The difference Jesus makes

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11

By the age of three, Dennis had already experienced abandonment and rejection. His father left the family home, leaving his mother alone with six children.

Dennis’ mother started working as a cook, however what she earnt wasn’t enough to support her family. The only meal they had a day was a plate of soup made out of boiled bones. If there was some left, they would eat the same for dinner. Shortly after, Dennis and two of his brothers were registered at a local church-based project. “For me, the Compassion project was one of the greatest adventures of my childhood. I made friends, my creativity, talents and imagination all grew. The support from my tutors was essential for my studies. They loved me very much at the project, but the most important part was that there I felt protected by the Lord. We had a lot of support at the project,” says Dennis.

Dennis believes he been placed on the right track thanks to an important decision he made when he was a 7 years old. “There was an event at another project, where they took all of the children. They spoke about the love of God. At that age I was convinced that I wanted Jesus in my life. We prayed and that was when I decided to give Him my life. That is the moment that I recall the most. Despite the problems we had at my house, He covered me with His grace. He saw my childhood and had a purpose for my life. I never abandoned my path; I always remember that day very clearly and know that’s when it all started. It marked my life and traced my path. He never let me go.”

From that day on Dennis couldn’t stop speaking about God. “I had wonderful sponsors who were a great support to me. One of them encouraged my passion for Christ; he always knew what to say and sent me the perfect Bible verse for the moment.”

Dennis has now graduated from the Compassion programme and is studying sound engineering at university. In everything, he is seeking to follow the path God has set out for him.

Prayer:

Loving father, we thank you for Dennis’ testimony and for his heart to seek your guidance and plan for his life. Amen.