The family of Joseph Antony Tharakaparampil in the Kandakadavu village is one example among many of how the FFA program and your sponsorship can change a family's life.
Joseph Antony and his wife, Clara, first came to the attention of the FFA in 1999. At that time their two children were 2 years old and 7 months old. The following is the 'legend' received by the FFA from Bishop Peter:
"Joseph and Clara are poor couple having a 2 sons. They are staying in a semi-permanent hut. Joseph the head of this family goes for fishing in back waters. He is the only bread winner of this family. His income from this source is very meagre. His wife Clara also is very sickly unable for any works. Besides she has her 7 months old child to care for. As there is no proper earning member in this family they are pulling on their days in utter starvation. Sight of their kids starving is heart breakable for them. But they are helpless to the hard realities of life."
At this time the family was living in a dilapidated hut that barely protected them from the elements and not at all from the monsoons.
A Sponsor Comes Forward
Thanks to the generosity of a sponsoring family here in the US, life began to improve for Joseph and Clara. The monthly funds helped them to obtain necessary food and medicines. The sponsor generously provided funds to build a house and, later, a fishing vessel for Joseph. Within a few years health and well being were restored to this young family.
From Bare Survival to Thriving
When FFA representatives from the US visited this family in 2006, we were happy to see this family continuing to thrive. Joseph purchased a bicycle in order to take his fish to market more easily. Clara now has a sewing machine and is able to bring in extra income from her sewing. The children are growing up strong and healthy.
To see Joseph and Clara with their children now is a joy. They are smiling, their eyes are bright with health and hope. They work hard to maintain their family. They take pride in maintaining their home, painting and repairing it as needed. And their gratitude to their sponsoring family is unbounded. Daily they pray for the well being of their sponsor, but their changed lives are the greatest testament of how a sponsor can make a lifelong difference to a struggling family.
