Can you imagine being a 17 year-old young man and having to support and care for your 16 year-old sister and her two children?

Do you know what it would be like to go to bed every night knowing you most likely will never finish school, go to college, or escape the poverty that has forced you to rely on others to survive? At 17, could you choose to go hungry or sleep in the dirt so your sister’s children could eat? Would you give up your future - all of it - to support your sister who has two children by two dads, neither of whom are being fathers?

Victor knows the answers to all those questions. He is a leader of a "Child Led Home" and he supports his sister and his two nieces. He is mom, dad, uncle, brother, and guide. At 17, he has taken on more than some of us will accept in a lifetime. His parents died of AIDS a few years ago because his father contracted it and gave it to his mom. Just like that, he was thrust into adulthood.   The church in his community saw his need and helped without being asked. We – Ridge Point - were able to assist with a small grant so that the church could put a roof on their house and add a small room so Victor could have a room - think walk-in closet - and his sister and her babies could have another. Because of another grant we were able to be part of, Victor started a business that earns him enough money to support his "family." He is now independent and they have a church - fathers and mothers - to walk with him and his sister and girls.   Victor has come to know Jesus and now is a volunteer with the youth ministry. He is able to talk to students about the real consequences of HIV/AIDS. The disease took his parents and his future. Victor can also tell them - and he does - about the grace of God, the love of the church, the joy of achievement, and the family he has because Jesus started His church. How cool is that?!?   Those two little girls are so cute. The two year-old grabbed my hand and didn't let go the whole time we were there. They will see a real man when they look at their uncle. Through God's grace, those girls will live a different and pure life.   It took a little bit - a few hundred dollars and the work of the church in their neighborhood - to transform their lives. They still have a huge uphill climb, but now they have the Family of Jesus to climb with. Thanks for being part of that.   Victor and Lexona - his sister - say thank you!   Love you guys - keep praying, Jim