Stepping out in faith

Leo is a university student, who clearly has a heart for the vulnerable, and who has a great story of stepping out in faith to commit to regularly giving to the work of WorldShare. 

Being the first supporter for our Transformation Project, we recently gave him a call between classes to say ‘thanks’, and to find out what made him want to commit to our work in this way. 

WorldShare: Hi Leo, how’s your day going? 

Leo: It’s going great. I’m currently studying chemical engineering at UNSW and this week is lab open week, where PhD students take us through their research. I just finished hearing from a group that’s working to cure cancer with nanoparticles. So that was pretty exciting. 

WS: Wow, that does sound exciting. 
Well, the reason I’m calling today because we’re very excited about you being the first member of our new Transformation Project. So, congratulations and thank you! 

Leo: Thanks. 

WS: You signed up in person, when we spoke at your church a few months ago, and I think that was the first time we’d visited your church, was that the first time you’d encountered WorldShare? 

Leo: Yes. I know now (from hearing your presentation) that you’ve been around for over 80 years, but like you said, this was the first time you’d visited our church and the first time I’d heard of WorldShare. 

WS: Well, welcome to the community! What was it about the Transformation Project that spoke to your heart that day? 

Leo: For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to help people. And this desire has only increased over the last two years, since I’ve been coming into the city more [for uni] and seeing people living on the streets. My heart feels for them. 

Many people I know are cynical and refuse to help homeless people, but I like to talk to them when I can and some of them have an incredible vitality and life force. 

So, I was already thinking about how I could support people in need, so they could have a fuller life, and then when you visited our church, I realised that I also wanted to extend that to vulnerable people overseas, beyond Australia. 

I liked knowing that by giving financial support that I could alleviate suffering and help vulnerable people live fuller lives through education and health programs. 

WS: That’s amazing. Do you feel like your faith plays a part in your heart for the vulnerable? 

Leo: Yes, definitely. Reading the bible and some of my Christian friends have influenced me in this way. But to be honest I think churches should be preaching on this more. Sometimes I think they can get a bit too caught up in the theoretical and not spend enough time focussing on putting his love into action. 

I think you guys at WorldShare are doing an amazing job bringing about action. 

WS: Well, thank you Leo. Like you, we obviously would love to see more churches and Christians sharing God’s love for the vulnerable in this way, so thank you for your encouragement and thanks for your support. 

Is there anything else you wanted to mention before I let you go to your next class? 

Leo: Yes, actually. I wanted to share a sort of testimony. 

So, at the time when you came to our church, I wasn’t prepared to donate anything, because I don’t have a job and what money I have is just enough to support myself. 

So, I was thinking that once I get a good job, I’ll donate then. But then Dan [WorldShare’s Church Representative] shared a story about how God often provides in unexpected ways if we freely give to others. 

So, I decided that God was speaking to me through that story, and I decided to sign up to the Transformation Project, without knowing how I could afford it. 

Anyway, I’ve been looking for a job, I’ve probably sent over 40 resumes since then, but I haven’t had any replies. So, I was starting to have doubts about God providing, but then out of nowhere one of my professors approached me and told me about a research project that pays participants $6,000 and he was keen to have me in it. It took a few weeks to work out, but I just found out that I’ve been accepted into it. 

WS: That’s incredible, what a great story, praise God. Thanks for sharing, Leo.