Stories of Transformation: How Compassion Is Changing Lives

Since Compassion’s start in 1952, we’ve witnessed millions of stories of transformation. And Jenikka’s story is one of them.

As a young girl, Jenikka was diagnosed with blood cancer. Sadly, living in poverty in Sri Lanka, her family couldn’t get the treatment she desperately needed. That was until the local church stepped in.

Through the church and support of Compassion, Jenikka underwent the lifesaving treatment she needed for two straight years. She was officially diagnosed as cancer-free in June 2020. Now, as you can see from her smile above, Jenikka is thriving and has a bright future ahead of her!

This is only one of the stories of transformation Compassion’s been so blessed to be part of. Here, you’ll also meet Beauty, Emma, Wendy and John, whose lives were also changed through the local church and people just like you.

What’s Here:

• Beauty: From Hungry to Whole
• Emma: From Genocide Survivor to Hope Giver
• Wendy: From Sick to Well Again
• John: From Feeling Valueless to Full of Confidence
• You Can Empower More Stories of Transformation

Beauty: From Hungry to Whole

Beauty is a mom of five living in Zambia who works tirelessly to provide for her children. Despite her dedication, poverty still threatens them with severe hunger. But just like any mother would, Beauty will do whatever it takes to ensure her children have what they need to grow.

Alice, who she lovingly calls “Bubu,” is Beauty’s youngest child. And just a short while ago, Beauty feared for her Bubu’s life. Unable to afford even the basics for her children, Beauty witnessed her littlest one suffering. At 18 months old, Bubu weighed just 14 pounds.

The little one was severely malnourished, unable to crawl or walk. Bubu began to suffer from dangerous dehydration. Her eyes became sunken and her lips dry and cracked.

All Beauty could think about was losing her baby, and she refused to let that happen. Instead, she called Agness, a volunteer at the local Compassion center she had met.

In what seemed like an instant, the local church mobilized to provide support for baby Bubu. They placed her on a special nutrition program to protect her health and help her gain weight. They also provided extra food, support and encouragement to Beauty and her family.

“Now, whenever people look at Alice, they can’t recognize her. My ‘Bubu’ has gained weight, and the church is supporting us.” — Beauty

While she once feared that her daughter would die, Beauty is now full of hope. Bubu’s life was saved, and she’s now healthy, happy and whole. Beauty also knows she’s not alone — she has a heavenly Father who cares for her.

“All of this has taught me to only depend on God. I now only focus on God and teach my children to love the Lord. Whenever we wake up, Alice asks that we pray, which motivates me.” — Beauty

Emma: From Genocide Survivor to Hope Giver

Emmanuel, also known as Emma, has suffered unimaginable loss. At just 5 years old, he lost his mother and father during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Although he’s lived through heartbreaking pain, Emma has used his story for God’s glory, now serving children in need.

After losing his mother and father, Emma fled through Africa with his aunt and cousins. They hid among the banana trees in the dense bush for weeks, fearing they would be found and killed.

“I was never sure if I would live until the next day.” — Emma

After a long period of fleeing and hiding, they were rescued when soldiers took them to a camp for survivors.

Emma found himself in a new home with 40 other kids, also orphaned by the genocide. His uncle tried to care for them, but it was a struggle to find basics such as food and clothing. However, a local Compassion center soon opened its doors, and Emma was registered.

Emma walked through the doors of the local church wearing a too-big T-shirt and the weight of grief. Without his mother or father, he desperately needed love and care. And Emma found both through his loving sponsor, David, from the United Kingdom.

David sent Emma letters of encouragement often. And the local church provided opportunities for Emma to learn about Jesus. When he was 12 years old, he received Jesus as his personal Savior. As Emma grew in his relationship with Jesus, he was inspired to forgive those who had stolen so much from him.

Alongside the spiritual care he received, Emma was also given food and an education. Full of forgiveness, peace and hope, Emma finally began to thrive.

Fast forward several years and Emma is now a partnership facilitator for Compassion Rwanda. In this role, he supports the local church in caring for children just like he was cared for, ensuring they know Jesus above all else.

“When I see what Compassion did, I moved from hopelessness to hope and being a hope giver. Jesus changed me to change others. He transformed me to transform others.” — Emma

Wendy: From Sick to Well Again

At 9 years old, Wendy from Bolivia began to suffer from headaches and extreme thirst that kept her from going to school and playing with friends. At a checkup, Wendy received a serious diagnosis: type 1 diabetes.

Wendy and her mother Aidee were shaken, knowing their poverty would make it impossible for Wendy to receive the care she needed. But God had another plan.

As a diabetic herself, Aidee knew what they would face. Wendy would need to take insulin. Unfortunately, the treatment would cost hundreds of dollars every month, a cost Aidee just couldn’t pay. Wendy and Aidee were overcome with fear, not knowing what to do next.

Aidee reached out to Wendy’s Compassion center and told them about her diagnosis. The staff quickly explained that they would reimburse her for Wendy’s medication and cover the cost of a nutritionist. They would also help pay for the fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains Wendy would need to maintain her insulin levels.

This support immediately filled Wendy and Aidee with peace. Both began to realize that God was in control and that he had a bright future for Wendy despite her diagnosis.

“Compassion has helped me to be calm, which is good. When I am not calm, my own diabetes gets bad.” — Aidee

Wendy’s headaches and other symptoms have since lessened. She’s also learning how to care for herself by testing her own blood sugar and administering her own insulin shots. Most importantly, Wendy is no longer too sick to play or go to school. She’s well and known as the girl who skips everywhere she goes.

“When you have a healthy body, you can play, have fun with your friends and sing hymns at the church. You’re happy.” — Wendy

John: From Feeling Valueless to Full of Confidence

At 29 years old, John is a Compassion center director in his home community of Haiti, giving back to children living in poverty. His inspiration for doing so? The fact that he used to be in desperate need himself.

John grew up with four siblings in an impoverished neighborhood. His family struggled daily to find food and couldn’t afford what the children needed to attend school. As a child, John feared that life would never get any better. He thought would live in poverty forever.

When a Compassion center opened in his community, his life began to change. At the local church, he was able to attend school and eat nutritious meals. He learned about God and his Word, soon accepting Jesus as his Savior.

Poverty has a way of stealing your worth. Poverty lies to children and tells them, “You’re worthless and without value.” But with the love and support of those in his community and his sponsor, John didn’t succumb to these lies.

“At the center, I learned to appreciate my own worth. The staff helped me understand that I am valued in God’s eyes. Knowing I’m special gave me confidence.” — John

And with that confidence, he began to dream big. He studied hard, graduated high school and landed a job in banking. John excelled in his role, creating a successful career. However, he soon began to feel as if there was something more. John knew he had a calling.

So, after three years in banking, he left his job and returned to his community to help children struggling in poverty as he used to. As a Compassion center director, he helps children discover who they are in Jesus, giving them life-changing hope and confidence.

“I want the children of this community to know their worth; to be confident and valued. I want them to know their dreams can become a reality, like it was for me.” — John

You Can Empower More Stories of Transformation

What do these stories of transformation all have in common? They were made possible through the support of people around the world who have said yes to being Jesus’ hands and feet. And you can join us!

Through child sponsorship, you equip a local church to love and care for a child in need, just like Jenikka, Beauty, Emma, Wendy and John. Your monthly support will introduce them to Jesus while delivering the practical care they need, from medical care to nutrition.

When children are spiritually healthy and practically cared for, they can become thriving followers of Jesus. And as they thrive, they help others do the same. By sponsoring a child, you enable them to experience the fullness of life Jesus promised them while changing other lives too. Empower more stories of transformation today by becoming a sponsor!