Paying it forward 

When she was 19, Jennelyn Macospag was blessed with the gift of kindness when someone decided to sponsor her to with her studies. 

“I had a lot of expenses during that time to continue my education. I also had to go through a health struggle that time that brought my spirit down,” Macospag looks back. 

 “I was fortunate that I experienced generosity from someone I didn’t know,” she further reminisces. 

“I found it heartwarming that while we didn’t know each other, a bond was formed there,” Macospag adds as tears form in her eyes while sharing the experience. “He [the sponsor] chose to support me without asking for anything in return.” 

Having that experience in mind, she then promised herself that she will pay that kindness forward. “I used to tell myself that once I get rich, I will sponsor a child too. But the Lord reminded me that I don’t have to be wealthy to do so. I then changed my perspective to might as well start young and to start now.”  

Now 35, Macospag, who works for World Vision, has broadened her horizons since. She has been to numerous countries and even got to share her knowledge and experience to others by conducting trainings. 

Still, she never forgets the lessons of the past that she has now inscribed in her heart. “I am grateful because not a lot of people are blessed with the gift of generosity. That is what the Lord has taught me—to always look back.” 

Recently, Macospag took part in a CHOSEN event where World Vision registered children are given the opportunity to choose who will sponsor them.  

Macospag is thankful that a child chose her to be a sponsor. “[The CHOSEN event] is truly God’s way of how a child sponsor and a sponsored child will cross paths. What’s also great about the event is that the children are given the ability to choose, which is something not all children are given the chance.” 

She also has this message to encourage everyone to sponsor a child: “If you have that calling to [help] the life of a child that you don’t know, go for it. [Sponsorship] is also a way of showing how much you are loved, because the more you are full of love, it will be easier for you to share your love with others.”