimited possibilities.

“I always said ‘wow’ when I saw the LDP students. They motivated us and demonstrated a genuine interest in us. They taught us that we were able to achieve our dreams. I especially remember a graduate, Letty, who motivated me to dream, and today she is my mentor,” says Sindy, a former beneficiary at the student center who is now an LDP student.

The student center and the LDP students act as key agents of motivation and inspiration, teaching youths to dream. Yet dreaming is not enough. It is necessary that the children learn how to state their goals and have an action plan. Therefore, the student center uses an important tool called My Plan for Tomorrow, a blueprint of goals in every area of life, with specific actions to take planned by the students.

The most important preparation the student center provides, however, is to tell youths about Christ. Many children give their hearts to Jesus, transforming their lives forever. And the blessing does not end here, but salvation spreads to their families.

The student center promotes a lasting committed relationship with the Lord. The children not only are introduced to Christ, but persevere in His ways, even after they leave the center.

The student center also equips youths to be servant leaders. This has a powerful impact on their families and friends as they look out for the needs of others.

In some instances, the church provides food or staff collects food items from the students. Then, the staff and the children pack the food in bags and share it with the community or with the beneficiaries’ families who may be going through hard times.

Sindy is actively involved in serving the church and reaching out to her community. She is a Sunday school teacher. She helps as a sound technician in her church, is part of the church choir, and directs their presentations. She offers support for the deacons, takes care of the Sunday program at church, and helps with vacation Bible school, reaching out to the children of her community.

In addition, Sindy was very active volunteering at the student center, and every so often the center invites her as a guest speaker to talk to the children. Sindy also organizes sports activities that involve the community and represent the church as an active agent that blesses the youths in the area.

Nevertheless, many capable dedicated students are not able to achieve the goal of entering the Leadership Development Program.

In 2008, 108 students applied, and there was a quota of 30 to be selected. In 2009, 22 out of 80 were selected, and in 2010, 24 out of 80 were selected.

Many consider the dream of being an LDP student, receiving a college education, and becoming a leader almost unreachable. Many apply and are not chosen, but they persevere with hope.

“The first time I applied I was rejected. I felt that my world was over. I seriously doubted my abilities, but the church was there to motivate me to believe that I was still capable, and I applied again,” says Aury, an LDP graduate and one of Compassion Guatemala’s partnership facilitators.

Many students overcome major challenges to meet the requirements. For example, Juan Carlos applied to the program last year and was not chosen either. He had recently lost his father and absorbed part of his father’s responsibility in his home. This put a lot of pressure on him, which affected his academic performance. He is encouraged and eager to apply again, after improving his GPA.

Many are left heartbroken after applying. One young man, Carlos, got to the last stage of recruiting process but was not chosen due to quota. He got discouraged, and it affected his drive to serve and be involved in church.

Still, Carlos did not give up on his dream, and today he is a freshman in college. The church did not give up on him either. The church decided to pay the initial college expenses for Carlos so that he could have a new beginning.

Today Carlos works as a teacher during the week to pay for his expenses, and he studies on the weekends.

“The Leadership Development Program motivated me to go on, even though I did not get in. Education is an urgent matter for me. It is what I always wanted, and I love what I do,” says Carlos.

Yet, they all have something in common. They all have learned to dream and hope:

“My dream is to manage and own my business and help others,” says Aury.

“My dream is to become an architect and work for the state,” says Carlos.

“My dream is to go back and help the children in the student centers with their problems and to have my own business,” says Sindy.

“My dream is to study communications, and reach out to the youth through the radio so they can come to know the Lord,” says Juan Carlos.

“I want to help the children in the student center and provide laboratory tests to improve their health and teach the Word,” says Yajayra, a child at the student center.

These dreams are not only in God’s hands, but in yours as well.

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Ever since the Leadership Development Program was launched in Ethiopia in 2004, students from Compassion-assisted child development centers around the country submit their applications each year and pass through an intensive selection process to be one of the few chosen to participate in the program.

A student’s acceptance into the program is considered a big accomplishment for a child development center, the family, and most of all the student.

Development centers invest a lot to make one child eligible for the program; the outcome is the aggregated input of many years of work and one that involves the unrelenting effort of the center staff, Sunday school teachers and caregivers.

In any community, if there is an understanding of the value of education, there will be a gradual change in the development of that community as students succeed and pursue higher education. The more the society believes in education, the more they invest in their children.

According to Mr. Azale, who has worked as Director for DebreZeit Meserete Kirstos Child Development Center for 14 years, the community’s view toward education has been the decisive factor in the academic success of the majority of the children at his center.

There are parents who sacrifice a lot in order to buy their children books. There are also those who pay close attention to their children’s academic progress. This isn’t always the case elsewhere.

Many children living in poverty are forced to drop out of school and support their family. It takes extra effort to motivate these children and to show them other options. Even if the family believes in education, it is often considered a luxury.

To tackle this and other related problems encountered during the process of developing academically competent children, the center staff’s commitment to constantly counsel and guide them plays a pivotal role.

According to Mr. Azale, who is also among center directors who won last year’s award for bringing the highest number of students to the Leadership Development Program, the center starts working with children when they are 7 or 8 years old.

Children are encouraged to make a habit of reading. The center developed a system where the children are asked to list the books they need for the coming year. Those books are made available when possible in the resource center for all children to access. The resource center has a professional librarian, and Mr. Azale visit frequently.

In order to recognize the hard work of the students each academic year, the center arranges recreation time at the end of the year. During this time, the center staff encourages and awards those who did well academically, while motivating the others to do well in the coming year.

This event works wonders every year to create the kind of competitive spirit the center wants to instill in the children.

“We don’t only work on the improvement of the children’s academic performance; we want our children to have a balanced growth. Therefore, we also devote our time in developing their spiritual life as well as their social life,” says Mr. Azale.

Even though the children come from various religious backgrounds, the Bible studies they learn gradually bring change in their lives, and many have accepted Jesus as their Savior.

To strengthen their spiritual life, the center encourages children to participate in various church activities. In addition to the spiritual activities, the center staff makes sure children are involved in various clubs, which helps develop their social skills, too.

According to Mr. Azale, the center focuses not only on making students eligible for the Leadership Development Program, but also works hard to ensure children qualify to pursue higher education.

“Preparing students for the Leadership Development Program is a longtime process and one that requires long-term planning. We believe that if we work on the foundation, our children will be competent in any setting. Therefore, we invest in them starting from their childhood.

“What we emphasize most is that children should work hard on their education, on their social as well as spiritual life to get accepted to the Leadership Development Program. But even if they don’t get the chance, their being accepted at the university is success by itself.”

Within the past six years 20 applicants from the center went through the selection process and nine were accepted into the program.

The students who compete for the program but aren’t selected often have no one to financially support their education, making it hard for them to concentrate on their studies.

Mr. Azale mentions the challenge he faces in reassuring students who are not selected. He wants to raise the quota to accept more children in the future.

“It is very difficult for us to convince students who don’t get the chance to be sponsored through the Leadership Development Program. I personally don’t blame them because these children will have no financial support whatsoever after they join the university.

“Our center staff currently supports two students in university because the students’ parents have no means of giving them financial support. It would be good if more children could participate in the program. If not I think we should think about supporting the children who don’t get the chance.

“The Leadership Development Program is a sacrificial service for everyone involved. We pay a price to bring the children to that level; the specialists pay a price to cultivate the children they accept and people who find sponsors pay a price to make sure that each child has a support.

“I would like to encourage those that are engaged in the work of finding these fine students sponsors to work hard because the more sponsors they find, the more children will be accepted in the program.

“Each child’s success in the program is the fruit of their hard work, so I say ‘God bless you’ and I encourage you again to make it possible for more children to get into the program.”

Sponsor a Leadership Student today.

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The Pastors Discipleship Network (PDN) is an initiative begun by Leadership Development Program graduate and Moody Bible Institute scholar Richmond Wandera. It exists:

“to train and equip local pastors in Africa with basic study tools for accurately interpreting God’s Word through monthly seminars, accountability relationships, and the provision of study resources.”

We’re bringing PDN to your attention as an example of what we mean when we say,

“The Leadership Development Program identifies young Compassion-assisted men and women who have shown potential to become Christian leaders who can, in turn, influence their own families, churches, communities and nations.”

PDN is an example of your support bearing fruit! Even if you don’t sponsor a leadership development student, your commitment to Compassion helps create the environment for opportunities like this. That’s what holistic child development is.

You can learn all about PDN at pdnafrica.org and can stay current with Richmond’s work via the PDN Facebook page.

But the philosophy essentially boils down to this:

“When a pastor is trained, his church is also trained; when you resource the pastor, his church is also resourced … everything rises and falls on leadership … a trained pastor becomes a watchman against heresy and false teaching. Therefore, training a local pastor protects the church.”

“My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge” — Hosea 4:6 (NIV)

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Joanita Nannyunja completed a bachelor of science degree in agriculture at Makerere University in Kampala. Makerere University is Uganda’s oldest and most prestigious institute of higher learning.

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The theme for the training was “Released to Maximize Impact.” The first day’s session centered on biblical foundations and biblical mentoring principles with special emphasis on the leadership qualities of biblical characters such as Moses, Joshua, Jacob and Joseph, shared by the Rev. K.E. Henry, Program Manager of Compassion East India. Henry also shared about “Discovering your Spiritual Gifts.”

On the second day, the students learned about the curriculum they would use during their time as LDP students, and the mentoring relationships they will have.

In the Leadership Development Program, each student chooses a mentor who guides them through the program, helping them with emotional, physical, social and even educational needs.

Mentors need to be of the same gender with an ability to capacitate, empower, encourage and motivate the student with godly admonition, love, care, concern and support. Students learned about their roles and responsibilities, and their accountability to their mentors.

Deep, one of the 20 new LDP students, can attest to the positive outcome of mentoring from his days as a sponsored child.

Deep grew up in abject poverty. His father worked at a tea shop, and his mother did dishes and mopped in a few houses to support the household.

Deep’s father was an alcoholic and addicted to marijuana. There were frequent fights at home because of his father’s addiction.

At times Deep’s father would beat and abuse Deep’s mother for money to buy his drugs. There was no peace in the family. Deep was moving into depression because of the unhealthy atmosphere. His parents took little to no interest in his development at the church; neither did they have time for him when they were home.

Because of their poor family condition, Deep’s mother wanted him to drop out of school. She would often pester him to find a part-time job to help in the household. Deep suffered from low self-esteem and lack of confidence.

It was at this time that the accountant at the Compassion child development center began to invest in Deep through counseling, encouragement and prayer.

Deep’s self-confidence grew. He also developed a personal relationship with God during this time. His academic performance improved as he began to excel in his studies. Deep got first division scores in his 10th and 12th grade exams that helped him qualify for the Leadership Development Program.

Deep says the mentoring relationship in the Leadership Development Program will be pivotal to the success of each student. His mentor in the Leadership Development Program is be the same man who helped him as a sponsored child, Lalnufela.

“Lalnufela has been a close friend and guide to me. He has helped me, encouraged me, edified me and prayed for me every time I needed help.

“I know that my journey in the Leadership Development Program is not going to be just that of me alone, but my mentor will be there to help me every step of the way, whether I am faced with difficult circumstances or standing at the crossroad of life. I want my mentor to be a guide to show me the right direction in life and also to pray for me and my family.”

The mentoring relationship is based on trust, hope and confidence as it can either build or demotivate a student. A mentor must be a mature Christian, exemplifying humility, mutual respect, love, hope, confidentiality and accountability.

Through the mentoring relationship, a mentor can share wisdom, value, knowledge and experience to help the student develop Christian values and professional skills.

Deep’s mentor has helped him in many ways. He helps Deep in counseling when he needs it. He has also helped guide Deep to discern and set priorities while making important decisions in life.

A student can discuss many things with a mentor during regular contact time that corresponds to the student’s academic, social, spiritual and leadership progress.

Deep’s mentor shares his experiences with him, counsels Deep from the Word of God, and helps him plans how to best fulfill the requirements for all 24 curriculums that LDP students must complete while in the program.

After completion of his bachelor’s degree in administration, Deep plans to pursue management studies for two years. After his graduation from the Leadership Development Program, Deep wants to help children who cannot reach their potential because of poverty.

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Drawing from his personal experience, Richmond Wandera explains how the Leadership Development Program selection process works.

You can also view the Leadership Development Program selection process video on YouTube.

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During this time of praise and singing, Maneenoot and Ittipol from the Leadership Development Program observe their college friends who attend this small group. Some students walk in casually, and others enter in a hurry, rushing from their previous class. A handful of students sit by themselves nearby.

The hearts of Ittipol and Maneenoot are crying out to bring back all the lost souls to their heavenly Father’s kingdom.

In 2005, a group of Leadership Development Program students decided to join together to form a group in order to fellowship and support each other while attending Naresuan University, located in Payao province.

At the time, out of the 20,000 students who attend the university, there were only a few Christian students who met for weekly Bible studies and prayer together near the university reservoir.

Maneenoot was one of the students who attended the Bible study group. She has been attending for the past two years, ever since she first entered Naresuan University.

Deep in her heart Maneenoot knew that her arrival at Naresuan University was not arbitrary. On the contrary, God had a specific purpose for bringing her to this university. Despite attending the weekly Bible studies, Maneenoot felt that this was not enough to satisfy her desire to serve the Lord.

“On November last year [2008] we planned to host a Christmas party and we wanted to invited our non-Christian friends. We wanted them to have fun and meet new people.

“Most importantly, we wanted our non-believer friends to hear about the true meaning of Christmas day and ultimately come to accept Jesus into their lives.”

When the Christmas party took place on Christmas day it attracted a large turnout. There were 50 students who showed up to the party held at the local church.

Pastor Nachared shared the story of Jesus, explaining why He was born on earth and His sacrifice for all mankind — the ultimate Christmas gift.

It was evident that God was working among the students. Eleven students accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior after the party.

“God had answered our prayers for revival in this university. God has enabled us to hear His call and evangelize to our friends. I am so thankful to God that He is moving in my university.” — Maneenoot

The small Christian Bible study group has grown to become a Christian club, the Give With Love Club, that now has more than 60 members, half of them believers.

“I still know that God has plans to expand our Bible study group. My friends and I share a common burden and desire to glorify and expand His kingdom. We want to bring salvation to all our non-believing friends.” — Ittipol

There are four Leadership Development Program students who lead this club. They are responsible for all the programs and the activities.

At times things seem difficult and are beyond their control. Yet time and again God has proven Himself faithful by opening doors for those who seek and serve Him.

God provided the club with two precious assets to help lead and guide them. God brought His faithful servant, Pastor Nachared, and a Christian professor, Sudarat, to serve as mentors and consultants to the four students and to the rest of the Bible study club.

Pastor Nachared always provides counseling and guidance for the students. He attends the weekly club meetings at the university.

“There are now many students who come to the club. During some weeks the chairs in the meeting room are all occupied and there are hardly any available seats left. The club has grown immensely.”

One Thursday evening at around 6:45, more than 50 students came to the huge, sloped lecture room completely soaking wet as it was raining cats and dogs that night.

Despite the dismal weather, half an hour after the program started at least five new students decided to join the club. Even the rain could not stop them attending the Give With Love Club.

Maneenoot begins the club meetings by singing songs and playing games in order to establish a relaxed and fun atmosphere. She has observed how important it is to make people laugh and unwind, especially if they have had a stressful day. Then, an invited special guest shares his or her testimony.

On that rainy Thursday evening, the special speaker was a policeman who was in charge of patrolling the university area.

The policeman’s testimony was easy for the students to relate to. He was born into a Buddhist family. He shared how he decided to believe in Jesus, accepting Him as his personal Lord and Savior, and how God has transformed his life as well as in the lives of his family members.

Before the meeting ended, Pastor Nachared challenged all the non-believers to develop a personal relationship with Christ and encouraged the Christians to stand firm in their faith.

“The club exists for two main reasons: The first is to evangelize, and the second is to build a strong and powerful Christian group within the university.” — Ittipol

“I love sharing the Gospel to others because it is my life. Even though most of my friends are Buddhist, they have never rejected me because of my faith. I strongly believe that God never fails in helping me and is constantly by me when I speak about Him. Most importantly, all of my friends know that I am Christian because they see God working in me.” — Maneenoot

Studying in university is no easy task. Students have many responsibilities. They are constantly busy with never-ending papers to complete, the many classes they must attend, as well as the many lessons they study.

In times of weariness, God has strengthened the Leadership Development Program students and shown His delight toward their passion and calling to serve Him. God has worked to soften many students’ hearts and has harvested the lambs that have been lost.

“I became a Christian because of this club [Give With Love Club]. When I first attended this club, I could feel the friendliness and warmth from the Leadership Development Program students and the rest of the club members. After I confessed my sins and received Jesus Christ in my life, there was a remarkable happiness that emerged from within my body and soul. I am so happy and privileged to believe in God and to be apart of His family. — Nantapol, a new believer

The club not only serves to unite new believers but it also helps to gather together Christian students to build a strong fellowship group. One Christian student says,

“When I first entered the university I searched for a Christian group. Then God heard my prayer and brought me to this club.

“Every time I attend the club meetings and interact with fellow club members, I am always left feeling very invigorated and renewed. Especially after all the stress that I encounter after each busy day.

“For me club meetings are a time that allows me to be close to God, as He washes away my tiredness and fatigue and replaces it with renewed energy. I know that I am not alone because I have God and I have wonderful friends whom I can share His love with.”

The Leadership Development Program students have proved themselves worthy of the title “leadership students” because they have dared to make a difference and have strived to be fruitful in every circumstance they face.

Professor Sudarat observes,

“I notice that the Give with Love Club has something that is different than all the other clubs. I can feel that the club members are united together and each member has an inner strength and joy that really stands out.

“They focus on creating a joyful and positive atmosphere that encourages its members to feel comfortable. They are not afraid to be open and unveil themselves to others in order to connect with and establish close relationships with other club members. This sort of atmosphere enables them to be honest and open with each other, as trust is a natural byproduct of this God-inspired club.

“I know that managing the club can be difficult but they do it because their hearts are filled with God’s love. Each and every one of them possesses a determination and willingness to serve the Lord. I have never heard a single one of them complain.

“Their willingness to serve God is just one of the tangible ways that I can see and feel God’s spirit working through them. I am very impressed with and inspired by the Leadership Development Program students.”

Another big vision and burden for these Leadership Development Program students is to establish a church in front of the university. This church would serve as a center for evangelism and worship.

They wish to follow and fulfill Jesus’ great commandment from the book of Mathew 28:19-20 (NIV):

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

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