His past is not his daughter’s future – Story of Jean Marie

Written by Connie Thomson

One of the stories that I love in Brian's book, Meant 4 More, is the story of Jean Marie. He became an orphan at the age of 2 in Rwanda and lived with his very poor grandmother who tried very hard to help him. Soon his grandmother died, and he was alone.

He was taken in by a caregiver in the Jabana area of Rwanda and became part of a family with 7 other orphans. He received monthly sponsorship that covered his food, lodging, schooling, etc.  After finishing school, Jean Marie earned a diploma in building construction! He has become an excellent building supervisor, has built his own house and a number of churches, and has been able to hire young men like himself!

A few years ago, Jean Marie was leading worship at a youth conference in a different city. He met a girl who had a very similar background to his own. They fell in love and now live in the house that he built. Together they have a child that will never have to suffer the way they did.

Here is a picture of Katie, his baby girl.  She was 1 on May 29.

Here is a picture of the house that he built.

This makes me so happy. His past is not his children's future!