We are the Brasile family from Hamden, Connecticut: Thomas and Esther. We have two daughters, Larissa and Leah. We believe in the ministry of Compassion International. This story is written by Esther.
Music and art are very important parts of our lives and household. Phil Keaggy is a musician we try to see in concert when we can. Phil has been a strong advocate for Compassion for many years
In 1993, Larissa was 9 years old and Leah was 5 years old. The four of us were at a Phil Keaggy concert when we decided to take another Compassion Child Packet. We chose the photo of a lovely little girl, from the Philippines, named Michelle.
As we began to correspond with Michelle, we learned she had a mom, dad and two brothers. She could write and express herself very well in English.
Immediately, we also saw how privileged we were to have a relationship with a godly young lady who was older than Larissa and Leah. Michelle was someone they could look to as an example even though she was far away.
Michelle’s photo was proudly displayed among our family photos, reminding us to pray for her. The most significant truth that was expressed in all of Michelle’s letters was her passionate desire to please and glorify God in all she did.
On a more human level, we had an immediate connection with Michelle through our love for the arts. Michelle told us she was learning sacred dance and was using that skill to glorify God during worship services. She was also learning how to play the tambourine.
I always thought of this when I brought Larissa and Leah to their dance lessons. I reminded them that Michelle was also a dancer. This artistic connection carried over through our lives as Tom played guitar in church, as Larissa, Leah and I sang in the choir, and as Larissa and Leah refined their writing and drawing skills.
I am a professional calligrapher and printmaker, so this common interest was fun. We also told Michelle about Tom being Larissa’s and Leah’s soccer coach, about Larissa’s and Leah’s mission trip, and mentioned my Dad’s promotion to heaven.
Michelle wrote to us about her culture and heritage and we shared some of ours. I remember feeling encouraged, humbled and convicted to learn simply through letters that Michelle was obviously taking advantage of every opportunity that God gave her. She was not going to give up. This gave us a serious sense of responsibility toward her.
Tom describes his part in sponsoring Michelle as “shoveling coal,” as though helping to propel a great steamer toward its destination. We knew that we were helping to provide the support Michelle needed to go as far as she could go in Christ in this world – and go far she did!.
Our family is the proud sponsor of Michelle Sheba Tolentino. (more…)
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