Thampan’s* parents were field laborers. When his father took his own life, it left the family in a hard position to make ends meet. His mother left him to be raised by his grandmother, and then she remarried another man. (Bringing child into a new marriage is often stigmatized in South Asia.)

Though Thampan’s childhood loss was tragic, he's become a delightful individual. He enjoys playing cricket, a traditional sport in South Asia, as well as another contact team sport called kabaddi.

Today Thampan is part of Restoring Hope which has enabled him to learn his way out of poverty. Thampan now studies in junior college and is becoming a leader. He recently helped welcome the incoming freshmen as a leader for the orientation team, which included helping manage the celebrations, food, and student greetings.

He's also experienced the love of Jesus. His favorite Bible story is David and Goliath, and he prays to God for his education and to gain wisdom. When asked what his relationship with God has been like during his college years, and how he has seen God at work, Thampan said:

“I praise the Lord God for providing so many things to give me a good college experience. I am very thankful for the Restoring Hope supporters to help me fulfill my dreams. Thank you.”

Restoring Hope's team in South Asia also reported:

“Thampan wants to become a pastor to serve society and the poor children in the surrounding villages."

In Thampan's own word:

“I enjoy science labs, chemistry and physics, but I want to become a pastor. I want to be settled in the society and stand up for poor people through the help of Restoring Hope."

*Pseudonyms are used to protect the identity of people and areas Restoring Hope serves.