Garry Lane says Giving Makes Him a Happier Person
Garry Lane will tell you that giving is not a selfless act. Garry’s personal giving journey began with his friend’s mission work in Rwanda. Then, through her travels, he learned about the Child Hope Center and his heart was captured by one little girl and her grateful family.
“I don’t know what it was about the bio of the child I decided to sponsor. Perhaps it was her sweet face. Perhaps it was the statement in the bio that her parents struggle to provide for their three daughters. Or, perhaps, it was the statement that she looks forward to her favorite meal of chips and rice. As I recall, I came back to the bio several times, and finally I committed to helping this child as a sponsor. I had to.”
Garry began corresponding with Samuella and her family in Rwanda. As he learned more, he wanted to do more to help the family. He sent an additional donation asking her parents to get her something she needed and then use the rest to help the family.
“They were incredibly grateful and made a video to say thank you. I was moved almost to tears watching the family and their gratitude,” Garry says.
Garry also sent an additional gift for her birthday so that she could celebrate with cake with her family and friends at the Child Hope Center. But this time, he had a special request.
In addition to a birthday present, Garry asked Samuella to buy a gift for each of her family members and another for the Child Hope Center. This gave her the unique opportunity to feel what it's like to give to others.
Garry says, “Helping this family is not a selfless act. It brings tremendous joy to me and warms my heart to see what a small amount of money by our standards can do to uplift a struggling family in Rwanda. We are very privileged in this country and we take a lot for granted. My participation in Mission Life and with my sponsored child and her family makes me appreciate the many things we have that we take for granted. I am happier and a better person for participating in Mission Life and the Child Hope Centers. Consider doing what I am doing. I promise you that it will bring you far more joy than whatever you decide to contribute. You are changing one life, or maybe a whole family. You will see the direct effects of your actions. And, you will receive tremendous joy.”
In just 3 years, 156 Mission Life children have been sponsored thanks to amazing people like Garry. Help us continue to grow these initiatives by becoming a member of our Sustainability Fund at https://www.missionlifechange.org/sustaining-membership