In the community of El Raizal, Nicaragua, an 8-year-old boy named Steven has a new outlook on life. Once weighed down by low self-esteem and abandonment from his father, he discovered the incredible love of Jesus through the help of his sponsor and Food for the Hungry Child Sponsorship.
Jesus Transforming Hearts through Kids’ Club
Steven’s family was facing financial turmoil. Traditionally in their community, men supported their families through work while the women took care of the children. When Steven’s father left the family, he also left behind a financial burden that Steven’s mother, Anielka, couldn’t fill on her own. Anielka did her best to support Steven and his sisters by selling fruit at the market, but it was not a consistent income.
“I felt so sad,” Anielka shared with FH staff. “I prayed that God would help me with my children. I didn’t know what to do.”
Adding to Anielka’s worries was Steven’s low self-esteem. His father’s departure left the family feeling abandoned, but it was the hardest on Steven.
Hope arrived when FH came to El Raizal and partnered with the community. Anielka and her family were gifted two piglets and taught animal husbandry through FH support, building their financial and economic resilience.
Steven and his sisters joined Child Sponsorship and FH started a Kid’s Club in their town. With his family’s financial stressors eased, the club became a sanctuary where Steven experienced spiritual and emotional growth.
In Kids’ Club, supported by child sponsors, children learn valuable life skills while building self-esteem, all framed within a Biblical perspective. Equipped with the knowledge of Christ’s love and the truth of the Gospel, Steven began to transform from a boy with low self-esteem to a shining light in his community.
Replacing a Difficult Situation with Knowledge of Jesus’ Love
Steven is well on his way to becoming a beacon of Christ’s love in El Raizal. His enthusiasm for Jesus is evident to anyone who sees him, including FH staff who teach him at Kids’ Club. Anielka was shocked at the difference she saw in her son, who at one time was inconsolable after his father had left.
“I have seen this boy change so much in the last few months,” Anielka shared. “When he knows there is a club, he gets his clothes ready early in the morning and even shines his shoes. I am so happy to see this change in my son.”
Steven’s renewed joy and outlook on life are examples of the ripple effect of God’s work through Child Sponsorship. A transformation like Steven’s is possible thanks to Christ’s work through child sponsors investing in the lives of children around the world. Together, we can help alleviate poverty’s cycle of hopelessness one child at a time.
Encouraging Generations of Children Living Out God’s Love
Steven is just one of countless children who, without the help of caring supporters like you, grow up believing lies about their self-worth. Without the knowledge of who they are in Christ Jesus, they risk becoming adults and perpetuating a cycle of low self-esteem into parenthood, and teaching these patterns to the next generation.
Thanks to child sponsors who generously support children in need, and FH building close and lasting relationships within families and communities, young boys and girls are empowered with the knowledge of their immense value in the eyes of God, paving the way for future generations to know His unending love.
