Sometimes it’s truly amazing to see just how many people the Internet can reach. And when you combine this technology with the power of God’s grace and love -- watch out!
Joyce Torrefranca, a college student in the Philippines, was walking home one evening and couldn’t help but notice a young boy sitting on the street. Huddled beneath a street lamp with a small, wooden stool for a table, the little lad was using the dim light to work on his homework. The scene was so striking that Joyce couldn’t resist snapping a photo to post on Facebook.
Little did she know, God would use that photo to change the boy’s life!
The picture quickly went viral, and it was soon discovered that it was of 9-year-old Daniel Cabrera, whose family had fallen on seriously hard times. The boy's mother, Christina, lost her husband in 2013. The family had taken up residence in the store where she worked after their shanty house burned down in a fire. Christina worked in the store and also as a domestic helper to try to make ends meet. But she only earns about $1.77 a day, and so the family lives in poverty.
But through it all, little Daniel has remained committed to his studies. His mother says:
"He is a very studious and determined boy…He would insist on going to school even without his lunch money because I have no money to give. He always tells me, 'Mama, I don't want to stay poor. I want to reach my dreams.'”
Philippine boy studying on street by a McDonalds swamped by aid after photo goes viral https://t.co/c0dv6DyUCh pic.twitter.com/p9fV0rUeCp
— AFPManila (@AFPManila) July 10, 2015
This little boy’s story has touched the heart of many, and since the picture went viral, his family has received an amazing outpouring of support. They have been inundated with donations, school supplies and gifts. A local politician has set up a scholarship for Daniel. Local police officers have chipped in, giving the family money and buying them groceries. His mother is overwhelmed by all of the kindness, saying:
"We're overjoyed, I don't know what I will do with all of these blessings. Now Daniel will not have to suffer just to finish his studies."
Daniel’s determination to work hard to improve his situation was inspiring enough. But to see so many strangers chip in to help this boy and his family is just an amazing display of God’s love at work. And it just goes to show how much good can be done when we come together as one body in Christ.
“Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Romans 15:1
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h/t: Huffington Post
Featured Image Credit: Facebook