One of the astonishing parts of the Christmas story is how Jesus came into the world. His modest birth in a stable, announced to lowly shepherds, was incredibly unconventional for the Son of God, the King of kings. I believe God wanted humanity to take notice, first of His great love — “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son … ” (John 3:16, NIV) — and of the truth that Jesus came for everyone, including people who are overlooked, marginalized, and living in poverty.
Earlier this year, my wife, Leiza, and I met one such person: a little boy named Talandira in Malawi.
Seven years ago, when Talandira came into the world without lower limbs, his arrival was met with sorrow instead of joy. In rural Malawi, disabilities can be associated with myths and misconceptions, pointing to witchcraft or punishment for parents’ actions. That’s why children with disabilities are often hidden away in their homes.
Fortunately, Talandira’s parents, Maria and Michael, refused to believe the whispers of witchcraft. They wanted the best for their boy. But it was a struggle. They took turns carrying him each day to school — sacrificing valuable time working in the fields.
World Vision has been active in Talandira’s community, in partnership with child sponsors and supporters. Our work includes a program especially for children with disabilities, providing opportunities for the children to thrive and facilitating support groups for parents, along with other community assistance. Leiza and I know, as parents of two daughters with special needs, how critical community support is for a family.
At the heart of the work is encouraging families to see their disabled children as God sees them: as precious gifts from Him, created in His image, with purpose and potential. Maria and Michael see this in Talandira, and now, the entire community does too.
When Talandira received a wheelchair through World Vision’s program, Maria told us, “We sang and danced. This was not just a celebration for us as parents but for the community as well. Talandira can now go far places with the wheelchair.” He’s excelling in school, ranking No. 7 out of 140 students, and dreaming of becoming a doctor.
Talandira had one more wish that seemed out of reach. He wanted to stand tall among his peers. I’ll never forget saying goodbye to him when Leiza and I left his home. We looked back and saw him on the ground, surrounded by his friends towering over him.
So we were delighted when, months later, we received the exciting news that Talandira has been fitted for prosthetic legs! Now he not only stands tall, but soon he’ll be playing soccer with his friends.
Amazing changes like this happen because child sponsors and supporters come alongside communities over the long term, investing in families and removing obstacles for vulnerable children. And we do this work together in the name of Jesus, who came to bring fullness of life for everyone.
Christmas reminds me that God often reveals His purposes through the very people society commonly overlooks. I saw that truth in Talandira — just one of countless children whose futures are being transformed in the world God so loves.
Edgar Sandoval Sr. is president and CEO of World Vision. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @EdgarSandovalSr.
