A Burden Lifted, A Future Rewritten

When I first met Lucas (name changed for confidentiality), I could tell he was carrying more than most children his age. Lucas came to my attention through our Compassion Shower Trailers, where he and his dad have been regular guests. What began as a simple point of connection quickly revealed a child who had been quietly waiting for support and hope.

I spent about 45 minutes with Lucas during our first Read On! session, and his heart was open from the start. He is a sweet, thoughtful boy who loves his family and loves God. As we talked, he shared how grateful he is for his education because, as he told me, “God wants us to learn.” On a worksheet from his teacher that asked, “What experience are you most grateful for?” Lucas wrote, “Knowing God.” My heart overflowed.

Lucas also shared honestly about how hard reading has been for him. He told me how frustrating it feels and how often that frustration turns into anger, especially at school. We talked through simple ways to calm his body and mind when emotions feel overwhelming.

When I told Lucas that I would be helping him with reading, he was so thankful. I could see the relief wash over him, like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. His posture changed, and his spirit felt lighter. In that moment, I was reminded that learning to read is never just about words on a page—it is about restoring confidence, easing frustration, offering connection, and helping a child believe they are capable and not alone.

Thank you for visiting our page and taking the time to learn more about Read On!. We are grateful for your heart and your desire to be part of stories like Lucas’s.

With gratitude,Brielle Kendall
Read On! Director of Curriculum