Joanita’s Story
March 23, 2010 | Compassion International
When I traveled to Ecuador with Compassion Intl., I met four students in the Compassion Leadership Development Program. Johnny had no dad, a mom who worked as a day laborer, and no chance to be educated, much less become a professor of physics–something that he had become through Compassion.
He told me of his plans to go back to his old Compassion project and work as a teacher. He was already volunteering at the school while studying. He also was sponsoring a child from his home city, giving the gift that keeps on changing lives.
Johnny’s story is not an isolated one. This is Joanita’s story, another student in Compassion’s Leadership Development program:
Poverty. No mom and dad. No love. Joanita Nannyunja remembers her childhood with sadness. And yet, God had a plan for His daughter.
After Joanita’s parents died of AIDS, a friend of the family knew Joanita needed help — and hope.
She helped Joanita enroll in Compassion’s Tulina Omubeezt Child Development Center in Masaka, Uganda. There, Joanita found the love she longed for.
At 13, she gave her life to Jesus Christ. Living among Muslims at her aunt’s house, however, Joanita was often beaten for her faith. But she persevered in her faith, knowing she had found the key to true joy.
Joanita was accepted into Compassion’s Leadership Development Program (LDP). The program helped her graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. Joanita also became the 1,000th LDP student to graduate in Uganda.
Joanita now works with the World Food Program, where she advises farmers and someday hopes to find solutions to cope with the famine and drought that plague Uganda.
Through her experiences, Joanita has seen how one life can be transformed through God. She dreams of one day sponsoring a child with Compassion — and granting another the amazing opportunities she has been given.
Maybe you are able to sponsor a child, who will one day grow up to become a Joanita or a Johnny. A child born in poverty who rises above, and returns to change their country, their city, other children with whom they identify.
It’s just $38 a month, my friend. One fast food meal for a small family. I know even that is a sacrifice for most of us, but it’s the best thing I get to do. My little girl is named Buli, and she lives in India. I can’t reach hundreds, but that $38 means that one little girl is fed, educated, nurtured.
What a joy to give such a small gift for such a large return. If you wish to give, click here to begin the journey. It’s easy. It’s transforming, for you and for a waiting child.
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