Sponsor Spotlight: Dani Schneider

2023 Sponsor Spotlight:  Dani Schneider

This year’s sponsor spotlight is a special one, Mrs. Dani Schneider (Morio).

Dani became a sponsor to a sweet little boy named Jovan, on November 27, 2019.    Little did she know what would transpire on that exact date, 4 years later.   But, God knew.   

Dani was drawn to Jovan back in 2019 by his smile that produced and embodied so much joy, even through a computer screen. She began her sponsorship before she was married and in a season she longed for a family, but rather than wait till that day she felt God stirring in her that she could help a child. Through the passing of letters over the years Jovan would always sign his letters "Your Son" and God knew Dani needed him as much as Jovan needed her. Dani talked about Jovan with her family and friends, she had his photo along with his story on her refrigerator so everyone that came into her house "met" him.


Years later, Jovan took part in our Through Our Eyes project in 2022.   He was given a camera and asked to take pictures, through his eyes.   Dani received the print outs and proudly replaced those original photos with these ones and displayed them on her refrigerator.   Every time she passed those pictures, she whispered a prayer for a little boy who lived 7,500 miles away from her who had stolen her heart. 


We received the first news of Jovan’s sickness in October.  At this point, he had been sick for two months.   His social worker and family members had taken him to the doctor numerous times but the cause of his sickness couldn’t be found.   That was when our sponsorship director, Naome, sent out a call to action.   You see, children get sick every day in Uganda but this case was different.   They couldn’t treat it when the cause could not be found.   We immediately contacted Dani, to implore her to send out prayer requests.   She had everyone praying for the little boy, whom she loved, but had never met.  Our BHM staff, supporters and board members spread the word that we needed a miracle for Jovan.   We had people from two different countries praying for restoration.   At the time, we couldn’t imagine how God would use those prayers to restore the hearts of many.  


As Jovan worsened, his classmates rushed to be by his side.  His community rallied around him, bringing him food and sitting by his side.   His friend, John, amongst those who gathered to pray for him.   


The news came on November 27, 2023 that Jovan had been called home to Heaven.   We were all devastated, especially Dani.   It was hard to wrap our minds around a child losing his life at such a young age.   Dani, with her big heart, leapt into action.   She wrote letters to his family, she grieved with everyone who knew him.   She asked if any of Jovan’s friends needed a sponsor, as she wanted Jovan’s legacy to live on and she knew helping one of his friends would be a step towards continuing that legacy.   We immediately contacted Naome and found out that Jovan’s best friend, John, was on our waiting list for a sponsor.   


Nangabo, the village where he lives, is a close knit community.  John had been a classmate and friend of Jovan for many years.   Unfortunately, John was no stranger to the pain and heartache of losing a loved one.   He had recently lost his Father.   This loss was intensified as his family struggled to pay for his school fees as well as his basic needs.  He prayed for God to help him, as he was now the man of his house.   


We contacted Dani to share John’s story that same day.   She was blown away that her story so closely mirrored John's.   You see, she had also lost her father.   She knew the pain he was going through and had an instant connection to him.   God had this written in their story from the very beginning.    He knew that Jovan would be called home to Him on the exact day that Dani committed to sponsoring him.   He knew that John and Dani’s fathers would also both be called home to Him.   He knew that these two hearts from different continents, 7,500 miles away from each other, would find comfort, solace and friendship with each other.  Dani is giving John a chance at an education, so that he can attain his dreams, while caring for his family.   John is giving Dani the chance to continue Jovan’s legacy by reaching for his own dreams just as Jovan was doing.   


From ashes always comes beauty.   Jovan will always be remembered for the bright light he was to all who knew him.    Dani is full of faith for God, she is full of grace, beauty and empathy.   God knew the exact person that we would need to walk beside us down this path that we had never walked before, losing a sponsored child.   


Dani, we are so thankful for you.  For your support, your commitment, your big heart, your love for Jovan and his family, and now John and his family.   God is shining His largest spotlight on you, our sweet friend.   May you continue to shine your light on everyone you meet for now and forever more.   


“He will bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”  Isaiah 61:3