Miranda’s Story

by Jennifer Stymiest

Helping others isn’t something you apply for; it’s something that comes from your heart,” says 9-year-old Miranda Christina Jobe. She loves finding ways to help people all around the world and share the joy of serving others.

Miranda is a fourth grader from Danville, Virginia. When she went to the Potomac Conference camp meeting with her family, she saw a booth for ADRA (the Adventist Development and Relief Agency). ADRA helps people in more than 120 countries, no matter who they are or where they come from. They partner with local communities, governments, and organizations worldwide to deliver relief supplies and development assistance so that everyone can live as God intended. It’s an important organization in the Adventist Church.

When Miranda saw the booth, she asked how she could help.

Kimi-Roux James, who works with ADRA, was excited to have Miranda’s help. “When she came to our table and asked to help, how could I say no to her enthusiasm?” Kim-Roux said with a smile. Miranda did small tasks at the booth, such as arranging books and talking to new people who stopped by. Soon she felt confident explaining what ADRA does. Kimi-Roux even called her “my manager” because she was doing such a great job!

After camp meeting Miranda had a big idea. She wanted to set up an ADRA booth at her own church, where her mom is the pastor. Her mom helped her get pamphlets and other materials from ADRA, and every week Miranda talks to people about ADRA’s work around the world.

Miranda cares a lot about other kids. When she learned about ADRA’s projects for orphans, she wanted to help even more. She talked to her Primary class at church, and now her whole Sabbath School class is raising money to support orphans through ADRA.

Miranda’s parents, Wesley and Griselda, are proud of how much she cares for others. They believe that true happiness comes from helping people and getting closer to God. Her dad says, “True happiness and a strong relationship with God is experienced through service. The more we serve and help people, the happier we are, and the stronger our relationship with God becomes.” 

Her mom agrees, saying it’s important for kids to learn that the world is bigger than just themselves. She’s glad Miranda is helping with orphans and ADRA, which lets her connect with people outside her small community.

You don’t have to go far away to help people. Just as Miranda did, you could set up a booth at your church, pray for others, or even pick up trash at the playground to make your community better. Simple acts, such as smiling at someone who’s feeling lonely or helping at home, can make a big difference.

Visit adra.org with your parents or classmates to find ways to get involved, or check out their gift catalog online! 

Jennifer Stymiest is the director of Adventist Communications for ADRA International.