Her Name Once Meant “Devil”… Today, It Means “Wished For”
Eight-year-old Mary was not always named “Mary.”
Her given name literally meant “devil” when she and her brother were found by Lifesong staff in Cambodia six months ago, a telling description of the struggle within Mary’s family.
But no child escapes God’s care, and our Heavenly Father had big plans to rescue Mary from the grasp of the Enemy and place her safely in the love and care of people who understand their own redemption as sons and daughters of God.
Sponsors like you quickly stepped forward to help provide Mary with healthy meals, proper clothing, and a safe place in which to grow, learn, and play. And in response to this Gospel love and provision, Mary transformed from a quiet, sad child to a bright and lively little girl. Many children in the sponsorship program change–physically, emotionally, and spiritually–in response to the love of Christ. In Mary’s case, even her name changed.
She was named after the devil, but now her name means “wished for.”
Each morning, Mary loves to worship with the other children and testify of what God has done in her life, specifically noting God’s provision in her life. Her favorite verse is Isaiah 1:19 – If you consent and obey, you will eat the best of the land.
Thank you for loving and supporting children like Mary. Let’s watch and see what else God has planned for Mary’s life.
Every child should have a hope-filled future.
We’re no longer slaves, but sons and heirs through God.
—Galatians 4:4-7
