Introducing Yvette

Today we’d love to introduce you to a woman who is very important to us and the mission of GO in Senegal. Yvette is our in-country staff member, responsible for running our child sponsorship program. She is full of passion for serving and raising up children who know the Lord and will become leaders in their country.

GO: What’s your background? Where did you grow up? Family, kids?

Yvette: I was born and raised in Senegal, am married to a pastor, Nicholas, and have one daughter, Ivannie. I met my husband working at World Vision and have been married for 10 years.

GO: How did you come to know Jesus?

Yvette: It was very simple. God talked to me one day: I heard a voice telling me, “I need just a small room in your heart for me.” Someone very special wanted me to be his friend. I know I have someone who is always with me when I pray. I just said yes.

GO: Why did you decide to work with child sponsorship at GO?

Yvette: As a child, I didn't have a nice childhood. My parents were separated when I was eight, but God had his hand on me. I did not have a good relationship with my stepmom. Because of my experience, I decided to work with children. I was very glad to do something for the children because I experienced something in my life and I will be able to advocate for children in World Vision. I worked there for 24 years, and then began at GO in 2010.

GO: What has been the most rewarding thing to see in child sponsorship?

Yvette: Once I became a Christian, I found that I have another vision for the children, which can really be helpful for the children, especially in Senegal. Since I became a Christian, I try to have God’s eyes, and see the children as a treasure and as part of the whole process. I wanted them to be part of the process and part of the community and also have their own role in the community.

GO: What are your dreams and visions for the future of sponsorship and the children in Senegal?

Yvette: I want to see sponsor children become President, become ministers, the prime minister, or a pastor. I want to sponsor children to advocate, to experience the help. I used to say to people that the children can easily be the best advocates. When they say something, they are genuine. My dream would be to see a sponsor child become a doctor, a teacher, a president, a pastor of a church; to be delivered from poverty.