Leaving a Legacy of Faith: Karen’s Story

03 Dec, 2025

From a young age, Karen knew her calling. Growing up in Brisbane, she dreamt of becoming a teacher, a dream she fulfilled with grace and purpose. For more than a decade, she taught primary school students, mostly Year 7 (back when Year 7 was still part of primary). She worked for over a decade at one of her favourite schools.

Even now, during her weekly grocery runs, Karen sometimes runs into her former students, now adults with children of their own. “It’s wonderful,” says Karen.

A teacher who led with love

For Karen, teaching was never just a job—it was a ministry. Every lesson, every conversation, every classroom activity turned into a prayer. “Jesus is the underlying reason for all my activities,” says Karen.

Her faith shaped how she taught. Patience, compassion, love and treating others as she wanted to be treated became the foundation of her classroom. She recalls one student who was on the verge of expulsion when he joined her class. Instead of seeing trouble, she saw potential. With care and encouragement, that same student went on to become school captain.

Karen believed every child, no matter their background, needed to know they were loved and worthy of respect. Her warmth extended beyond the classroom. She joined in games at recess, directed end-of-year musicals and created space for every child to shine.

“God gives all people different abilities and gifts,” says Karen. “It’s a joy to help children discover theirs.”

Today, Karen continues to serve others as the pastor of her local church. She leads a ladies’ Bible study and ministers to aged care residents through worship and music. In her quiet moments, she tends her garden or reads, always grounded in gratitude and faith.

Credit: Private Collection. Karen playing keyboard during Christmas celebration at the Aged Care where she ministers.

A heart for children around the world

Karen’s love for children extended beyond her classroom and naturally drew her to Compassion. Unable to have children of her own, she chose to sponsor five children—three boys and two girls—through Compassion’s Child Sponsorship Program. Over time, that number grew to eight, from countries including Indonesia and Uganda.

Her visits to meet her sponsored children were deeply moving. In Indonesia, during her 2012 trip, she remembers her sponsored child Will running alongside the bus as it left the village, waving until he disappeared from sight. “They have nothing, yet they share what they have with you,” she reflects.

Credit: Private Collection. Norah bidding farewell to Karen.

Her 2019 visit to Uganda was equally transformative. She saw children preaching in church and witnessed the strength of faith within the community. Among her sponsored children, she formed a special bond with Norah, a young girl who had lost both her parents and was raised by her uncle. Karen calls her “daughter,” and Norah affectionately calls her “mama.”

During her visit, Karen gave Norah a pink towel embroidered with her name—a simple, heartfelt gift that brought Norah to tears. Though Norah has now graduated from the sponsorship program, they still keep in touch.

A legacy that will last beyond her lifetime

At first, Karen decided to include Compassion in her Will for a practical reason: to make sure her sponsored children would continue to be supported if something happened to her. But as those children grew into confident young adults, her vision grew too.

Now, her Gift in Will represents something even greater: a legacy of faith that ensures future generations of children will know the same love, hope and transformation.

“No matter how little we have, we can share it,” says Karen.

Karen’s message

When asked what she would say to someone considering leaving a gift in their Will to Compassion, Karen doesn’t hesitate:

“Just do it and write it down,” says Karen.” Compassion changes lives. It gives hope for children and their future.”

Her favourite Bible verse reflects the heart behind her giving — hope, courage, and trust in God’s plan:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” —Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Through her legacy, Karen continues to live out her faith, giving children the chance to discover their God-given potential and experience the same hope that has guided her life.

If Karen’s story inspires you, here are three ways you can move with compassion:

• You can find out more about how to leave a gift in your Will to Compassion by contacting our team at bequests@compassion.com.au or calling us on 1300 22 44 53.

• You can write a free, legally binding Will online through Gathered Here, Australia’s leading online Wills platform. You can start today and leave a legacy of faith that lasts for generations.

• If you’ve already included a gift for Compassion in your Will, thank you. Please let us know so we can thank you personally.