How Compassion International Changed a Life

*I copied this--with permission--from a journal post on OurCompassion.  This young man's life was changed because of the sponsorship he received from Compassion International.  You cannot read his story without being inspired.  Pray for him, please.

 ORAL HYGIENE PRACTICE 

COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL SITE . RWA 342 GAKINJIRO

Am Laurent HATEGEKIMANA, I was born in Burundi in 1987 where my parent were migrated due to 1959 war in Rwanda. My Father passed away when I was 2 years and my mother had pregnance of my young sister. At that time the life became very difficult for us because my mother was jobless and didn't have other support elsewhere.

At the age of 6 years old, the 1994 Tutsi genocide started; at the same time in Burundi also there was a war. At that time we were asking ourselves where to migrate because in both countries we were wanted to be killed.

After Genocide we shifted from Burundi to Rwanda, we came with nothing and found that our family members lived in Rwanda has been killed during the genocide. Life was really difficult because it was like to start new life with nothing in new country and we didn't have hope of the future.

Unforgettable day that lead to a change in my life is a day I have been selected to be sponsored by Compassion International. Because I could not afford school uniform, school fees and other materials needed at school before. But with compassion my family became some how stable .then I stared primary school with all materials needed at school, after primary school I sat for national exam and succed with good marks, then I went in Secondary school.

Compassion helped me to get school fees, materials needed, I had health insurance not only that, but also I spiritually grew up because every sutarday we used to have bible study and even I learnt to live in society.

While in School, I thought that the only way to improve my life was to work hard, and I was determined to do so. I wanted to pursue a career that would be meaningful. When I took biology and Chemistry option In secondary school because I realized that I wanted to became a Dentist .To do this ,I had to work even harder ,and I did my best not to disappoint my self , compassion or family who was striving to take care of me . I completed my secondary school with good marks then the government awarded me to continue studies in Kigali Health institute (K.H.I) and then sponsored by government in my studies.

Really Compassion International changed my whole life, now Am student In Dentistry and I'm proud of it, I chose it purposefuly because When I was in secondary school I suffered from Oral disease then the compassion gave me all care needed and spent alot of money for being cured. Therefore I took a decision to work hard so that I will study dentistry and get knowledge about oral disease which will make me able to make difference in my country and help my Society not only that but also to go beyond the borders to prevent such diseases and give all care needed as they did for me .

With few means and skills, I have already started to give Oral health Education and start with children helped by the compassion at RW 342 Gakinjiro project and I wish to continue to the other projects of the compassion.

Finaly I will never forget the great benefit I have received in Compassion International, so this time and in the time that will come, I will continue to enable others to enjoy the same advantage as possible as I can.

 WE STARTED BY PRAYING 

  

I TRIED TO FOLLOW THE MODELS AND COMPUTER 

COMPASSION CHILDREN ASKED QUESTIONS 

PRAY FOR ME i WISH TO DO ALOT OF THINGS 

 MY SPONSOR CRAIG MILLER FROM USA  GOD BLESS HIM FOR ALL HE DID IN MY LIFE

I PROMISE YOU THAT I WILL DO THE SAME FOR OTHERS