A Lasting Impact

September 06, 2019

A Lasting Impact

From Threshold's President, David Cole:

Hu Yue After Receiving Our First Donation

In December 2009, Emily and I found ourselves temporarily out of jobs and feeling the weight of student loans. In the midst of this financial situation, we began to sense the Spirit leading us to sponsor another child through Threshold Ministries.

We had already been sponsoring two boys. One in Threshold's Outreach program, and one at Hope House. Financially, it didn't make a whole lot of sense as we weren't even sure how we would continue to support the boys we already sponsored.

Emily with Hu Yue at Hope House 2012

We began to pray and ask the Lord whether we should do this. The next morning, Tony Campolo was the guest speaker at our church. His message was about how we are to bring the Kingdom of God here on earth. There was a call to complete commitment to serving the poor. God used the timing of this message to answer our prayer and to grow our trust. Our own financial situation didn't seem so dire, at least in comparison to the poverty we knew existed around the globe.

Emily looked through the current children in need of sponsors. She picked a six-year-old girl named Hu Yue. We did not know at the time, but as God was using us to help her, He was prepping our hearts to use that little girl to change the course of our lives!

I do not recommend taking financial risks for the sake of taking a risks. However, when the Spirit speaks, He is faithful to provide.

During that uncertain time we never missed a rent check, a student loan payment or a month of sponsorship for these wonderful children. God is faithful!

In fact, shortly after sponsoring Hu Yue, our job and financial situation improved, and we were even more convinced of God's ability to provide when we trust.

In 2012, Emily and I were able to travel to Linjiang, China with Threshold to meet Hu Yue. When we left, we were heart broken to have to leave without her. Our meeting Hu Yue sparked a five year journey culminating in the adoption of our son, Isaac, out of foster care.

I have talked with many people who are skeptical of sponsorship programs and organizations. They often say,

"How do you know fifty people aren't sending money to the organization and all receiving a photo of the same kid?"

I can't speak for other organizations, but I can say from personal experience, that each child you sponsor through Threshold Ministries is a very real child. The child you decide to sponsor is specifically designated to you. You play a crucial role in their life and as in the case of my wife and I, you may find that they change your life as well!

When you sponsor through Threshold, you will receive photos, letters, drawings and updates from your child. In certain cases, it may even be possible to travel to China with Threshold Ministries to meet them in person.

Over the years, we have loved watching Hu Yue grow. She is kind, smart and beautiful. She studies very hard in school and desires to go to University.

David with Hue Yue at Hope House in 2018

When I look back to that time of uncertainty in 2009, wondering if we could support that little six-year-old girl, I am humbled to think about all that God had in mind when He put it on our hearts to give. I love the quote from C.S. Lewis:

“To love at all is to be vulnerable.
Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.”