I went on my first mission trip in 1997 and when I came back to the states, I was asked how the trip affected me. My response was, "It has enlarged my global vision". Since then, I have been on numerous trips and have considered myself primarily in music missions. Little did I know that in 2005, I would become an Artist Associate with World Vision, the largest Christian relief and development organization in the world. In nearly 100 countries, World Vision is working to help children and communities to reach their God-given potential by tackling the root causes of poverty. This is done primarily through child sponsorship. By partnering together with WV, I can help bring hope for the future to children around the world.

We have sponsored a child for years, and this had a personal affect on me when I made a recent trip to the Dominican Republic with World Vision. I went to both minister and to see for myself what WV is doing in that country. I was so excited to be among a small group of artists invited to go to the DR because that is where my sponsored child, Rocio, lives. The second day in the country we took a four-hour bus ride to EnRiquillo, which is Rocio’s village. I was so excited to meet her and give her a hug, and we actually got to spend about half a day together. We visited awhile, and I also gave her some pictures and some gifts. As a group we went to see some of the things World Vision is doing for Rocio’s community, and she got to ride on the bus with me, which was so cool. We arrived at a place where WV was helping to build fish ponds, specifically for single mothers and widows to have both fish to eat and a source of income. It was awesome to see! Rocio had walked off, I thought to play in the rocks. When we boarded the bus again, I noticed her cleaning something, and I thought, “What’s this little kid doing?” After a few minutes she tapped me on the arm and handed me a gift, which was a beautiful piece of coral shaped like a cross. She said, “Un cruz” which translated cross.

I was blown away that she had searched for and found the perfect gift to give me, and then she said, “Thank you for being my sponsor and thank you for being my friend.” Well, they had to mop me up off the floor of the bus. What a great day it was!

Rocio’s picture has been on my refrigerator for years, and I was so blessed to meet her face to face.

We are even more committed to help bring hope to children around the world because I’ve seen the positive effects first-hand. If you would like more information about World Vision or if you are interested in sponsoring a child, please click below.