In the first year of our relationship Yanci asked me in a letter to pray for her Dad because he needed help. What kind of help? I thought. Is he OK? Is there something more I can do than pray?
On the bus last week I asked Yanci’s mom what that prayer request was all about. “I’ve been praying for him for four years now and I don’t why. I don’t know if God’s already answered my prayers.”
Her face broke into a huge grin as she told me the story through a translator.
Her husband was unable to find work, so he drank a lot. And because he drank a lot he was unable to find work. He didn’t believe in God. He was angry, unhappy, and took it out on his wife and kids.
Then, one day, a neighbor told Yanci’s mom about the Compassion project run out of her church and told her to sign up Yanci and her sister Pamela. She did. For two years Yanci was enrolled in the Compassion program at the church – but without a sponsor. Some time in those two years Yanci, Pamela and their mom began attending church services there too – with their neighbor. They became Christians. But Yanci’s Dad wanted nothing to do with church or God.
Then I became Yanci’s sponsor. We started writing letters back and forth and Yanci asked me to pray for her dad.
Yanci’s neighbor was a pest. She kept telling Yanci’s dad that God could help him. Eventually, just to make her shut up, he went to her church. He went drunk. He went drunk the next time too. And the next. That’s when God answered our prayers. Somehow, through the fog of alcohol, God spoke to him. One Sunday Yanci’s dad gave his life – and his addiction – to God, and he never drank again.
The translator asked Yanci how her dad is different now that he’s a Christian. “He pays attention to me,” she said. “He hugs me-” She leaned into my side, buried her face in her hands and sobbed, unable to say anymore.
Her mother explained that Yanci took most of the abuse. She stood between her dad and her little sister. She stood between her dad and her mom. “She remembers,” her mom said. “Now everything is better but she remembers.”
At the end of the day, Yanci, her Mom and her sister, went back to our hotel to open presents from my family. Her dad, a taxi driver, was coming to pick his family up and to meet me. While we waited a silly string fight broke out somehow. Ok, I started it.
It was easy to imagine how frightening such a large man could be to a little girl.
But it was impossible to imagine this large man being anything other than kind. He was joyful, proud of his girls, humbled by the patience and love of his wife, thankful for our prayers, boasting on the power of God to change his life.
“People heard that I became Christian and said it wouldn’t last. They said it would be six months. But here I am,” he smiled.
He told me the gangs ask him to pay them every month in order to live safely in “their” neighborhood. They say they’ll kill him, but he still refuses to cooperate. They get enough of his money at work already: 20% of his income goes to the gangs that protect the taxi company he works for.
He told me that his neighborhood is dangerous – people are shot there all the time. “People have been murdered at my front door.”
We stood together by the pool and prayed – all of us holding each other – believing that God answers prayers.
We thanked Him for Yanci, for saving her father. We asked Him for protection and strength.
Then I said good-bye to my family in El Salvador.
Megan says:
That’s an amazing story. And those photos. Wow.
Keep telling them, Shaun. We’re still listening.
Nate Tallman says:
Wow Shaun. Thanks for sharing.
Bill Lurwick says:
thanks for bringing it home once again…
Mike Greenberg says:
Wow! Beautiful telling of a beautiful tale.
Stretch Mark Mama says:
I did NOT cry at that. I was just chewing a raw onion, that’s all.
Jules says:
Thank you for bringing your story to us in words and pictures. We would love to wrap our arms around Shalini Mary and her family, our compassion family in India. It is wonderful to see God’s arm reaching out to save this man.
Lauren Biggs says:
I’m so moved by the photos as well as the story–I see you and your ES family’s love for one another–a love possible only through the power of Christ Jesus and the love that He gives that spans oceans.
Don’t ever stop telling these stories Shaun. The Church needs the spark you ignite.
Tracy says:
Thanks for sharing, Shaun. It is so awesome to see what the Lord is doing in your life. I look forward to all He has for us now and in the future.
Alexis Huff says:
My child, Shirley, in Ecuador, asks for the same prayer, for the same reason. In every single letter. I continue to pray. I’m thankful for your family, for your blogs, and for Shirley, her family and their prayers. If you would like to add Shirley to your prayers today, her family and I would appreciate it!
Kelli says:
What a precious post. Thanks so much for sharing that. I read the last half of it through bleary eyes.
Kelly says:
I know this is SHOCKING………….but reading this made me cry all over again.
Shaun Groves says:
Yes, very shocking ; )
Molly Piper says:
Wow… i never got to hear that story last week. Amazed again, and brought to tears, by how God uses sponsorship to bring about real, lasting change in lives everywhere.
I can’t believe his smile. That is joy. That is transformation.
Shaun Groves says:
Have I mentioned I miss y’all. Especially your show tunes ; )
Lindsey says:
love it. I’m so thankful I found your blog…I LOVE reading your posts and I always end up feeling inspired ๐
Dave Haupert says:
Wow, just wow! Thanks for that _great_ post.
dubdynomite says:
Note to self: Please stop reading Shaun’s posts at work, to prevent looking like a blubbering buffoon.
Kristi says:
Wow. What an amazing story about an amazing, brave, and beautiful girl and her family. She surely misses you between your visits but has so much joy in her heart now thanks to you, your letters, and especially your prayers for her father. Incredible. This is forever etched upon my heart. Thank you Yanci.
Princess Leia says:
I just wrote up a blog post about my son dropping off his first Operation Christmas Child shoebox today and was already a little teary, then this?
Great googley-moogley….and I’m at work too!
Thanks for the stories, and praise the God who transforms lives!
Christy says:
The God of the Possible…He never ceases to amaze me.
Thank You for sharing Yanci’s story….it’s so amazing to support an organization like Compassion and to be blessed when these bloggers show us what Compassion does. When YOU show us what Compassion does.
Thank you for being the Hands and the Feet.
anne jackson says:
…..speechless……
Dayna says:
Such compassion. The pictures convey everything and much more than any words could every express. Thank you for sharing your journey and experience.
Paul Steinbrueck says:
Awesome story, Shaun! Thanks for sharing it and all the picture with us. God is doing wonderful things through you. Keep it up!
Patricia Jones says:
Shaun, You made me cry again. I was doing ok today until I read this. What a powerful story and testimony, and those pictures are amazing.
Thanks for all you do.
Steve Bradney says:
Thanks for sharing…we have a very simular story with one of our Compassion Kids…father was not saved…but now is…one sponsorship can and will change many lives.
Jami says:
Coming out of lurkdom to say Wow! And Thank You for sharing your’s and Yanci’s story.
Jenny says:
retweeting this and linking from my blog for sure. This is why child sponsorshp matters.
Christine says:
You’d think I’d know better than to read a Compassion post on my lunch hour at my desk. Who cries on their lunch!? Loved this story and love what a wonderful witness it is to the greatness of our God. Thanks for sharing it…I can never get enough of these beautiful stories!
Vicki Small says:
I cried, of course, but not only from watching you say goodby to your family in El Salvador; this brought back as fresh as yesterday the memory of my goodbyes over a year ago, to my girls in DR. Actually, the one who cried the most was the mother of one of my girls. She had divorced her husband, since I had last been there, and she needed a “mom,” herself. That was my clearest lesson on the fact that we don’t sponsor a child; we do, indeed, sponsor a family.
And, of course, I got a letter from Maria, today–the daughter of the mom who cried–saying she wants to see me, again, very soon. I wish with all my heart that I could tell her she would.
MamasBoy says:
Wow. God is good. The work Compassion does is pretty amazing.
Roland Gaines says:
Wow… Shaun, I’ve been a Compassion Advocate for a lot of years, and been on Compassion trips. But that is one of the BEST stories that I have ever heard! Nothing beats the power of Christ through a child. God bless you, from a friend in Tyler, TX.
Becky says:
Great post, Shaun. One of your best.
I’m so glad you write this blog.
JLI says:
Shaun, this hits home pretty hard. Depression and alcohol are gripping my husband currently (some time back, I gave him the Beggar’s Fortune series to read because I spoke into his situation; he was unaffected. It wasn’t the right time, which just goes to show how the right time and God’s time are often so different!); he had been alcohol free since the day of his salvation – 2.28.08. Until Sunday, of all days. My marriage of a little less than a year is in crisis. As for me, I am living within the peace of God and doing just fine, considering what lies ahead. My husband is running the opposite way (and not in a good way, like Leeland sings!) This post serves as a reminder that restoration awaits my husband and that it may very well be my prayer, or the prayers of our church, or the prayers of the readers of my blog, or even someone who reads this comment. I can’t wait for the day I can tell him about all the people of God that were interceding for him! All I know is that if God can save Yanci’s dad, then He can save my husband from his addiction too. And I will continue to pray expectantly toward that end. The smile on her dad’s face gives me hope beyond hope that the same day is appointed for my husband. You couldn’t have possibly known how this would reach into the body of Christ, but it has grabbed a hold of me and given my faith an even bigger boost! Thank you and God bless you for what you’re doing here and what you are doing in El Salvador.
Shaun Groves says:
Praying for you and your husband right now, JLI.
NancyTyler says:
JLI, I’m praying too–for your husband’s release from depression and the self-medicating he’s likely doing, trying to dull the pain.
I’m asking God to help you feel Him with you, through the friends who surround you in person and those online.
Marla Taviano says:
JLI–I’m praying for you too! Hold on to that hope!!
JLI says:
Thank you everyone. I can feel God with me in every single moment. He has been exceedingly merciful and gracious to me. I am so honored to be a part of the family of God. Bless you all.
Deidre says:
Oh my! I just love this story of God’s redemption and protection. Worthy is the Lamb!
Thank you for sharing. Those pictures are wonderful.
Casey says:
What an awesome story…and what a blessing to meet your sponsor child. I’d love to meet ours one day!
Rose says:
What a beautiful testimony of the power of God and the love of His people.
[email protected] Beauty and Bedlam says:
I found out that while your team was in E.S., I was in Ecuador visiting the orphans and bringing my new nephew home to his forever family after a 4 1/2 year struggle. My bro and sister in love met Edison when he was 6 months old when they took their two oldest children on a missions trip. They were told that because he had Down’s, he would grow up and die in that orphanage, but God had other plans, and I was privileged to walk with them and witness God’s sheer grace in this miracle.
Your tears were my tears, and I shared them with you again as I read your post.
Shannon says:
Every time I think I’ve heard the most amazing sponsor story ever, another one eventually comesa along to top it. But this one, surely, must be the most amazing one ever.
Jill Foley says:
great story, Shaun. And a powerful reminder that we need to pray for our sponsored children’s families as well as the sponsored children…. whether they ask us to or not.
Lindsay @ Not2Us says:
Whew… Power.
Scott says:
Shaun,
At the time, I didn’t realize the situation Yanci’s dad came from. How awesome! The Lord moves in such incredible ways. Thank you for your devotion to Him.
Kelly @ Love Well says:
Wow. I was marveling at God’s transforming power and grace — I mean, the smile of Yanci’s Dad speaks volumes.
But then I got to the picture of Yanci hugging you, with her little face screwed up as she says good-bye … and I lost it.
I dearly hope you will tell this story at EVERY speaking engagement you have in the future.
Melody says:
I am in tears. That was truly one of the most powerful, awesome things I have ever read. The pictures made me feel like I was there, and the emotion was so evident. I am so amazed how God can take two families clear across whole oceans from one another and use them so intimately in each other’s lives! I am so thankful for your presence in Yancy’s life- it is clear she will never be the same.
Melody says:
Sorry… spelled Yanci wrong. ๐
Marla Taviano says:
What a beautiful family! How in the world did you get back on that plane? You’re killing me with these stories, but keep ’em coming.
Debby says:
What a great story! You know who really stood out in that story for me. Their neighbor. Their “pest for Jesus” neighbor. The sweet neighbor who believed, who truly believed, that God is a God of hope and power and redemption. And spoke it boldly and sweetly and often. I want that. To live & speak as one not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; fully convinced of it’s power to redeem and change lives. How shall they come if they do not hear?
Krystal says:
WOW! I have so loved reading everyone’s posts about El Salvador. I went my freshmen year of college…….Seeing the pictures and reading your stories of God’s love and provision and the ministry of Compassion has given me such a desire to go back!
Thank you. Thank you for sharing and encouraging others to get involved in what the Lord is doing through Compassion for children among the world.
Ann [email protected] Experience says:
I laughed… the joy of his salvation.
I cried…the embrace before the parting.
My heart broke.
May He break us, and may the world be taken with the fragrance of Christ and love poured out.
Thank you, Shaun…. *Thank you* — and Yanci.
All’s grace,
Ann
We are THAT family says:
Simply beautiful.
Kayla Grace says:
This is love. This is Jesus. Thank you for sharing.
Catherine says:
What a beautiful and inspiring story – thanks for sharing.
Nicole @ Here's The Diehl says:
I read this earlier today, but was crying too hard to comment (and, I think I was interrupted by a little person, too).
This is such an amazing, beautiful story. Thanks for sharing.
*~Michelle~* says:
What a beautiful story…..thanks so much for sharing, I would love to meet our sponsored child someday, that must have been an amazing experience.
…….may you continue to shine the Light!
E-Jayjo says:
I love that first picture that shows Yanci and her dad in the same picture and the way she is looking at him. You can tell she is proud of him. I pray they will continue to walk with Christ and be protected from all the violence around them.
Malissa says:
Yeh…what they said…. with the addition of WOW!
Brenda says:
BEAUTIFUL !!! I wept – and prayed that God will use me in such a powerful way. After all, that’s why we’re here, isn’t it? – to live each day for our Lord & work to bring lost souls into His kingdom.
Thanks for sharing your story. Their smiles & tears say it all !!!!!
Amber says:
That was a truely amazing story and gave me chills! It is truely amazing how if we ask god for help, he reaches out.
jenni says:
Beautiful. There are no other words for God’s work.
Phyliss says:
amazing Shaun! HOW BEAUTIFUL
keith says:
awesome.
Andy says:
Oh, gosh . . . Shaun. These photos are incredible. I’m teary just looking at them
I am going on my first compassion trip to Kenya in February. I cannot wait!
Thanks for sharing.
Shaun Groves says:
Amazing pics courtesy of the amazing Keely Scott: http://keelymariescott.com/
Christy B. says:
Wow–amazing!
Marguerite Velthuizen says:
Thanks for sharing this, Shaun. What a blessing you have been to this family. We’re praying that some day we’ll get to see our “extended family” too.
Marguerite Velthuizen
Meredith Dunn says:
Well crap… *chin quiver* Guess i should have worn water proof mascara.
Thank you for reminding me why I come to work!
God is bigger, and better and up to something!
Judy says:
Shaun,
I know you won’t believe this but I’m Kelly’s Mom and I’m a crier too!
This post was one to make your heart sing though!
The love of that family is incredible!
Thank you for all you have done for my two kids (Scott and Kelly) to allow them the great experience of Compassion. I knew it would be a life-changer! The mission trips I have made over the years have done that and more for me!
Blessings on all you do in Jesus’s name!
Shaun Groves says:
Judy, I hope I do as good a job of raising my girls as you’ve done raising yours. I’ve enjoyed getting to know your “kids.” Thanks for the kind words.
Tammy says:
Our God is so powerful. Thanks for investing in Yanci’s life and that of her whole family through your sponsorship. Beautiful pictures that convey transformed lives. Praising God for your life and ministry Shaun!
Ali says:
I just started reading, but this was totally amazing; and intense. Thank you SO much for sharing such a gratifying story.
Donna says:
What wonderful work you are doing for the Lord! These photos are amazing and tell such a wonderful story….
Jocelyne says:
The picture of Yanci crying in your arms capsulizes everything you mean to her. Would that we could rush to our Father’s arms in the same way… seeking healing for our own families… I am Yanci… I need to be more like you, Shaun, giving out of my need… and then maybe, just maybe…
Keely says:
….beautiful….
wanda says:
Big tears falling!
God is soooooo good! My heart is pounding and my mind is racing! What an inspiring story! This blesses me beyond words.
Thank you.
Cindy says:
Beautifully put. There you were prayerfully standing in the gap for a child who was literally standing in the gap. Love that the emphasis is on the work God did in that family and the restoration that they now experience. Thank you.
David says:
Grown men are not supposed to cry like this. I have no tissues here. My shirt is now soaked.
Amy Savage says:
This is beautiful. Proof that sponsorship is about so much more than writing a letter and and a check. God is CHANGING LIVES as we take seriously His call to Love. Thank you for loving BIG and loving LOUD. The sounds of it are echoing in my heart today.
Tammy says:
A heartbreaking, yet heartmending story…simply, yet beautifully told. Wow!
Catherine says:
so beautiful to read and reflect on God blessings
thanks for sharing
Amy Smelley says:
Your posts have had me crying all morning. First about Ethiopia then this!! Beautiful, beautiful girls…that will break out of poverty!
stacikristine says:
Thank you for sharing this. I have tears rolling down my cheeks. Praise God for what he does in and through his children! I’m following your Compassion trip (I learned about it through Ryan Detzel’s blog), and I want you to know I’m praying for your whole team!
jd says:
One of your readers spoke my heart… when we sponsor a child through Compassion, it’s not just child sponsorship, we sponsor the entire family as a whole, and in turn, it changes the community, the future, and the world.
Love this post, Shaun, one of your bests (all your Compassion posts are the bests!)
Michelle says:
I first read your blog a couple years ago and I’ve stayed away since because you make me cry…. and I get sad because I don’t know any men like you in “my” world….. and sad because I would have given anything to have someone like you as a father…. and sad because your posts make me realize I have a long way to go spiritually….
Basically, I feel sad.
On the other hand, you give me hope in so many ways and I’m trying to hold on to that. I followed a link to this post and I love seeing the difference in this family and the happiness and joy on their faces. Talk about true love….. :o)