The Story of Saving Levi
Covered with third- to fourth-degree burns over 70 percent of his body, a tiny baby shrieked in agony in a cold village field on the outskirts of Langfang, China. Horrified villagers gathered but due to their socioeconomic status, were afraid to pick him up and become financially responsible for him.
One older man, however, decided to risk what he had and gathered the child in his arms, and sought help. His compassion and courage sparked a momentous chain of events. The baby left to die would unite people from different countries, faiths, and backgrounds in a triumphant battle to save his life and secure his future.
Meet Lisa Misraje
Lisa Misraje (Bentley) is an accomplished author, speaker, and a director of development. Lisa’s journey is a testimony to embracing the road less traveled. At the age of 54, she graduated from the University of Southern California with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a bachelor’s degree in NGO and Social Change. She completed both of these degrees as a single mother of six children.
Misraje’s book Saving Levi chronicles the remarkable true story about one woman’s odyssey to help a young orphaned Chinese infant against overwhelming odds. Currently, Lisa is working on developing a film based on her book, Saving Levi.
Saving Levi Film
We’re seeking friends and supporters to help turn Saving Levi into a feature film and/or documentary by connecting us with people in the film and philanthropic industries. Our aim is to bring this inspiring story to a global audience, with participation in film festivals as one of our milestones.
In a divided world, we need something unifying, and Saving Levi does just that. The name Levi, meaning to bind and unite, perfectly captures the essence of the miraculous and courageous effort that inspired a global community to come together. United by compassion, people from around the world paused their busy lives to save a dying baby.
Media Reviews
"I put down Lisa Misraje's book Saving Levi ready to cheer for the spirit of a woman who refused to recognize international, cultural, or linguistic boundaries in her quest for justice on behalf of a severely burned little Chinese boy. Bentley adopted him as one of her own, displaying a grace and compassion one rarely finds today."
"Saving Levi is an inspiring and uplifting book about how the life of one little Chinese boy was saved. Lisa Bentley tells her own story with brutal honesty, about the difficult road that she and little Levi have walked together. It is a book about the wonders and the tragedies of modern China, but most of all about the power of prayer..."
"I would not care to know anyone with a heart cold enough to remain unmoved by this gripping story. Lisa Misraje's complete determination to save Levi is an absolute marvel that demonstrates the power of love and resolute faith."
"Lisa stands as a humble example of what can happen when a man or woman actually lives out the truth that God cares for orphans."