Beguens Theus - A Hope for Haiti

Beguens Theus is a formally sponsored child who has recently been elected to the Haitan Parliament. This is his story of his experience with Compassion and his hopes for the future...

"When I was a boy, I used to walk the shores of the island I lived on and dream of what could be… getting out of poverty, making something of my life, and living out my dreams. I was only five, but I knew that one day all this—and more—could come true, that God could use me, that my Compassion sponsor would be proud of me, and that I’d be able to do what I was created to do. And now, after all these years, that day has finally arrived: I stand here before you as a newly elected Congressman.

My name is Beguens Theus. I love my God and I love the people of Haiti. The Lord has blessed me in so many ways to be where I am today. Because of Compassion, I was freed from the chains of poverty. They gave me a chance to live out my dream as a leader for the people. New morals and values were instilled in me. I was made new, as a child of God. Through Compassion, I got a new start…

As a young man I realised how fortunate I was to have a sponsor. I knew I needed to work hard, become educated and focus on the commandments of God if I was to fulfill my dreams. Through many years of schooling I earned my Masters Degree in Population Studies. Afterwards, I was able to serve young people as a professor at the university and Compassion-sponsored children as a Project Facilitator. I was so happy with my career, but I knew The Lord had more in store for me.

The suffering of our people is heavy on my heart. We have endured more than we can bear for so many years. Earthquakes, fighting, riots, floods...there is so much we must do to make things right. I believe it starts with our children. Will they face the same hardship the generations before them faced? Will they be educated enough to make the right decisions? What will they become?

It’s my vision, as a government official and a man of God, to save our little ones from the horrors of poverty. Just as Compassion gave me a new life, I want to do the same for all the children of Haiti. This is my dream, which I pray will become a reality.

God is using Compassion to write a new story in Haiti, one of hope and a new future.