Jen-Jen’s Story: From Sponsored Child to Future Leader

A Difficult Beginning

In a remote mountain village in the Philippines, Genevieve, known as Jen-Jen, was born into a family of nine children. Reaching her community required a three-hour hike along mountain trails, making access to services and support extremely difficult.

When Jen-Jen was six years old, her mother passed away, leaving her father to care for their large family, including Jen-Jen and her twin sister. As the family faced increasingly difficult circumstances, the twins became severely malnourished.

At ten months old, Jen-Jen was brought to Noah’s Ark Home for Children, our ChildCARE Plus partner in the Philippines led by PAOC Global Worker, Linda Veldhuizen. Two months later, her twin sister joined her.

Although Jen-Jen continued to maintain a close relationship with her biological family, Noah’s Ark became a place of safety, stability and belonging. There, she received the care and encouragement she needed to grow.

At Noah’s Ark, Jen-Jen also developed a personal faith in God. Throughout her childhood, she was supported by a faithful ChildCARE Plus sponsor who invested in her education and future.

After graduating from secondary school, Jen-Jen continued her studies. She completed a degree in criminology, became a police officer and later earned her master’s degree.

Returning to the Place That Raised Her

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jen-Jen returned to Noah’s Ark and began working alongside Linda. Having grown up in the home herself, she understood many of the challenges the children were facing. She knew what it felt like to arrive in need of care and understood the difference that consistent love and encouragement could make.

Over time, Jen-Jen began taking on greater responsibility within the ministry. In 2023, after a season of prayer and discernment, she accepted the position of Administrative Assistant to the Director.

The child who had once been supported through the program was now helping lead it.

ChildCARE Plus brings together sponsors, churches, global workers, local partners and children from around the world. These relationships help meet children’s immediate needs, but they can also create opportunities for long-term growth and transformation.

For ERDO, community development includes investing in local leaders who understand the needs, culture and strengths of their communities.

Linda has spent years mentoring and discipling Jen-Jen. Although there was no single moment when she knew Jen-Jen would one day take on greater leadership, the possibility gradually became clear.

“After the pandemic, I started thinking she might be the one,” Linda shared. “I never told her, but I continued pouring into her and discipling her.”

Preparing a New Generation of Leadership

During a ChildCARE Plus meeting in Thailand, Linda saw Jen-Jen confidently take on new responsibilities. For Linda, it was confirmation of what God had already been placing on her heart.

She also wanted Jen-Jen to have the space to discern the decision for herself.

“I didn’t want her to feel pressured,” Linda explained. “But she also confirmed that God was calling her into this role.”

Linda plans to gradually give Jen-Jen additional responsibilities, with the goal of having her step into the role of Director in January 2027. Linda will continue supporting and mentoring her throughout the transition.

“Jen-Jen is more than a capable servant,” Linda said. “She is living proof that God provides His people with the right leaders at the right time. Her life encourages us that when we trust God with the future, He raises up leaders who serve with humility, faith and hearts fully surrendered to Him.”

A Place of Refuge and Hope

For Jen-Jen, Noah’s Ark is more than a children’s home. It is where she experienced God’s love and learned to share that love with others.

“Noah’s Ark has been a place of refuge where many different stories have unfolded into powerful testimonies,” she shared.

“Living in the home taught me to trust God and walk in His light, even through life’s painful and challenging moments. Growing up surrounded by love and learning to share God’s grace and compassion with others has been the greatest gift I have received.”

Jen-Jen is grateful for the many people who have walked alongside her, including Linda, the Noah’s Ark staff, ChildCARE Plus sponsors, partner churches, the children in the home, and her family and friends.

“I am truly blessed and deeply grateful for the unwavering love and support of everyone who helped shape me into the person I am today. To God be all the glory.”

The Lasting Impact of Sponsorship

Through the ministry of Noah’s Ark, Jen-Jen’s life and future was shaped as she grew in the knowledge of who she was and who God would call her to be.

You can support a child like Jen-Jen, bring them into a community where they have their needs met and access to new opportunities, while still maintaining a strong relationship with their family. Sponsor a child today and change a life like Jen-Jen.

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