It was an eye-opener to learn that the late US President George H.W. Bush had secretly sponsored a seven-year-old boy named Timothy from the Philippines for 10 years.
Compassion International, a nonprofit organization that uses local churches to help children in poor communities around the world, told CNN that for a decade, the former US President sent funds that went toward Timothy’s education, extracurricular activities and some of his meals.
Once the sponsorship began in 2002, Bush began writing to Timothy right away and the two became pen pals.
“Dear Timothy, I want to be your new pen pal,” Bush began his first letter.
“I am an old man, 77 years old, but I love kids; and though we have not met I love you already.
I live in Texas—I will write you from time to time—Good Luck. G. Walker”
Bush used a pseudonym because his security team was concerned that Timothy might become a target if people found out he was in communication with a former US President.
“His letters were the most sweet, spirited letters I have read from any sponsor, but he kept giving hints as to who he could be,” said Wess Stafford, the president of Compassion International at the time.
His first security breach was sharing a picture of his dog.
“Here is a picture of our dog,” he wrote. “Her name is Sadie. She has met a lot of famous people.”
“She is a very good dog she was born in England. She catches mice and chipmunks, and she runs like the wind. G. Walker.”
He also mentioned that he was famous enough to get invited to the White House for Christmas.
Although sending presents was not allowed, Bush would send them anyway, specially when he found out Timothy loved to draw and paint.
It wasn’t until Timothy graduated from the program at age 17 that Stafford’s executive assistant flew to the Philippines and told him who his sponsor was.
Timothy was stunned, Stafford said. He really couldn’t believe the man he had been writing letters to was once the President of a nation.
Stafford said that Timothy told his assistant he had no idea, and that the revelation was life-changing.
That was the last time the nonprofit heard from Timothy, despite efforts to locate him, Stafford said.
“We may not know where Timothy is, but we know he’s now living a successful life,” Stafford said. “Sponsoring a child, even if they are still in the womb, can encourage them and guide them to become great human beings.”
In this season of tinsel, gift-wrapped presents and bright lights, it is quiet gifts like this that inspire.”‹