Seeing People in the Image of God

For more than ten years, I have had the joy and blessing of serving at Reading Circle. What began simply as a volunteer project to help refugee children and give back to my community gradually transformed into a weekly routine that shifted my entire understanding of how to help those in need. Being involved with Reading Circle has taught me that the best way to show God’s love and compassion to others is by truly getting to know them as individuals—seeing them as people made in the image of God. I have realized this is the single best way to break down biases and preconceived ideas about any group of people.

Every week, I get to step into the lives of these students. I learn what they love, what troubles them, how they are doing in school, and how their families are faring. Other times, we simply laugh and giggle together as they share about their day. Through these relationships, I’ve learned that many of these children come from hard-working parents who often juggle two jobs just to support their households. Like any parents, they want the best for their children, especially when it comes to academic opportunities.

God has used this ministry to deepen my understanding of the challenges refugees and immigrants face—both in their homelands and here in the United States. Many families leave their home countries due to political oppression, death threats, and extreme poverty, coming here in search of a safer, better life. Despite everything they have endured, they are remarkably resilient, courageous, and grateful. God holds a special place in His heart for the foreigner, reminding us in Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” God clearly calls us to love and meet the needs of refugees and immigrants in our communities.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of walking alongside many students. My heart fills with joy as I watch their reading levels rise and their English literacy flourish. Yet, nothing compares to the pure excitement of watching them memorize Scripture each week. The students aren't just hearing Bible stories; they are storing God’s Word directly in their hearts.

That has certainly been the case with Ivy*, an eight-year-old girl who became my student nearly three years ago. Ivy is witty, thoughtful, and bright. Her family came from Burma, and she is one of five children. Week after week, I have watched her reading skills blossom, but her ability to memorize Scripture is truly remarkable—she quotes multiple verses at a time almost effortlessly. She also takes turns praying out loud with me and always remembers to ask God to care for my mother and aunt. Her thoughtfulness and genuine care mean the world to me. I am so grateful God placed Ivy in my life as a living reminder of His goodness and the power of persistent prayer.

My experience at Reading Circle has taught me that God sees every single person in His image, regardless of ethnicity, culture, or background. His heart for the vulnerable is woven throughout Scripture. Reading Circle is a place where God’s love is put into action by caring for both the academic and spiritual needs of these young students. As a result, children are given better educational opportunities for their futures while discovering a meaningful, personal relationship with God.
 

Written by: Vanessa Burbano
Edited by: Jordyn Rupprecht

*Name has been changed to protect student privacy.