Topics: Child Advocacy, Formerly Sponsored Children, Poverty
Liza grew up in a very small house in the Philippines and her childhood was extremely dark, chaotic, and overwhelmingly difficult. Her father was an alcoholic and this often led to abuse toward Liza and her family. She remembers the fighting escalating to such high levels, that plates would often end up in her neighbor’s yard after being thrown from inside her household. Liza wanted to go to church at a young age, but even on Sunday mornings was forced into working in the rice fields in order for her family to have just enough money to be able to eat.
Liza’s aunt brought her to church when she was in first grade, and shortly thereafter she received the news that she had been sponsored through Compassion. Liza began learning about the love of Jesus and that no matter her circumstances, He loved her dearly and had a plan for her life. Slowly, the darkness, chaos, and difficulty were replaced by hope, peace, and the possibilities of a bright future. Liza grew in her relationship with the Lord and found a safe place within the local Compassion project to learn and mature in her relationship with God.
Liza’s father and entire family eventually entered into relationships with Jesus because of the ways in which the Lord worked through Compassion. Her brother even now serves as a pastor! Liza received a degree in Computer Science through the Leadership Development Program in the Philippines and has worked on the computer systems at the Compassion Office in the Philippines. Liza’s story is truly one of redemption and hope and she is passionate about sharing her story of how God not only used Compassion to completely change her own life, but the lives of her entire family as well!