Jim Leshovsky

Our sponsorship journey began in 2014 on a special Sunday in church when we learned about Life Center in Ethiopia and began sponsoring a little girl named Haymanot. Three years later, my wife and I felt called to join a mission trip with our church to visit Life Center. We met Mulu and her amazing staff, heard her incredible story and faith and love, and saw first hand what Life Center is doing to bring love, life, and hope into the lives of so many needy children and widows.

We experienced God’s heart in a whole new way as our hearts were connected with these children and the work He is doing in their lives through Life Center. Since then, I have returned to Life Center over 10 times, with my wife and my oldest son accompanying me on some of these trips. My wife and I sponsor three children now, and ever since my son’s first trip to Ethiopia when he was 11 years old, he has been sponsoring a child on his own with money that he earns himself.

It is amazing to see first hand the difference that sponsorship makes for every child. Whenever I visit, I have the joy of meeting children who have been newly sponsored and are just beginning their journey with Life Center. The level of need in these kids’ faces and demeanors is something that is hard to describe, but the way that they are taken in and cared for by a loving and Godly staff at Life Center is truly miraculous. As I have the opportunity to get to know each one and return year by year, it is beautiful to watch the change that takes place. These children transform from empty to fulfilled, and from unwanted and needy kids into children who are secure and filled with a sense of belonging. The joy and purpose that radiates from their smiles and eager hugs every time I see them is life changing.

I am convinced that sponsorship through the Life Center is one of the most significant things that I have ever done in the lives of others, and it has made an eternal impact in my own life and the life of my family.