Hey, everyone! Meet Occean! He’s one of the first people I met in Haiti and we quickly became the best of friends. He has a heart of GOLD! Check out his story below!
When I was 14, my grandmother took me to church one Sunday and there was a man who asked to share his testimony. When he was given the mic, the man began to share some things that I did not understand. As he held the mic, he started to weep. I asked my grandma, “Why’s he crying? What happened to him?”
After service, my grandma told me the man was homeless. He spends his days alone with no one around to help him. When he needs something, he struggles to get what he needs.
When I heard that, I felt very bad because I’ve always had my mom, my dad, my grandma, and so many other people in my life who care for me.
Days later, I saw the homeless man on the road and stopped to talk to him. The man said he was hungry and I really wanted to help him. When I told the man I would do something to help, he responded, “You can’t do anything to help me. You’re just a boy.” I told the man, “Of course I can! Can you wait for me for five minutes? I’ll be right back!”
I ran home to my dad and asked for some money. My dad said, “Why do you need money? How much do you need?”
“Dad, I’m not a crazy man. I just need $2 dollars.”
“But we have food. What are you going to do with it?”
“Dad, don’t ask me that because I’m not a crazy man.”
My mom shouted, “No, he doesn’t need any money! The food is almost ready.”
“No, mom! I don’t need it for food.”
Then, my dad looked me into my eyes, gave me the money, and I ran as fast as I could back to the man on the road.
When I saw the man, I was smiling. I was so happy!
The man said, “What happened, boy? Why do you smile?? You are sooooo happy!”
I said, “Yes! Yes I am! I’ve got something for you!”
I gave the man the money and he was so shocked that he asked, “How’d you get it?!?!?”
“I got it from my dad!”
The man got up, hugged me tight, and he began to cry. I started to cry, too.
Then I asked the man, “Why are you crying?”
The man replied, “I didn’t really know how I would eat today and God sent you to me. So don’t cry, boy. Today you did a really good thing.”
After that, the man went to my pastor and told him everything that happened. On the following Sunday after church, the pastor talked to my grandma for a long time.
On the way home, I asked my grandma, “Grandma, why did the pastor have you for so long? I’ve been ready to go home. I’m hungry.”
My grandma said with a smile, “The homeless man you helped spoke with the pastor and told him everything. He says that you will be a good leader!”
I didn’t really understand what it meant to be a good leader at that time.
Years passed, I grew up, and God began to open my eyes. Today, I know exactly what it means to be a good leader.
First, you must love and obey God. A good leader is someone who is patient, cares about people, respects people, and loves people. God asks us to love Him with all of our heart and to love our neighbors.
Are you paying attention to the people right in front of you and loving them well? We ALL are special in His eyes.
-Occean Stravingsky
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” Matthew 22:36-39
My deadline has already passed and I am ONLY $1,673 away from reaching my FINAL goal!
