| Here is Rob’s take on the same story:
The night had gone very smoothly. In a lot of ways it was “business as usual.” I thought it was especially cool that Sharon, was able to come and spend time with her sponsors, Greg & Kelly. Luckily, Sharon has a little bit of English, and Greg & Kelly were able to communicate with her on a very basic level. Knowing Sharon, I know that little bit meant a lot to her. Greg and Kelly have been very intentional about connecting with their sponsored kids when they are here. It was really cool to see Sharon sitting with them, deepening their relationship by getting better acquainted.
As the night was ending and everyone was beginning their goodbyes, Greg turned over to me and said he wanted to pray for Sharon and asked me to translate. I felt the notch get turned to 11. I know sponsors regularly pray for their sponsored children. However, in the 5 years I’ve been involved in the program, I haven’t seen a sponsor pray specifically with their student in person, making sure there was a translator. I think the focused effort of the Mellingers made the difference. As I said before, Greg & Kelly have been very intentional and taken a lot of initiative to connect with their sponsored kids. This was, in my eyes, the culmination.
It wasn’t about the gifts. They had done that earlier. It wasn’t about hugs and warm fuzzies. It was about seeking God in Sharon’s life. The last thing Greg & Kelly did with Sharon this trip was the most important. I admit: I fumbled through the translation. I’m glad God understood both languages because I couldn’t help but think “This is so cool! THIS is what we want!” As a Sponsorship Coordinator, the epitome of the job is watching students connect with their sponsor. We have many such stories, but this one was different. Greg & Kelly built a relationship with Sharon, and then pointed to God as the origin of their love and goodwill in a very humble, but deliberate way. I wish every sponsor had the chance to come down and share those moments in which the student knows they are loved by God and by their sponsor. Greg & Kelly were blessed to have hit the nail on the head this trip. They left an important message to Sharon. They gave of themselves to help this child of God understand her value to Him. Stopping to pray with Sharon and her well-being was one of the coolest moments I have had on the mission field. It was the pinnacle of all the opportunities a sponsor has to change the course of the life of a Morning Glory student. It was a very powerful and humbling experience.
If you want to begin to build a relationship with a student that will build them up and change their perspective, contact me to start sponsoring. If you are a current sponsor, we invite you to come and visit or write your student and take your sponsorship to the next level.
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