This week, I witnessed one of the most precious moments I’ve experienced since working at Compassion. I’m traveling as a writer with about 25 sponsors on a Sponsor Tour in Guatemala. On Monday, a few of us visited Chico’s home.
Chico is an adorable 9 -year-old sponsored child. He and eight other family members live in one house with no electricity. His mother, Miriam, does what she can to support her family.
“I work all day, every day to take care of my children. I make tostadas and sell them. Since their father left me, it’s up to me.”
Making and selling tostadas brings in about $10 a day.
While we interviewed the family, Laura, a sponsor from Virginia Beach, Va., asked Chico if he knew Jesus. After our interpreter, Carlota, asked Chico the question for us, she started to cry. I couldn’t figure out why.
Carlota explained that Chico’s answer was no, but that he was ready to invite Jesus into his heart. He had heard about Jesus at his development center, but hadn’t committed his life to Him yet. So, right there in the middle of their kitchen, Laura led Chico in a prayer of salvation.
She explained to Chico that when someone invites Jesus into their heart, angels in heaven rejoice (Luke 15:10). She told him, “The angels are having a big party for you, Chico, right now.”
Chico’s smile at that moment will stay with me the rest of my life.
If you’re part of Compassion’s ministry, you were a part of this moment.
11 Comments |Add a comment
Hurray, Chico! Looking forward to meeting you in Heaven one day! ;D
Hurray, Chico! Looking forward to meeting you in Heaven one day! 😉
Ken… I grew up similarly, so I understand!
I LOVE Chico’s smile and am very happy for him. 🙂
Wow! That must have been incredible to witness. Welcome to the family, Chico!
Celebramos con Chico también …. Jesús lo adora más que sabemos ¡Dios bendice Chico y su familia! ¡Dios bendice el trabajo de las manos de su madre!
Praise our Almighty God –for He is good! We love you Jesus!
Well it goes with out saying but “Way to go Laura!” Thanks again for sharing this encouraging story.
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners Christ died for us!” Hallelujah!
Wow! What an awesome moment to witness. thanks for sharing it with us so we can all continue to pray for Chico.
amen, amen, amen
That is really cool! I can imagine being there.
I often wonder what is it like for a child to accept Jesus at a young age. When I was 9, Jesus was the farthest thing from my mind. Going to a Pentecostal church on Sundays from sun-up to sundown along with Wednesday night services left me with a negative feeling. I was taught that if you let Jesus in your life, you had to stop everything that was considered a sin. And if you slip, you’re a backslider and people called you a hypocrite. After hearing all of that I decided that when I’m old and bored with life will be the time I give my life to Jesus.
Around the age of 23 I realized I missed going to church after staying away from it during my teen years. At the age of 24 I accepted Christ. It has been an adventure with ups and downs; however, I am glad that my image of being a Christian has grown beyond the old image I had as a child in my childhood church. Now I can’t imagine being without Jesus.
I pray that Chico continues on his journey with Christ. I pray that it is a positive journey for him and he grows spiritually, mentally and physically. May he have a deep relationship with Jesus. Deeper than he ever imagined. May he grow to be the man that God desires him to be.
I want to add that I am not putting down the Pentecostal Church. The above was just my experience in the church I attended. There were some positives. I was given a foundation that introduced me to having a relationship with God. I am thankful for it.