Tom and Rosemarie Mangan didn’t plan any war on poverty.

They just love their 10 children, who otherwise might seem statistically destined for poverty.

They have lived in Greenwood, Ind., on Dad’s single income from his work for Delta Airlines. Sometimes below the poverty line, they have been eligible for government aid. Poverty studies suggest their children might get stuck there, as the American Dream of upward mobility has been shaken by multi-generational poverty in recent years.

The Mangans are an exception, and their story offers hope for those who get discouraged about living a life in Christ with the guidance of Scripture in a fallen world. They have been members of Second RPC in Indianapolis, Ind., for many years and credit the church for much grace in their story as a family.

Cindy, their oldest, is married, has graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University, and works as a nurse. Cathy, Patrick, Laura, and Becky are in graduate and undergraduate studies. Work and scholarships help pay their way, and graduations often come with honors. Tommy, Joe, Sarah, Daniel, and James are still at home.

College can help in an escape from poverty. Tom and Rosemarie met at Michigan State in a Bible study. She and her parents immigrated from the Philippines. With a master’s in social work, she gave up a career to homeschool the children.

Homeschooling has offered an academic boost. The children do well on standardized tests, which yields more scholarships. They started college classes in high school. Mom taught other students in chemistry, algebra, and worldviews. “She instilled a love for learning and a desire for excellence,” says Becky. “She also encouraged us to volunteer—and eventually work—at the library, which inspired a love for our community and for reading.”

They volunteered at the public library, sometimes leading to staff positions there.

Mom and Dad keep a balance of love and discipline. The girls know that Dad loves them, so that makes them more secure with guys in teen years and helps them focus on the future instead of getting sidetracked.

Tommy, 17, buys shoes at a discount, then sells them to friends at a small profit. Laura’s first paycheck at the public library helped pay for family groceries.

“Money has always been tight,” notes Tommy. “But we’ve grown closer as a family, not apart.” “We sensed the weight of our financial situation as kids,” adds Becky. “We handed out flyers in the neighborhood advertising garage sales, lemonade stands, lawn mowing, and ice cream business. We’d work together in these small businesses and give it back to the family.”

Second Reformed Presbyterian Church has been a help as well. Patrick learned construction skills from Dan Cutter through his business, Covenant Construction. Laura, Tommy, and Sarah learned about servant leadership from Pastor Rich Johnston with the Covenanter Young People’s Union of the Great Lakes-Gulf Presbytery. The Mangans have a streak of creativity on the writing side, as Russ Pulliam has discovered, having had several of the family in his high school writing class over the years. The older Mangans also took worldview classes with Ginny Enas and Debby Long.

A few generations ago, the Mangan story perhaps seemed more typical. Children knew Mom and Dad loved them. They had a shot at something better.

The job market has changed. Excellence in school is tied to future income. Even more important, the Mangans have modeled character qualities like perseverance, love, self-denial, and discipline.

In his book, How Children Succeed, former New York Times contributor Paul Tough explains how the KIPP charter schools emphasize character and academic excellence. The Mangan story illustrates his conclusion: “Parents and other caregivers who are able to form close, nurturing relationships with their children can foster resilience in them that protects them from many of the worst effects of a harsh early environment.”

Though in poverty by income standards, the Mangans are wealthy in a less tangible asset. They have the riches of a dad and mom who have given them disciplined love in Christ.

Russ Pulliam is a contributing editor to the RP Witness.