How it feels to be Chosen: Susan Burston

She has shared the stories, explained the impact and invited others into the journey. But nothing prepared her for what it would feel like to be Chosen.

Chosen is World Vision's sponsorship experience where children choose their sponsors—restoring dignity, connection, and hope.

When a child chooses you

She found herself in a school yard in Mathare Valley, Kenya, the room alive with anticipation. She was accompanying members of New Life Church, whose many congregation members would be “chosen” today.

Five children stood before photos of potential sponsors. Some scanned the pictures with excitement, while others paused thoughtfully, carefully considering their decision.

Then Blessed, 6, chose Susan.

Her sponsorship shifted from a photo in a brochure to something deeply personal. Susan was watching a child choose her. Being chosen created a bond that felt deeper and more intentional.

Need that can't be ignored

On this trip, Susan understood the deep need in this community. Mathare Valley had just experienced a major flood, leaving destroyed shanties, loss of loved ones and leaving the community traumatized and in need of urgent support.

World Vision responded rapidly to the crisis, helping to clean up the area and repaint the school, in addition to other restorative activities. Families are continuing to recover and rebuild from this disaster, and many worry about their futures.

“It was really hard for me to process a lot of this when I got home,” Susan recounts. She often uses the Starfish Story to describe how overwhelming the need was in this community and in others around the world.

In the story, a young boy throws stranded starfish back into the ocean after a storm. When told that saving a few among thousands won’t make a difference, he throws another in and replies, "I made a difference to that one."

“This is the outlook I had to have when coming back – I can make a difference to one. I am making a difference there.”

Chosen as a movement

Back home, the ripple effects continued.

The Chosen program does more than match sponsors and children. It ignites transformation. New Life Church began the trip with 81 sponsorships, which rose to 97 thanks to the experience of those who visited.

Chosen became a rallying point, uniting people across generations and drawing them into a deeper expression of faith through generosity and service.

Churches that participate in Chosen consistently see their communities grow in unity, engagement and commitment to God’s mission. In the same way, New Life returned with a renewed sense of purpose. It builds up church families, more committed than ever to creating lasting change for children, families and communities.

New Life Church featured its partnership with World Vision Canada during a parade in Brantford, ON. Their pastor had the chance to do a video call with his sponsored child and later said, “I wasn’t expecting it to have such an impact.”

Susan keeps reminders of that transformation sitting on her mantle. Photos of the children she met help her remember why the work matters, especially on hard days.

Chosen is a moment of dignity for a child. It is a shift in perspective for a sponsor. It is the catalyst that turns generosity into a lasting partnership.

For Susan Burston, sponsorship became more than a picture on her desk, it became a promise. A promise to a little boy who chose her to stand with him.

Want to bring Chosen to your church?

Hosting a Chosen event brings your congregation together in a meaningful way, encourages generosity, and deepens your church’s connection to God’s heart for the poor. It’s a simple, yet powerful experience that engages families, strengthens community, and creates lasting impact both locally and globally.

We would love to answer your questions. To speak to your World Vision Canada regional Engagement team advisor, please complete the short online form at the bottom of this page.