Living on one meal a day, 18 year old Emilda from the Philippines found new hope through Christian charity Compassion.

In an area with no running water, sewage services or money for medicine, life had not begun easily for her. But when Emilda was an infant, a fever leaving her brain-damaged made it even harder. Despite having a supportive family, she was teased and bullied.

Being enrolled in a Compassion project gave her hope, as well as the prayers and encouragement of Christians. Joseph Alba, pastor of Salem Christian Life, told those who bullied Emilda 'You just don't know how God works in our lives ... probably one day Emilda will make us all proud.'

Her father Ronaldo suggested she start running - she absolutely loved it! Her new dream was to be an athlete ... So Ronaldo asked Alba whether he could find her someone to help. With a coach, despite initial challenges, she ended up improving so much that she qualified to compete in the 2011 Special Olympics Games in Athens, Greece. People around the world gave money to help her find the $19,000 she needed to attend; her reward included a bronze in the 200 metres. 

Pastor Alba says, 'Many are thinking "If Emilda can go to Greece, there's no limit on what God can do in my own life."'