Fifty Days of Pentecost Devotional Series — Wednesday, May 8

And without faith it is impossible to please God. Indeed it is necessary for one who approaches God to believe he exists and he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) 

 

Dulce was a nine year old girl who lived in the poorest barrios in the Dominican Republic. She lived with her mother, three younger brothers, and her mom’s live-in boyfriend who was violently abusive. One day, in desperation, Dulce prayed to God, “If you are real, all I want is peace in our house!” The next day, the boyfriend left! But now, the family had lost their sole source of support. Dulce’s mom sold candy on the street corner to get enough money to buy food. Dulce, the oldest at 9 years old, was now the substitute mom to her brothers. 

One day while sweeping the floor of their little shack, Dulce decided to ask God for one more thing. She  prayed, “God, if you are real, all I want is to go to school.” That week some women from a local Assemblies of God church invited Dulce and her mom to a women’s revival service. They each accepted Christ and soon, so did Dulce’s brothers. The next week, the pastor came to visit and told Dulce’s mom that her children could attend the ChildHope school at the church. Soon, Dulce and her brothers were in school, wearing new uniforms, enjoying a nutritious lunch and meeting with their teachers. To say this family had been completely transformed would be an understatement! 

Dulce’s mom was so filled with gratitude that she volunteered to clean the school after she finished selling candy each day. About the same time, a widowed deacon from the church came to repair the leaky church roof. He fell in love with and married Dulce’s mom. Dulce testified that she had received a mighty answer to prayer! She and her family now lived in a home filled with peace and love. Dulce grew up and attended university, married and has a family of her own. As she told this story to me, she said, “Just look around you and see what God has done!” 

Dulce and her entire family are living examples of what ChildHope has been called to do. We strive to serve our Lord through compassion, education and transformation. Dulce’s story reminds us that God certainly is a rewarder of those who seek Him and that reward continues to bless a second generation of Dulce’s family!  

Dr. Doug Petersen 
Co-Founder of ChildHope
[email protected]


Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.