I didn’t know what life would have in store for me,

But Jesus is With Me.

When Alex Mauricio Rodriguez turned 15 years old, his father was murdered. He had been looking after some cattle just 10 minutes away from his home in Villa de San Francisco, a community in the east side of the capital city of Tegucigalpa. They’re still uncertain about what happened, but this tragedy changed the lives of the Rodriguez family forever.

Alex’s father was a hard-working man, a responsible father and loving husband to Liliana. For many years the family didn’t have to worry about anything, but from that moment of his death, Liliana and Alex started to look for any job in order to provide for the daily needs of their home.

Young Alex was already part of Compassion’s program when this event happened in his life. He was registered at the Agape Child Development Centre when he was 5 years old. Five years later, Alex became a Christian.

“It was here where I was introduced to the Lord Jesus. It was here where I started to love the Lord and get to know him each day. It was here where I started to pray and read my Bible. All the Bible stories and teachings inspired me and strengthened my life.”

At the project, Alex learned about proper hygiene & manners, Christian values and to take good care of the environment. He made friends, and felt blessed to see his family become Christians as well.

Life Without His Father

The tutors at the project counseled and supported Alex as he recovered from his father’s tragic death. Still, he needed to help support his family, and for three years worked part time growing corn and beans. He also worked as a mason, and sometimes looked after cattle. Through it all, he persisted in his studies, continuing his education during the night.

After his father’s death, Alex began to see how his life was being used by God to influence those around him. A close friend had lived a sinful and violent life for many years until a powerful experience in a church service led him to become a Christian, setting aside his old ways in favor of following Jesus. Alex, who had always prayed for his friend, was greatly encouraged in his faith. He faithfully served his church, preaching the Bible when he could, coordinating youth events and sharing his testimony.

Discovering God’s Plans for Him

But it wasn’t until the end of high school that he truly began to understand that “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28). It was at this time that he was accepted into Compassion’s Leadership Development Program, which gives exceptionally gifted students the opportunity to study at the university level. Alex began studying Business Administration at the National University of Honduras, hoping to develop the skills and experience he needed to start a business.

However his career develops, 20-year-old Alex’s ambitions are not for material gain, but the opportunity to help boys and girls who grew up like he did. He wants to use his life to bless others, showing them a life outside of the hopelessness and despair that they face in their circumstances. He wants to show them that a life with Jesus Christ is one of promise and purpose.

A Living Testimony

He continues to share his testimony of all that God has done in his life. At the National University, Alex and 15 of his fellow students gather every Tuesday and Friday to spread the gospel through special meetings that include worship and prayer time as well as preaching the good news of Jesus. He returns home every weekend to stay with his family and serve his home church, never missing the Saturday youth group or the Sunday school service.

“Alex is an inspiration not only to the young people in his hometown, but to sponsors as well. When he’s shared his testimony during sponsor tours, I’ve seen many sponsors in tears. I know for sure that he will succeed because he has proved that anything is possible,” says Alexa Madrid, one of Compassion’s Leadership Development Program specialists.

Jesus has always been the difference in Alex’s life; and with Him, he is able to accomplish more than he ever thought possible.

“When I opened my heart to Lord, everything started to change for me. Not everything has been easy for me but the Lord has promised me to be with me always. He has been with me in this stage of my life now that I’m making my dream come true.”

by Yuri Fortin, Compassion Honduras with Aaron Armstrong, Compassion Canada