Matthew: As soon as I heard about Alyssa Ferguson’s story, I knew I had to meet her. She was a 12 year old girl battling Medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer. She had been contacted by the Make a Wish Foundation and they told her that they would send her anywhere her heart desired or arrange for her to meet the celebrity of her choice.
She chose to give her wish away, asking the Make A Wish Foundation to build a well that would provide clean water for children in Zimbabwe that she had learned about in school. I was struck by the unselfish wish of this young girl and wrote a song inspired by her story called, “World Changers.” I contacted her parents to get more information and to tell them about the song. Together, we worked out a plan to have them at a show in Texas and I was able to surprise her with a video about her story and the song. Bringing her on stage to present the song to her is one of the greatest memories I have in my career. Later, Alyssa told me that she was inspired to give her wish away because she listened to my song “Do Something,” based on a powerful testimony of a young girl who started an orphanage. Hearing this only reinforced my belief that stories are so powerful and have a ripple affect to impact many, many lives for Christ.
Alyssa fought long and hard over the next three years. She endured set backs and progress. She suffered great pain and she enjoyed sweet moments with her family. But on Jan. 26th, 2017, her race was finished. She had run with grace and strength and had done all God planned for her. She is now home with the Lord. She has not lost her battle with cancer. As her family likes to say, Alyssa won!
There are some things we all can learn from Alyssa about what it means to be a world changer.
- She gave – When she had the choice of a trip to Disney, she chose to provide water for an entire village. Mark 9:41 says, “If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to Christ, I tell you the truth, that person will never lose their reward. Well done, Alyssa. You were showing us that World Changers are unselfish givers.
- She smiled – Alyssa was always smiling. Smiling through pain, smiling through fear. Her family called it her “always present smile.” Psalm 28:7 tells us, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I will praise Him. Thank you Alyssa, for showing us that World Changers are filled with joy because they trust God to help them.
- She fought – Alyssa never gave up. She was able to endure because was confident that God had a plan for her life. She was here on a mission. She wanted to shine for Jesus and she did! 2 Timothy 4:7 says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Thank you Alyssa for demonstrating that verse to us. You reminded us that World Changers know they’re on a mission and can fight the fight with courage and grace.
