GIVING TO CRITICAL PROGRAM NEEDS HELPS CHILDREN LIKE JOYCELYN
At 2 years old, Joycelyn was diagnosed with a kidney disorder, which led to constant hospital bills that her parents couldn't afford. "There was no hope," says Mary, Joycelyn's mother. "We borrowed money from the proprietor at the school and began accumulating debt."
"At that point, we were willing to do anything for our daughter," says Mary. "I went to the Compassion center, praying for help. By God's grace, they were registering children that day, and that is how it all began. We had a hospital review the following week. It was like a weight was lifted from us!"
The Compassion center stepped in and provided the support Joycelyn’s family needed to experience relief from their mounting medical bills.
The family faced another crisis in March 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic caused schools to close, leaving Mary (a teacher) without an income. And Joycelyn, then 10 years old, suffered another episode of severe swelling and pain and had to be admitted to the hospital.
Thankfully, Compassion was able to step in again, offering to pay for Joycelyn's ongoing treatment as well as supplying the family's basic needs and helping Mary look for work.
"I look at where we started and where we are now; because of Compassion, we are no longer in debt, and we always have food to eat. I know that as long as there is a God, it is well with my soul," says Mary.