MY GRATEFUL CHILD

This is Anabell.  She will be 14 next month.  She lives in Honduras.

Anabell is being raised by a single mother.  I know what it's like to be raised by a single mom.  My mom raised me and my sister by herself.

How did I choose her?  Someone asked me to take over her sponsorship.  At the time, I was only working part time, and I was forced to say no even though I so badly wanted to help.  I believe it was then that the Lord placed in me a bond between me and this child.

While I was looking for a full time job, I promised the Lord that I would sponsor another child, making it an even four.

Months later, I got offered a full time position.  What was the first thing I did?  I was looking to sponsor another child.  I admit, I completely forgot about this person's request.  I posted on OurCompassion about looking for a child.  Someone (I forget who) mentioned she had a girl in Africa named Abigail.  Something about the name clicked with me.  I asked her to email me a picture, and I would pray.  Shortly after I asked her to email me a picture, I remembered the request.  Hmm. . . Maybe the person still had her.  So I emailed her as well and asked if I could see her packet.  The woman agreed, and we decided to meet at church.  While I was waiting for Sunday, the other advocate emailed me the picture of Abigail.  I prayed about it, but I just didn't know.  I didn't have peace.  So, I emailed her and told her that I was still praying, but unsure.  I was going to consider another child.

Sunday arrived, and I met the woman.  She told me she didn't feel like she could be a good enough sponsor.  Not the exact words, but what I got out of it.  Apparently, the Lord used me to convict her that she should be writing more.  I tried to explain that I was in the minority.  Many sponsors choose not to write, even though this is so important to the child.  Even writing three times a year is more than most children receive in their time in the program.  The woman insisted I would be a better sponsor.  I believe she kept sponsoring this child until I was able to do so.  She was sure I was to be that sponsor.

I opened the packet and saw a beautiful young girl.  It wasn't the picture you see now.  I got this picture shortly after I received her packet.  "She's so pretty," I said.  I felt an instant connection with her.  Somehow, I knew this girl was the one for me.  Yet, I waited.  I needed to pray first.  While I waited for the service to begin, I studied this girl and her packet, as well as skimmed over the letters the woman had allowed me to borrow.  Excitement built up in me.  She was the one.  Still, I couldn't jump ahead of the Lord.

The service started, and I lost myself in worship.  Until the prayer.  As soon as I closed my eyes, I was in the presence of the Lord.  My spirit cried out, "Anabell!  Is she the one?  Can I sponsor her?"  I saw the Lord smile and nod.  My spirit rejoiced.

As soon as the service concluded (I couldn't wait for it to end), I rushed to the woman and said, "I'll do it!  I will sponsor Anabell for you."

I sponsor Anabell for two reasons.  One, because the Lord agreed.  Two, because I am so grateful to the Lord for all He has done for me.

The past few years haven't been easy.  My boss cut my hours dramatically, and I was forced to rely on others for my needs.  I had to give up three of my five sponsorships.  And I struggled with the painful past of my childhood.  I suffered from depression and loneliness.  My faith crumbled to the point where I was almost sure of walking away.  What was the point?  Two wonderful women intervened and confronted me.  I was hurt at first by their honesty but knew they cared about me enough to tell me the truth.  I admitted I needed help. Another woman stepped in and gave me information about inner healing.  It was through this ministry that I received healing from the Lord.  I am not the same.  I have changed.  I am a living testimony to the Lord's healing and miracles.  During this emotional turmoil, I saw firsthand the provision of the Lord.  He will never let me go without food, clothes, or a roof over my head.  He will supply even my emotional needs.  It took me a while to learn the hard life lessons, but He has been with me every step of the way.  My needs were covered, and I was starting to save little by little, even though I was still working part time.  Plus, I was receiving emotional healing from Him.

Anabell has a special reason for me, and this is the one I so long to meet.  I want to share personally with her the power and the love of Jesus Christ.  I want to share my testimony with her and assure her that the Lord is the only constant in her life.  It is for her that I am saving my nickels and dimes.  I want to tell her face to face everything the Lord has done for me, and I want to tell her in depth why I chose to sponsor her.