It started a long time ago. As a freshman in college, on October 10, 1985, I wrote this: “God is leading me to sponsor a child through Compassion International. It’s a giant leap for me, for I have no money. He’s put it on my heart.”

That’s her!

On October 20, 1985 I wrote, “Sasikala. That’s her name. My child, Lord. I need money.” She hailed from India.

The Lord always, always, always supplied for Sasikala. Even through the lean years of college, the stressful years of teaching junior high, the early scraping-for-money married years, and the years we built our family. Every month. Month upon month. God provided so Sasikala could learn and grow.

She grew beautifully:

She grew and grew until she no longer needed sponsorship on March 17, 2002. She was 19 years old when we received her final report from Compassion.

She wrote to us on that report:

“I am happy to see that I grew spiritually. I thank you for supporting me for the past 15 years. Through the support I am able to complete mathematics course successfully. Here I am leaving the project with God’s blessing and by yours. Myself and my family members are always grateful to you and to the Lord Jesus for giving me such a wonderful sponsor like you. We will continually pray for you and your family. I’m always remembering you in my prayers.”

What a blessing to be a part of a child/young adult’s life for fifteen years. I don’t know if I’ll meet Sasikala this side of heaven. But I relish the reunion later.

If you’ve wavered or worried about not having enough to sponsor a child, my encouragement is to stop right now and pray. Ask the Lord to lead you. If He says, “Sponsor a child,” click here for more information. Then don’t fret. Watch God provide.

I’ve loved Compassion International. Three years ago, I had the privilege of visiting one of their projects in Accra, Ghana. I can attest to the beauty and power of what they’re doing. I’ve touched/hugged/embraced the children. I’ve seen the difference sponsorship makes. My hope for you is that you’ll experience that same kind of blessing.