Ruan’s Story
Interviewer: How did you get connected with FAD (Making A Difference Ministries)?
Ruan: My name is Ruan. I live in Campina Grande, Brazil. It’s near FAD because Campina Grande is on the other side from Queimadas, where FAD is located. I’ve been here at FAD since 2019, when I think I was 17.
I had already heard about FAD from my friends and kids when I was studying, but the person who invited me to FAD was Camila. She told me about FAD and what we do here, and I came and talked to Jessica, and we’ve been here ever since.
Interviewer: What is your role at FAD today?
Ruan: I teach English on Fridays and Saturdays. I started by coming during the week, teaching biblical lessons, but now I teach English, and we include the biblical part in the English classes too, because it’s really important.
Interviewer: What would you say the community’s perception is about FAD, and the difference it makes here?
Ruan: I think everyone loves FAD here because it’s a big representation in the community. When kids come to school, they talk about FAD, and everyone where I live knows about FAD and the work we do. I think it’s seen in a good way, not like “FAD is a terrible thing.” No, people say FAD is a good influence on the kids. I think it’s because we support them, we help them with the biblical aspects, and with growing up to be good men and good women.
Interviewer: Do you understand the dynamic of how, in the United States, we have sponsors who give a monthly donation to help the kids afford to come here? What do you want to say to the sponsors about the importance of what they do?
Ruan: Guys, you are doing an amazing job. It’s really, really important. I know some people wonder about the value of their donation, but I think it’s really meaningful, because we use this money to buy resources, crafts, and food, since some of the kids don’t eat at home. Food is a huge need for them. So with this support, we provide meals, both for the kids and for their families. Some families need food too, so we deliver food to them as well.
Interviewer: You give additional food to families in need.
Ruan: Yes, that’s it.
Interviewer: If you could leave one message with the Americans, the North Americans, what would that message be about FAD? How would you sum it up?
Ruan: I would say thank you, and keep doing this work. I think we’re really grateful, and I believe it’s God using you to help them. We’re just volunteers, but these kids need this, especially the biblical teaching, because it’s really important to them and to their families too. What they learn here, they bring home to their families. So my message is: thank you, I’m so grateful for what you’re doing, and please keep doing it. It’s really amazing.
Interviewer: Is there anything else we can do for you personally or professionally, something you still desire that isn’t quite within reach yet?
Ruan: My goal right now is, since I’m a student graduating in English teaching, I think I could be useful teaching some of the kids at FAD too, because I really love teaching kids, especially face to face since online is so hard. If I can help in that way, I would do it with my whole heart. That’s it.
