From Outcast to Worshipper

When Philip was just two years old, his world was filled with chaos and rejection. 

Philip’s mother suffered from severe, recurring mental breakdowns, and their remote community ostracized the family, believing his mother was demon-possessed. No one knew how to help her, so they shunned her and her children.

Since no one would hire or give her aid, Philip’s mother sent him and his 7-year-old sister to live with their grandmother. Elderly and impoverished, their grandmother often couldn’t afford food for the two children.

Tragically, Philip’s mother died when he was still a toddler, leaving the children in their grandmother's care; but shortly after, she passed away too. 

Philip and his sister were left completely alone. 

Other relatives didn’t want to take them, either because of the stigma of their mother’s illness or because poverty was already making food at their table stretch too far. Fortunately, a concerned neighbor realized that Philip and his sister were fending for themselves and brought them to Agape Hope Children’s Center.

Philip went from surviving isolation and starvation to arriving in a place where he was finally loved and cherished as any child should be. The boy who faced unimaginable rejection is now an energetic, kind, and compassionate teenager on the verge of completing high school. Because of the stability and love he receives, his life has a profound purpose. He plays the keyboard at church and plans to attend a theological college to follow his passion of serving God. 

Philip is a walking testament to the power of intervention. His story, once marked by tragedy, has been completely rewritten into one of hope and divine purpose. 

Philip is thriving like so many cared for by the work of World Challenge and generous individuals like you! There are more than 150 million orphans in the world. Together, we can rescue as many as possible so their lives are a song of glory to God who saves and restores.

Join the World Challenge family this Giving Tuesday as we rescue those who are neglected and desperately need help. Even halfway around the world, you can make a difference in the lives of those in need.