Supporter Spotlight

I once was asked why we chose Jennifer to be our sponsored child. The answer to that question is simple: We didn’t choose Jennifer; she was chosen for us. As I pondered that, I remembered Jesus’ words to His disciples, “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 16:15a). So, I believe He chose Jennifer for Himself and for us.

Of course, there is a bit more to the story. In 2014, my sister and I traveled to Ecuador with a church group; the purpose of the trip was to visit children’s homes and to interact with the children and their caregivers. During that time, three children deeply touched my heart, each at a different home. When we returned, I told my husband about the three children. Soon thereafter, we had three sponsored Ecuadorian children.

One was later reunited with his birth father; another we still sponsor, and the third – a little girl at FHC named Karina – was adopted by a “forever family.” FHC asked if we’d sponsor another child; we said, “Yes,” and it was then that FHC chose Jennifer for us. We saw God’s hand and heart in the choice. Jennifer was a gift from God in our lives. He knew her from before her conception and had a plan for her life (Psalm 139:13-17), and He had a plan for us to be part of her life through sponsorship and prayer.

We delighted in the photos and updates; we knew Jennifer had special needs, and we came to realize God had gifted her with a shining countenance, sparkling eyes, a sweet smile, and a warm heart. We rejoiced to see her happily playing with other children; we celebrated each time she mastered a new skill, and we gave thanks as we watched (from afar) the tender nurturing she received from the tias and the love she returned to them. And we prayed for a forever family for Jennifer, a family that would love her, accept her, help her be all God created her to be, and who would teach her about Jesus.

Now Jennifer is with her forever family, and again FHC chose another little girl with special needs for us to sponsor. Her name is Melinda, and she is two years old this month.

The Lord works in wondrous ways, and it seems He wanted to confirm our sponsorship of Melinda. The same week FHC sent us Melinda’s photo and profile, I received a letter from the parents of a former student, a teenage girl I’d taught almost 30 years ago, a girl who, as a young adult, suffered a traumatic brain injury. Her name -  Melinda! It made me smile. The Melinda from my past has made great strides, is living a full life, and knows the Lord. So, as we embrace little Melinda in our hearts and prayers, I remember that God, in His sovereignty and love, has a plan for each of us, a plan for both Melindas and for us. To Him be all glory, honor, and praise. Psalm 34:3

- Jan Skauge, FHC Supporter

To learn more about sponsoring a child at FHC, click HERE.