“I’ve done everything you can imagine…” says 17-year old Rood Clarmond as he describes his past. “I’ve used drugs, sold drugs, bought prostitutes and have stolen.” Luckily, when Rood Clarmond was at his all-time low and ready to change his life, he knew where to turn for support – a trusted World Wide Village staff member.  

In wisdom, Rood was connected with the local church in Williamson. Pastor Joassaint – part of the WWV Pastor’s Coalition and administrator of the WWV school in Williamson – offered counseling and prayer. After assurances that he really wants to change the course of his life, Rood was welcomed into the school, which will offer him the chance at a fresh start and an opportunity to set a different path for his life. 

 

Jean Leon – a father who has himself benefitted from World Wide Village through the goat program and student sponsorship – paid that blessing forward and bought Rood a school uniform. WWV staff member – Patrick Larochelle – bought him school shoes. The men in Pastor Joassaint’s discipleship group set in motion a plan for summer jobs and activities. Last, but not least, a WWV impact team heard of Rood’s situation and took up a collection to assist him in relocating so he would be able to separate himself from his old friends and his old way of life.

We are thrilled that God has taken hold of Rood’s heart and is slowly drawing him away from his destructive lifestyle. We are thankful that God has used World Wide Village to be a part of helping this young man start his new life.

Psalm 107:17-21 says, 

“Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; they loathed any kind of food and they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!”

Pictured: Rood Clarmond

Even though Rood was a “fool through his sinful ways,” God is delivering him! We are praying that Rood would fully accept Christ’s gift of salvation and feel the joy and peace that comes from being in a right relationship with God. We are thankful that Rood has been so fully supported in making this decision to leave his destructive lifestyle. Please continue to pray for Rood and that he will have perseverance to continue on the right path.

Rood also still needs a sponsor. He is very bright, well spoken and hopes to someday become an engineer. Would you consider sponsoring Rood’s education for only $32 per month? It would allow him to continue attending school without the burden of tuition and be such a tangible reminder of Christ’s love.