Through The Eyes Of Compassion

In the past, I’ve told Nathan that I never really know what to write about when it’s my turn for the blog. He encouraged me to share what’s important to me or what’s happening in my life. So today, here’s a little glimpse into my world.

In 2003, 22 years ago, we sponsored a 2-year-old boy from Haiti through Compassion International. His name is Fridane. Over the years, we’ve exchanged countless letters, shared pictures, swapped stories, and somehow, across all those miles, he became part of the Gersic family. We’ve never been able to visit. Haiti has long been overwhelmed by violence, political unrest, and danger. But we’ve grown close even though we live many miles apart.

When he graduated from the Compassion program, our communication didn’t end. We began speaking directly, and I quickly realized he is among the most hope-filled, faith-filled Christians I’ve ever met. Somewhere along the way, he began calling me “Mom.” God has allowed me to fill a special role in his life, one I never knew I needed, but one that has blessed me deeply. As a kids’ director and an unofficial youth mama, God has brought so many kids, teens, and young adults into my life and my heart that sometimes it feels like there couldn’t be room for more. But God always makes room for one more. I am so very blessed in the relationships He has given me. I long for the day we meet face to face, and I can provide Fridane the biggest mama hug ever.

Recently, Fridane’s journey took a dramatic and heartbreaking turn. Out of desperation for safety, he made the treacherous trip from Haiti to Mexico, and he is now seeking asylum there.

I often speak with him through messages and video calls. As I’ve walked through this journey with him, I’ve gained perspective I didn’t know I was missing. Our country has its share of violence, division, and brokenness. But I don’t live each day wondering if I’ll find food or fearing for my safety. I don’t have to uproot everything I know to survive.

And here’s what amazes me: he continues to fight for a future despite everything. He’s walking miles daily to attend school and teach himself Spanish. Part of his motivation is that he longs to attend church again, but he cannot until he learns enough Spanish to understand the service. He misses it deeply. He has done whatever it takes to keep going, plugging, and never giving up, all with an incredible hope-filled and life-giving outlook. He often reminds me, “Don’t worry, Mom, there is nothing our God cannot do.”

And then I think about myself- how sometimes I don’t feel like getting up to fold the laundry, how I groan about things that feel “hard” in my comfortable life. Meanwhile, he is willingly walking miles to learn another language. In contrast, I realize how easily I can be indifferent without noticing it. It’s easier to turn a blind eye to suffering because it hurts when we face it head-on. But that’s precisely what Jesus calls us to do: to look, to see, to care, to let our hearts be moved.

Many of our youth will head to Bright Bridge Ministries this Sunday to help feed the less fortunate. For some, it will be the first time they’ve had a front-row seat to see how others survive, even right here in our own community. I believe it will open their eyes and hearts just as Fridane’s story has opened mine.

In the same area where Fridane lives in Mexico, there are countless children in desperate need. I’ve even found a missionary serving in the very area where he lives, and I’ll be connecting with him soon. My prayer is that one day, I can arrange a mission trip there to stand alongside Fridane and others and help however we can.

Through it all, I keep coming back to Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40:

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Almost every day, there’s a new update from Fridane, another “look what God is doing” story in his life. His testimony reminds us that God is always working, even in the darkest places. There is so much more to his beautiful, unfolding story. If you ever want to know more, find me. I’d love to tell you.

For me, it started with child sponsorship. Compassion International changed not only Fridane’s life but ours. Through their program, he received food, care, and discipleship and learned English. Something that has shaped his opportunities and allowed us to build an even closer relationship. Today, our family is also getting to know a precious child in Uganda through Imani Milele. There’s a great big world out there filled with people who need love, help, and Jesus.

So, where do we go from here, and how do we truly see people? Maybe it looks like sponsoring a child, donating to missions, or helping in our very own We Care ministry. However, God leads. Take a step. You never know how it might change someone’s story- or yours.

And so, I pray: Jesus, give us Your heart of compassion. Give us Your eyes to see others the way You do. Break our hearts for what breaks Yours. And then give us the courage to act in love.

May we all learn to see the world through the eyes of compassion.