Christopher's Story

Christopher is in blue

I think the truth in God's work here can be seen in individual stories and lives.  It's often, when we talk about how great one of the kids is, that Rod or Nancy will say- "Have you heard their story?" Many of these stories are of teenagers who have been nurtured through 2nd Mile and who are truly changed as a result of someone showing them care.  There will be new stories as children are sponsored and feel your love and learn of God's love for them. 
Christopher (now 20) came from Haiti after the earthquake when he lost most of his family.  He didn't have anything  He showed up at the missionary house here, next to the school and the church, one night in the pouring rain when Rod was here alone.  He came back the next day and was given a job, food, schooling and a place to stay. 
He stayed here for a year and then went back to Haiti to see what remaining family he had.  But when he tried to return to the Dominican Republic, he couldn't get back in to the country.  He was gone for  4 or 5 months.  2nd Mile and Pascual (pastor at the church) helped him sneak back in.  He came back changed, with a bad attitude and got into

trouble at school.  They had to remove him from the school for stealing. 
He disappeared for 4 or 5 months and when he did show up he only asked for money.  But they didn't forget him here.  Didn't give him the money but paid for his schooling at another school and told him to show them his grades until he could prove he was able to be responsible.  He ended up graduating 8th grade from the other school with good grades about a year ago.  So he was able to return and go to the adult school in the 2nd Mile school building and started working for the church.  Now he is in charge of two others, Roger and Cale and is becoming a role model for them. 
The Christopher I see today is respectful and works hard- we saw him hauling trash today in the rain covered with plastic bags.  And the first time he saw Nancy, he ran all the way home on his moto to get his grades to show her and he's so proud.