Joan's Story

Christal Pesimo

March 26, 2023

We used to live under a bridge and sleep on sheet wood. Our home was a tent, and it was always hot. There were holes in our tent, so we often got wet when it rained. I was 15 years old when I had our first child, Chrisanta. I was 11 years old when I left my mother to work at the fish port, where I later met my husband, Christian.

When I was 16, I met Sarah from the Portion team. They came to the bridge where we lived and asked if we wanted to go to the baby house. We said yes. Our daughter stayed at the baby house for a week to receive medication. After she returned home, we began receiving weekly support, which helped us feed our family.

The program has been a tremendous help. When we joined, Christian was 18 and unemployed. During that time, he struggled with substance abuse, but little by little, his mind cleared, and he started looking for work. The support we received helped us meet our daily needs. Without this program, we would have gone hungry.

Growing up, I attended church, and after joining the program, I continued going to church and working on my relationship with Jesus. It was through this program that I truly came to know Jesus. Ate Anna consistently shared the Gospel with us and discipled us. I accepted Jesus as my Savior through this program.

I want to thank the Portion program. Without this program and our sponsor, I wouldn’t know Jesus. We are so grateful for our sponsor. Every Sunday, we receive groceries, which is a tremendous help for our family. We are also grateful for the support that allows our children to attend school and for the school supplies and uniforms.

Thank you!

Joan and Chrisanta with their Christian, Joan, and Christal in 2023

sponsor in 2015