“We need to stop seeing the world from our comfortable chairs; we need to see it through the eyes of those who suffer. Then, we will understand it all.” — Marcela
Seeing the world through others’ eyes is what Lina Marcela Alarcón Molina does each day. As a photojournalist for Compassion Colombia, Marcela visits the children and families we serve, listens to their struggles and dreams, and captures them in words and photos.
While she now stands behind the camera lens, she remembers her own story with each click of the shutter: a testimony of God’s faithfulness despite the brokenness of poverty.
We were given the opportunity to sit down with Marcela, who graciously shared that testimony with us. Her story below, told in her own words, is the perfect picture of what it means to overcome.
A Past of Poverty, Loss & Pain
What Stands Out to You Most About Your Childhood in Colombia?
I grew up in Medellín, where I experienced one of the worst periods of violence in the city. Gangs killed people every day. When playing outside with my friends, I would have to run and hide when we heard the shooting start.
This was our daily reality. All around me, people suffered. Even though I was just a child, I saw people die. Most families lost relatives, including mine. I lost my older brother to a stray bullet.
“It’s difficult to remember the suffering. I can remember the signs people would put up outside their homes when relatives would die. As a child, I feared coming back home from school every day. I didn’t want to turn the corner and see one of those signs in front of my house. But it became real when I was 13, when I lost my brother.”
How Did Poverty Affect Your Daily Life as a Child?
We didn’t have food. Sometimes, I felt sad seeing other children buy food at school while I couldn’t. In a child’s mind, it’s hard to understand why you can’t have the same things. There were times when I would simply go out to the backyard to play so I would forget about food.
My father abandoned us, but he was not a good person with us. He used to hit my mom. While he left, in certain ways, we were better off without the violence at home. Sometimes it was difficult to see my mom worried about our situation, but I knew that God was in control.
“My mom is a Christian, and I was raised Christian. I can’t imagine my life without God. When you have God in your heart, you have hope. And you know things are going to be better, even though you don’t know how.”
Experiencing God’s Faithfulness
I went to a public school as a child, and I had good teachers who cared for me. I remember a time in high school when our registration fees were due. At the time, it may have been about $20. For my family, it was too much money. My mom couldn’t afford it.
My teachers called me to the office and said I was receiving honors for being a good student. They had collected the registration fees on my behalf. I was speechless and cried all the way back home.
“It was God. I have seen God in all these things. He is good all the time. It was difficult to grow up in poverty, but when you have God by your side and when you recognize him, you can see his goodness in everything. He chose me.”
How Did You Become Part of Compassion’s Program? What Did It Mean to You?
One of my mom’s friends told her about the Compassion center. And since it was a church, my mom felt confident about registering me there. Around two to three months later, at the age of 6, I was sponsored by the Musselman family, and everything changed for me.
“At the center, I tasted delicious, nutritious food for the first time and learned more about God. Most importantly, I found people who believed in me and encouraged me to dream of a better future.”
My sponsors sent me letters and pictures, and it made me feel loved and important. At the center, they showed me I was worthy, even when I didn’t feel it.
I don’t just remember what I learned at the center, like the books of the Bible, but also the love of my tutors. The cook who always had a hug for me. My sponsors.
“Having sponsors was so special to me. They always said, ‘You are important. God loves you. We are so proud of you.’ It was wonderful to have that support.”
Is There a Specific Moment You Felt Seen Through Compassion?
When I was a teen, Compassion had a leadership development program. In this program, they would provide leadership training and help you pay for university.
I remember my center director telling me she wanted me to have that opportunity. I wasn’t sure why, as I didn’t see myself as anyone special — just a poor, ordinary teenager. In that moment, something changed.
“I realized that despite my circumstances and the things I didn’t have, I could achieve really important things. This was special to me. I started to see myself with a kindness that I hadn’t ever felt before. I saw myself differently. I started to understand the value I had.”
Through that program, I received support to attend university, where I gained the training I needed to become a professional photojournalist.
What Has Changed Most Between Where You Started and Now?
Everything. I was the first person in my family to go to university and become a professional. Now, I work every day doing something I am passionate about: telling stories.
I have a purpose. I am part of something bigger. And I can help people through my talent and be their voice.
“I have seen God’s faithfulness throughout my life. My family and I overcame poverty, and now I can help others and bring them hope.”
When I was a child, if someone told me what I would be doing now, I wouldn’t have believed them. I didn’t have anything. We didn’t have food. My father abandoned us because he wanted another life.
But my mom was so brave. The people around me fought for me. And thanks to them — my family, Compassion and the church — I’m here.
“God had a purpose for me, and I think he has been working in me and will continue to do so. That’s my desire — that his will would be accomplished in me every day. I am happy he chose me. He saw me. He loved me. And he put all these people around me to bring me here.
Generations of Change, One Child at a Time
What About Compassion’s Work Do You Think Really Helps Children Thrive?
From my perspective, Compassion’s holistic work is what really makes a difference. There’s a phrase I like that I think represents Compassion’s work well: “Children don’t just receive the fish; they learn how to fish.”
A child not only receives the food they lack at home, but they’re also loved at the center and at the church. They learn about a God who loves and cares for them. They’re encouraged to look toward a different future and are equipped with the knowledge and opportunities to accomplish it.
“Compassion provides not just an immediate solution, which is important, but also an investment in a child’s future to change their life and the lives of those in the next generation.”
Compassion is investing in lives. It’s not about the food alone — it’s about the future. It’s about asking, “What is this child going to be?” We need food. We need education. But we also need care and love. And having all of that is what releases you from poverty.
How Has Your Experience Shaped the Stories You Tell?
Being a former participant, I know how poverty feels. I know how it feels not having food. I know how it feels being surrounded by drugs and violence. But I also know what it means to have hope.
As a photojournalist, I like for families to see that God can change their realities, their circumstances. He can make great things happen for them.
“Something I like to do when I visit families is to tell them that I was just like them. I was just like their children. I experienced poverty, but now I’m here. God is good, and he has plans for your children and your family.”
I have received the help, and now I can help others. It’s awesome to be a part of this. I also have a sponsored child, and her sadness is turning into joy. It’s a privilege to be a part of the Compassion staff and to share just a little bit of what I have received.
“I’m so grateful. I’m here to tell families that God is with them. There’s hope. Poverty doesn’t define you — you deserve more, and God has more for you. And this is how I use my experience to help others.”
Snapshots of Marcela’s Favorite Stories
Marcela has been a photojournalist for Compassion Colombia for 15 years. In that time, she’s captured countless stories showcasing what it looks like to live in poverty and what it means to find hope in Jesus.
Here are just a few of her favorites.
Franklin: The Power of Words
Franklin, a 9-year-old boy living on the Colombian coast, has received more than 200 letters from his sponsor in the last six years. These powerful words have been shaping Franklin’s life. He is loved and knows someone believes in him and his dreams.
“My sponsor is part of my family. She loves me, and I feel that is true.” — Franklin
Ester: Why Safe Water Is Important
Ester is a 9-year-old girl from a small community on Colombia’s Pacific coast. In that community, there is no aqueduct or any other safe water source, so families lack access to drinkable water. Sadly, many children, including Ester, have suffered from stomach diseases after drinking contaminated water.
Their local Compassion center stepped in to build a water treatment plant, providing safe water for the children in the community. In addition, 120 families in the greatest need received water filters to use at home, including Ester’s.
“Filtered water is clean, safe water for our bodies. It protects us from stomach diseases such as diarrhea and pain. Water nourishes us and gives us strength.” — Ester
Gabriel: Where Children Come First
In Gabriel’s community, many Indigenous families follow traditional practices that can sideline children’s needs. For example, at meals some children are forced to eat last or go without critical medical care, as it is believed children must be strong to survive.
These beliefs, coupled with poverty, leave many children at risk of malnutrition, disease and hopelessness. But at the local church, things are different.
Children like Gabriel are fed, receiving nutritious food to support their health. Children are protected, receiving medical care and important lessons about healthy habits. And children are reminded of their worth as they’re hugged, listened to and taught about God’s love by center staff.
The Compassion center is also working closely with participants’ families, teaching them how to best care for their children. Karina, Gabriel’s mother, is grateful for what they’re both learning.
“Gabriel enjoys praying to God during the lessons. He wants to become a pastor, and I believe in that dream, because he cares for all around him.” — Karina, Gabriel’s mother
Marcela’s inspiring story is proof that God is faithful, and his love knows no bounds or borders. Thank you to Marcela and our many other incredible photojournalists capturing stories of transformation around the world. It’s through their work alone that we’re able to share what God is doing in the lives of those we serve.