John - PH843 pastor letter

I am currently advocating for a sweet little boy from the Philippines!  John is 9 years old.  If you'd like to know more about John or sponsor him, please hop over to this post - Love is an Action: Meet John!!

I wanted to share with you a letter from the pastor of John's project (PH843).  I made some of my favorite parts bold.

Dear Sponsor,

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from Iloilo, Philippines.

My name is Heman M. Itona, and I am the pastor Pavia Christian Reformed Church. For almost five years now, our child development center has partnered with Compassion International to serve your sponsored child. Our city is located in the central part of the Philippines on Visayas Island, a known tourist destination in the country.

Firstly, allow me to express my sincere gratitude to you for sponsoring your sponsored child. Through your prayer and generous support through Compassion, we are continuously ministering and achieving the visions and goals primarily for children.

To help you understand more of our community and our church ministry, here is some significant information that I would like to share with you.

Our municipality has a population of 30,000 comprising 5,000 households. From this figure we have identified 220 children representing 200 families as direct beneficiaries of our program. They belong to the so-called less fortunate families. In our country less fortunate means a family lives in small, crowded homes with limited access to health services, medication, education and economic opportunities. This poverty is the prime factor and challenge that hinders the crucial development of children and the families we serve.

I am happy to tell you that through partnership with Compassion, we are able to provide a holistic ministry responding effectively to the needs of our children. Our children have now access to good health and medical programs, parents capacity to send their children to school is now greatly enhanced through provision of school assistance, academic performance is improved through tutorials, stimulating learning activities and other development programs offered at the center.

We are delighted to see these benefits enjoyed by the children, but the results that give more delight to our church are the spiritual changes that are taking place in the lives of the children and their parents. All of the 220 children have made a first time profession and commitment to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. They are regularly joining and participating in our church activities especially during Sunday school. About 60 percent are attending our worship service during Sundays, and 80 percent are attending weekly Bible study.

I also praised God for our staff, composed of spiritually dedicated, talented leaders of our church. They are excited to serve the Lord through children's ministry, and they also love the children. Our staff is responsible for the management as well as the implementation of the program of the center.

Let me say to you the vision statement of our church, "We are a fellowship, a dynamic and growing church rooted in an obedience to God's Word, influencing society with the reformed faith and life, and actively involved in a credible and responsive kingdom witness." I praise God that our partnership with Compassion enables us to fulfill this vision, more lives are touched, and more children are cared for in Jesus name.

Thank you so much for your support. It has done so much to enable our church to minister to our children. On a personal note, I would like to let you know that our children are very excited when they receive letters from you, their sponsors. Please pray for our church and for the children we're ministering to.

Furthermore, we do remember you in our prayers that our mighty God will sustain and bless you and your family and as you joyfully support your sponsored child.

God bless you.

Your partner in the ministry,

Rev. Heman M. Itona
Pastor

Meet John!!

Meet John. He has just turned 9 and lives in the Philippines.   His center was affected by the major typhoon just a bit ago.   I have his packet until March 14, 2013.  If you'd like more info or would like to sponsor sweet John, please e-mail me at lizzie4compassion@gmail.com

• John (ph8430273)
• Birthday: January 30, 2005
• Age: 9
• Gender: Male
• Region: Asia
• Country: Philippines
• Program: King's Kids Student Center
• Child and Family Info: John lives with his father and his mother and 4 siblings.  His father is sometimes employed as a farmer, and his mother is sometimes employed.   John helps out by carrying water, gathering firewood, and gardening.  He participates in church activities and attends primary school where his performance is average. Soccer, basketball, and playing with cars are John's favorite activities. Please pray for John.

Rased

Sheikh Rased Uddin

EI-158-0140

August 6, 1998

Rased makes his home in India with his father, mother, and sibling.  He is 15 years old.  In his home, he helps out by carrying water, teaching others, and buying/selling in the market.  His father is sometimes employed as a farmer, and his mother maintains the home.

Rased enjoys playing ping pong, playing soccer, and swimming.  His performance in middle school is average.  He regularly attends activities at his church, VBS, and Bible school.  His project also provides him with health checkups, special celebrations, cultural programs, tutoring, educational materials, and vocational training.

I am advocating for Rased until November 29, 2013.  If you or someone you know would like to sponsor this young man, please contact me at lizzie4compassion@gmail.com  By sponsoring him, you will be providing him with opportunities to learn and grow physically, mentally, and spiritually.  

Please pray for Rased and for his future sponsor.

Change Diogo's Life Today!

Diogo dos Santos Silva  (br3390375) Birthday:  December 16, 2001 Age:  11 Gender:  Male Region:   South America Country:  Brazil Program:  Centro de Desenvolvimento Integral Vida II - Ilha de Deus Personal and Family Information:  Smiling Diogo lives with his dad, mom, and two siblings.  His parents are sometimes employed as laborers, earning about $45 each month.  He helps out at home by buying/selling in the market, running errands, and cleaning. Diogo participates in church activities, Bible class, and VBS.  His project also provides him with recreational activities, nutritious food, medical care, social events, music classes, academic support, and educational lectures.  He is doing average in middle school and likes to sing, play soccer, and play with cars. You can bring hope and joy to Diogo in the midst of extreme poverty.  He has been waiting nine long months for a sponsor like you!  If you would like to sponsor him or you know someone who would like to, please e-mail me at lizzie4compassion@gmail.com  I have his child packet until November 29, 2013.  Please pray for him.  Thank you!

To see Diego's profile (another child I am advocating for this month), go HERE.  So see many other children needing sponsors, please visit HERE.

He is waiting for you!

Hola!  My name is Diego.  I will be 6 years old on November 23rd.  I really hope that you would like to sponsor me for my birthday.  If you do, I will be so happy!  By then, I will have been waiting a whole year for a sponsor.  

I live in Bolivia with my dad, mom, and two siblings.  My parents are sometimes employed, but their work is not steady.  I used to wonder if we would eat.  Now though, Compassion helps me!  My family is so thankful for Compassion.  I like to play soccer with my friends and play with cars.  I go to preschool too, and I am learning a lot.  

At my project (Viacha Student Center, BO451), I learn about God and His love.  It makes me happy.  I love going to my project!  Sometimes they take me on a field trip or have a celebration.  They also feed me and take care of me in many ways.

I usually eat chicken, bread, beef, plantains, rice, or potatoes.  They are yummy!  Sometimes people near me or even I get sick with respiratory illnesses, diarrhea, and intestinal parasites.  When I get sick, Compassion helps me.  They even take me to a doctor if I need it!

In my community, there are not many employment opportunities.  Compassion gives my parents an opportunity to learn a handicraft though.  I think that will help us.  Where I live, we need qualified teachers and police stations.  Someday, maybe I will be able to help my city by teaching others and keeping people safe.

Please pray for me, that I might get a sponsor someday.  I would really like to get letters like some of my friends.  If you sponsor me, I will be so happy!  I will pray for you and be a good boy for you.  I love you already.

Your child,
Diego

-----
That is the story of Diego.  I wrote it according to the information I have.  If you would like to sponsor this precious boy, please e-mail me at lizzie4compassion@gmail.com  It would be the perfect birthday gift for him!  I have his packet until November 29, 2013.  Thanks!

Mom, when's supper? I'm starving!

STARVING

It's the word you use when you haven't eaten in a couple hours.  It's when you go to your kitchen and find a snack.

It's the feeling of hunger.  It's when your tummy grumbles.  It's the feeling you get when you want to eat.

It's the reality for 870 million people.  It's more than a feeling.  It's been more than a couple hours since they ate.

They are starving.

Their starvation will likely lead to disabilities and death.  They do not have enough food.

Almost 15% of people in developing countries are hungry - starving.  Starvation causes stunted growth (mental and physical) and other health problems.  Almost half of the deaths of children worldwide are caused by malnutrition, a result of not enough food.

By sponsoring a child, you stop that.  Starvation will not be a reality for the child anymore.  She may not still have as much food as you, but she will have nutritious food that will help her grow.

Save a child's life.  End starvation for a child.  Sponsor a child today.

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source: Hunger Statistics | WFP | United Nations World Food Programme - Fighting Hunger Worldwide

A Sudden Inspiration

"When she can't be here, can I fill in?  I know all the lines to the whole play!"

"Let me think about it.  I'll let you know."

Ten minutes later.....

"What are you doing?"

"I am memorizing Prisoner 3's lines.  I am going to fill in for her."

"What?!  I was hoping to do that.  I already know the lines."

"Well, I wish you could.  I didn't want to do this, but she asked me to."

"Oh."

I try not to think too much.  I guess I am not good enough for her.  After all, I got the fewest lines in the whole, two-act play.  I tried so hard though, and my memorization, I believed, was perfect.  Every word I knew by heart, wasn't that and a willing girl enough?  No?

I spent many tears because of that.  Simply, without words spoken, I wondered why she didn't choose me.  Sure, I was the quiet girl, but I listened to every word she said and did my best.  I couldn't understand how I was still not enough.  I was less than.

Before the performance at home, I sat on my mom's bed and cried.....because I wasn't good enough.  In that moment, I remember my mom.  She's the one who told me that it wasn't me - I was great, but she had chosen differently because she had.

Now, years later, I look at these precious faces.  And I wonder, is someone telling them that it isn't their fault?  They are precious beyond worth and just because they live in poverty, it doesn't have anything to do with who they are.  Just because she doesn't have a sponsor yet, it doesn't mean that she is ugly.  No, she is still beautiful and precious, but does she ever hear those words?

I don't know what her life is like, but I do know one thing - her life will be changed when a person across the world tells her that she is valued.  Will you tell a her that today?

Sponsor a Child 

Mwanatumu

"I always tell people if you want to do something great in the world, sponsor a girl in sub-Saharan Africa, because we see enormous impacts in the sponsorships of little girls in places like Uganda and Kenya. If you sponsor a girl in sub-Saharan Africa, she’s likely to obtain three more years of education, she’s far more likely to finish high school and also has a greater chance of finishing university and getting a salaried, white-collar job in adulthood." -University of San Francisco economics and international studies professor Bruce Wydick

I am advocating for this sweetheart! If you sponsor her, I will send you a bracelet with a bead from Kenya :)


Mwanatumu (ke3593004)
Birthday: November 21, 2001
Age: 11
Gender: Female
Region: Africa
Country: Kenya
Program: Deliverance Church Kaloleni Child Development Center

Personal and Family Information:  I have been waiting over eight months for a sponsor. There is a high risk for child rights violations where I live in Giriama, Kenya. My dadworks as a laborer when he can find work. On average, he earns $20 a month. And my mom stays home with my two siblings and I. I help her by gardening and kitchen work. Because of Compassion, I can go to primary school, where I do average. I like to jump rope and play ball games at the project and at home. When we have food, I often eat maize, beans, bananas, fish,cassava, and rice. Many children who are not sponsored have health problems like malaria, typhoid fever, diarrhea, asthma,anemia, and bilharzias (parasitic disease). Compassion provides me with Bible teaching, recreational activities, remedial studies,skits, HIV/AIDS awareness training and programs to reduce poverty. My community needs more jobs, education for girls, and tuition help. Please pray for me. I live in poverty, but Compassion is giving me hope. If you sponsor me, I will write you letters. I will tell my friends about you. And I will be very happy to know that someone loves me and wants to help me! God bless you.

I only have her packet until Friday (July 5, 2013).  If you would like to sponsor her, contact me asap!  Email me at: lizzie4compassion(at)gmail(dot)com  You can read my sister's amazing post about the man we met from Kenya- Free and Holy: A Pair of Shoes

Also very thrilled because Doreen was connected with a very sweet, loving, letter-writing sponsor!  Thank you :)

What does love really mean?

WHAT LOVE REALLY MEANS

words and music by Dave and JJ Heller

He cries in the corner where nobody sees 

He’s the kid with the story no one would believe 

He prays every night,

“Dear God won’t you please, 

Could you send someone here who will love me?”

Who will love me for me 

Not for what I have done or what I will become 

Who will love me for me 

‘Cause nobody has shown me what love 

What love really means

Her office is shrinking a little each day 

She’s the woman whose husband has run away 

She’ll go to the gym after working today 

Maybe if she was thinner 

Then he would’ve stayed And she says...

Who will love me for me 

Not for what I have done or what I will become 

Who will love me for me 

‘Cause nobody has shown me what love 

What love really means

He’s waiting to die as he sits all alone 

He’s a man in a cell who regrets what he’s done 

He utters a cry from the depths of his soul 

“Oh Lord, forgive me, I want to go home”

Then he heard a voice somewhere deep inside 

And it said, “I know you’ve murdered and I know you’ve lied 

I have watched you suffer all of your life 

And now that you’ll listen, I’ll tell you that I...”

I will love you for you 

Not for what you have done or what you will become 

I will love you for you I will give you the love 

The love that you never knew

She sits in the corner of the market each day

She's the girl with the parents who've run away

She'll go home and study after selling all day

Maybe if she was smarter, they would have stayed

And she wonders...

Who will love me for me

Not for what I have done

Or what I will become

Who will love me for me

Cause nobody has shown me what love

What love really means

What love really means...

Will you love her for her?

to sponsor Doreen, please e-mail me at lizzie4compassion@gmail.com

You Can Do Something Great in the World!

"I always tell people if you want to do something great in the world, sponsor a girl in sub-Saharan Africa, because we see enormous impacts in the sponsorships of little girls in places like Uganda and Kenya. If you sponsor a girl in sub-Saharan Africa, she’s likely to obtain three more years of education, she’s far more likely to finish high school and also has a greater chance of finishing university and getting a salaried, white-collar job in adulthood." -University of San Francisco economics and international studies professor Bruce Wydick

I am advocating for this sweetheart, who is from Kenya!  If you sponsor her, I will send you a bracelet with a bead from Kenya :)


Mwanatumu (ke3593004)
Birthday: November 21, 2001
Age: 11
Gender: Female
Region: Africa
Country: Kenya
Program: Deliverance Church Kaloleni Child Development Center

Personal and Family Information: I have been waiting over eight months for a sponsor. There is a high risk for child rights violations where I live in Giriama, Kenya. My dad works as a laborer when he can find work. On average, he earns $20 a month. And my mom stays home with my two siblings and I. I help her by gardening and kitchen work.

Because of Compassion, I can go to primary school, where I do average. I like to jump rope and play ball games at the project and at home. When we have food, I often eat maize, beans, bananas, fish, cassava, and rice. Many children who are not sponsored have health problems like malaria, typhoid fever, diarrhea, asthma, anemia, and bilharzias (parasitic disease). Compassion provides me with Bible teaching, recreational activities, remedial studies, skits, HIV/AIDS awareness training and programs to reduce poverty. My community needs more jobs, education for girls, and tuition help. 

Please pray for me. I live in poverty, but Compassion is giving me hope. If you sponsor me, I will write you letters. I will tell my friends about you. And I will be very happy to know that someone loves me and wants to help me! God bless you.

If you would like to sponsor Mwanatumu, please e-mail me at lizzie4compassion@gmail.com

Doreen

Wess Stafford said recently "Older children are at an age when they desperately need someone to believe in them. They are often overlooked and forgotten. Imagine trying to survive those difficult years of growing up and facing extreme poverty — all at the same time."  It indeed must be very difficult.

That is why I am advocating for two girls 10+ (they are considered "older" children).  And this sweet girl is 12.  

Doreen (ug4001119)
Birthday: January 14, 2001
Age: 12
Gender: Female
Region: Africa
Country: Uganda
Program: Ntinda Child Development Center

Personal and Family Information:

Hello! My name is Doreen. I live in the beautiful country of Uganda. I live in the lowlands of Ntinda. It is north of Kampala, the capital of Uganda. I live with my grandma and sibling. My grandma does her best to find work as a laborer, but even when she can find it, $21 a month does not cover the cost of living. When my grandma is gone, I help her by carrying water, buying and selling in the market, and caring for my younger sibling. It is hard work, but I like to help my family. While I work, I sing sometimes. In my free time or at the project, I enjoy playing games like ping pong and jacks. Because of Compassion, I can go to primary school. I am doing well. You would be proud of me. I am above average. I love learning! I want to be a good leader in my community. I share what I learn with others so that they may benefit from my opportunities. Lugandan is spoken by people near me, but I am learning English at school! Compassion also provides me with Bible studies, health screenings, games, birthday celebrations (sometimes sponsored children get cards! No body in Uganda send cards because they are expensive and a waste of money.), home visits, community service opportunities, educational field trips, career guidance, and life skills training. I am glad because Compassion gives me opportunities to overcome poverty! I get a snack at my project. Sometimes it is maize, beans, fish, cassava, matooke (steamed green plantains), bananas, or groundnuts. Malaria, HIV/AIDS, skin rashes, dental decay, eye infections, and candidiasis (fungal infection) are common in my area. But, Compassion helps me stay healthy. Please pray for me. I am waiting for a sponsor. If you sponsor me, I will be soo happy! I might even sing and dance out of joy! Then I will write you letters and pray for you. I will tell my family and friends about you. I live in poverty, but your support will help me overcome poverty. Thank you for reading my story. I love you already. God bless you! If you would like to sponsor her, e-mail me at lizzie4compassion@gmail.com  If you sponsor her, I will send you a free bracelet with a bead from Uganda on it!

Does one child really matter?

I had to write a persuasive paper for school. I chose the topic of children in poverty and of making a difference. I hope you like it!

SAVING LIVES

     “You don't matter. You are unimportant. You are ugly.” These are the lies that poverty tells children. Sadly, there is nothing we can do to help these children. They will forever live in poverty and hopelessness because we cannot help them all. A couple of us will try to help a child, but our efforts are useless because one child doesn't matter. If we cannot save the lives of all the children in poverty, it doesn't matter what we do because there will always be more that need help. Do you truly believe that? No? Then tell me why you are doing nothing. Edmund Burke once said, “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.”
     Often we hold back and don't do anything because we don't think that we can actually make a difference. We think that whatever we do is not enough and that people will always be in great need. This is not true. If the we came together, we could eradicate extreme poverty in our life time. Yes, it may be one child at a time, but every child matters. If we even save only one child's life, it is worth it. That child will no longer be caught in the cycle of poverty. That child will be able to dream and hope and live. That child will have opportunities to grow and learn. That child matters.
     Edmund Burke also pointed out that “the only think necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Poverty is evil, and when we do nothing, poverty prevails. If we don't pick the side of the impoverished, we are picking the side of the evil. We are allowing evil to overtake lives and to “steal, kill, and destroy.” We must choose to save lives.
     I believe that holistic child development is one of the best ways to save lives. It helps the child as a whole. Holistic child development organizations do not just give out food and money. They help the child physically, socially, economically, and spiritually. Truly, these organizations save lives.
     However there are so many holistic child development organizations. Most of them are good and help others, but some do not. I personally believe in Compassion International. This holistic child development non-profit has been reviewed independently. In the recent study, Dr. Bruce Wydick researched Compassion's impact on the children they serve. He found out “. . . that children who participated in Compassion’s holistic child development through sponsorship program stayed in school longer, were more likely to have salaried or white-collar employment and were more likely to be leaders in their communities and churches than their peers who did not participate in the program.” After Dr. Wydick talked to adults who had graduated from Compassion's child development through sponsorship program as well as those who had not participated in Compassion's program, and intensively researched the program's effectiveness, he is confident that Compassion is an organization that you can trust.
     From my experience, I have to agree with Dr. Wydick. My sponsored child Mabel recently told me in a letter, “I like everything of Compassion, I like the support the most and when the tutors teach us the homework and we learn more and more of God.” Many graduates of Compassion's program say the same things.
     Methode from Rwanda said, “Through the regular development center activities like singing, games, praying together and reading the Bible, I started to realize that I could get peace from God.” Similarly, Godfrey states, “Without Compassion at the scene, I wonder who and where would I be and what my relationship with Christ would look like.”
     Michelle lives in the Philippines. She was also a sponsored child. She has not only been changed by Compassion's program, but now she is changing others' lives too! “Compassion hasn't just released me from poverty, but it has gotten me to dream big, to make a difference and never ever to forget my country, even if my country is living in poverty. They taught me to always give back, to always make a difference for the cause of Christ...I'm in ministry here, since I graduated from college six years ago with Trumpet, which stands for Triumphant Peoples Evangelistic Theater Society, because my passion really is in the performing arts and spreading the Gospel using the Theater arts....We go to orphanages, where we spread the Gospel.” Michelle is sharing the gospel with orphan children in her country, saving them from spiritual poverty. Michelle now sponsors a child as well. She is saving the life of a little boy in poverty. He will in turn, help another child out of poverty. Together we are not only breaking the cycle of poverty, but also making a cycle of releasing children from poverty.
     Poverty can be ended if good people do something. By helping one child at a time, we are saying to impoverished children, “You are special. You are important. You are beautiful.” The lies of poverty can be overpowered when we want them to. If we all stick together, we will be the generation that wipes out poverty. We will change lives. Are you with me?

Well, what do you think?  Are you going to go tell a child in poverty that she is important, beautiful, and loved?  Sponsor a child.

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Works Cited

http://www.positive- entertainment.com/interviews/michelletolentino/ (accessed May 1, 2013) 
http://www.hcd-alliance.org/ (accessed May 1, 2013). 
http://blog.compassion.com/holistic-child- development-means/#comments (accessed May 1, 2013). 
http://blog.compassion.com/charity-research-research-shows-that-child- sponsorship-through-compassion-works/ (accessed May 1, 2013). 
http://blog.compassion.com/anti-poverty-programs-without-christ-i-would-be-nowhere- and-nobody/ (accessed May 1, 2013). http://blog.compassion.com/how-do-you-forgive-your-familys-killers/ (accessed May 1, 2013). https://www.compassion.ca/what-meals-do-kids-get-at-compassion-part-two/ (accessed May 1, 2013).

http://blog.compassion.com/why-holistic- child-development/ (accessed May 1, 2013). 
http://issuu.com/compassioninternational/docs/does-child-sponsorship-work/1 (accessed May 1, 2013).

Compassion Sunday

Well in two weeks, it will the national Compassion Sunday!  Sadly, I will not have the opportunity to participate with a church this year.

However, I did set up a Compassion Sunday page.  So, I wanted to update you all.  Unfortunately, I still have not found a sponsor for Yadira yet.  Three days ago, she turned five.

The same day, my Hymns turned six years old.  So, I think back to the day that I saw Hymns for the first time.  I think of how she changed my life by bringing me to Compassion.  Because of her, I now have gotten to know eleven precious children.  But, I also wonder what it would have been like if I sponsored her.

And, I think of Yadira- the girl with the same birthday.  I wonder what she is like.  Perhaps she's like my Hymns.  She's smiling, just like Hymns was.

One thing is for sure, though, they are both important and precious little girls.  Poverty has told them that are not important or special.  Little Yadira doesn't have a sponsor telling her that she is important, and she needs that special person encouraging her.

Will you be that special person?

Please hop over HERE to read more about Hymns or sponsor Yadira.

Sponsor Yadira Today!

Yadira

Peru
Child ID: PE3420489
Age: 5
DOB: 4/4/2008

Update on Willy

I just want to put it out once more for the boy I am advocating for.  Willy has six siblings.  I think his center is new because there isn't an OurCompassion group for it yet.

I just noticed the other day that his packet said that he was receiving regular medical treatment.  I wasted no time asking Compassion what he was receiving medical treatment for.  This is the response I received, "In looking up Willy's record, it says that he has red eyes because he is allergic to dust.  He lives in a very needy area.  There is 80% unemployment there and the average monthly income for a family is $18. Most of the work that is there is herding animals."

Poor little boy lives in Tanzania, where dust is always present!  So thankful for Compassion right now!  If you would like to sponsor him, please e-mail me lizzie4compassion@gmail.com before March 29!  

I will send you a sponsor bracelet with one TZ bead on it if you sponsor this precious boy!

Reyna and Willy

As an Advocate for Compassion, I get some cool opportunities.  One of my favorites things is to connect a child with his/her sponsor.  I just got two child packets in the mail the other day, and I have just under a month to find a sponsor for each one of the precious kids.

First, there is Reyna from the Dominican Republic (DR495).  She had her fourth birthday on January 21.  Reyna lives with her dad, mom, and five siblings.  Her dad works as a laborer when he can find work, and her mom takes care of the home.  Reyna helps her mom by cleaning, running errands, and helping in the kitchen.

Reyna lives on the plains of Las Flores, near San Cristobal.  Most people there eat beans and rice.  She speaks Spanish, and her center provides her with Bible teaching, nutritious food, sports competitions, medical attention, health education, tutoring, and school uniforms.  

If you would like to change Reyna's life or know more about her, please e-mail me at lizzie4compassion@gmail.com

Willy lives in Tanzania (TZ825).  He is six years old.  Willy's birthday is September 1.  His mom and dad are sometimes employed as farmers, earning about $18 each a month.  He helps his family by running errands.  Willy has six siblings.  

He lives on the plains of Oldonyosambu Community, near Arusha.  The main ethnic groups are Maasai and Waarusha.  The diet includes maize, beans, and goat.  Malaria is a common illness there.  Because of Compassion, Willy will be protected from malaria and treated if he get it.  His center provides Bible teaching, health screening, medical treatment, educational field trips, sports, picnics, educational materials, school uniforms, and remedial classes.  

If you would like to make an eternal impact on Willy or know more about him, please e-mail me at lizzie4compassion@gmail 

If you decide to sponsor one of these precious children, I will send you a free bracelet with a bead from either the Dominican Republic or Tanzania.  

Even though you may not be able to sponsor Reyna or Willy, will you please pray for them and their sponsors?

Kids with Family

I love seeing my Compassion family's family.  It makes them seem all the more real.  When I see little ones with moms, dads, or siblings on Compassion's site, I always wish I could sponsor the kids.  So today I am going to share some of those sweeties with you.

Junior is almost three years old.  He lives in El Salvador.  (SPONSORED!)

Jhonatan is three.  He lives with his family in Peru.

Karen is also three.  She lives with her mother and siblings in El Salvador.  (SPONSORED!)

Andres just turned three.  He helps his family with various chores in Mexico.

Ardhian will be four on March 2.  He lives in Indonesia with his family.

Aurel is four years old.  She lives in Indonesia.  (SPONSORED!)

Change a life forever!!

Lizzie :)

Turkey and some other little kids

For the past year, Compassion has been piloting a one-to-one sponsorship with select CSP projects. It was very successful, so we have ended the 'pilot' process and these children are the ones who are in those participating projects. Sponsorship works the same as CDSP, only the letters are written by a project worker or caregiver, since the children can not really participate in letter writing at this age. We do not know how many of these 1-3 year olds we will be registering in the future; those plans are still being worked out. In the meantime, the ones that are available will be on the website for sponsorship. Feel free to ooohh and aaaahhhh over their adorableness.  -Haley (Compassion International Sponsor and Donor Relations, Operations Employee)  taken from HERE

In short, there are one and two year olds on Compassion's site now!  They are soo cute that I just want to give them big hugs.

Turkey turned two years old yesterday.  She lives in Bangladesh.  It looks like she broke her leg or something from the picture.  To sponsor her, go HERE.

Carlos lives in Bolivia.  His birthday is September 16, 2011.  Mabel, my sponsored girl from Bolivia, writes the sweetest letters.  From what I have heard, most Bolivian kids do.  To sponsor him, go HERE.  (Carlos has been sponsored!)

Mushimiyimana is two.  She lives in Rwanda.  To sponsor her, go HERE.  (Mushimiyimana has been sponsored!)

They are precious, aren't they?!  Perhaps, you can't sponsor one now, but would still like to help them.  Compassion's Christmas Gift catalog has many ways to help families like them.  To see all the different gifts you can give, go HERE.

#ItsAboutGiving

Lizzie :)

Three thousand, one hundred, fifty-nine

Hey!

As Compassion bloggers' month came to a close yesterday, I think about all the lives changed through the posts we wrote.  Not just the lives of the sponsored children, but of the new sponsors as well.  It is quite a life-changing journey. 

I can't help but think of the first time I saw Hymns.  Though I did not sponsor her, she was the one who grabbed my heart for the first time.  Without her, I would not know my beautiful Compassion family. 

So as I think of the new sponsors, I also think of the newly sponsored children.  I know their lives will be changed too.  Receiving a letter for the first time in eleven years almost brought my Mabel to tears.  I honestly believe that the children's lives will never be the same.

I am sure that you are all dying to know how many children were sponsored this month.  If you were here all blog month, you probably figured it out.

Three thousand, one hundred, fifty nine.

We surpassed our goal of 3,108 by fifty-one.  So many amazing children now have new sponsors who love them.  I am so thankful.

It is not too late to change a life, though.  You can always do that by clicking HERE.  Remember, your life will be changed too.

Lizzie :)

Sharmin

Hello, again.

I know two posts in one day- what?!  Well, I have planned on telling you about the other precious child I am advocating for.

Sharmin

Sharmin is four years old.  She lives in the Bangladesh.  (That is right by India.)  She is very blessed to live with her dad and mom.  Her dad works as a laborer, and her mom stays at home.  Sharmin helps her mom by running errands.  She has two siblings.  Since she likes to play with dolls and play group games, I wonder if she plays with her siblings.  Sharmin is in preschool.  She does average in school, but I bet with a sponsor's support she could do even better than that! 

Where she lives, people often get sick.  Because Sharmin is enrolled in a Compassion project, she will be taught proper hygeine, have medical check-ups, and have access to doctors if she gets sick. 

Please sponsor this beautiful girl.  I only have her until mid-October.  I realize that some of you aren't in the position to sponsor another a child, so would you please pray for her? 

একটি সৎকর্মশীল ব্যক্তির প্রার্থনা একটি শক্তিশালী ও কার্যকর (Bengali)

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.  James 5:16

আবার সত্যিই, আমি আপনাকে বলে যে আপনি যদি পৃথিবীতে দুটি তারা জন্য কিছু জিজ্ঞাসা সম্পর্কে সম্মত হন এটি তাদের জন্য স্বর্গে আমার পিতার দ্বারা করা সম্ভব হবে (Bengali)

Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.  Matthew 18:19

If you haven't already, please read about and consider sponsoring Mainor.  To sponsor Sharmin or Mainor, e-mail me- lizzie4compassion@gmail.com  

Change a life!

Lizzie

Mainor

Hello!

Yesterday I received two precious children to find sponsors for.  Today, I am going to share with you a precious little boy.

Mainor

See that little boy?  Isn't he precious?  His name is Mainor.  He is almost four.  His birthday is the day I got baptized, September 30.  Mainor lives with his mom and two siblings.  His mom works as a laborer.  I wonder if he often stays home alone.  Mainor is too young to go to school.  In El Salvador, they usually start school when they are six.  He likes to play soccer.  And like any little boy, he likes to play with cars. 

Mainor lives in the little country of El Salvador.  He lives in the mountains near San Lorenzo.  The houses are usually made of dirt floors, mud walls, and tile roofs.  I hope it doesn't rain too hard.

Mainor's community needs another school, employment opportunities, and drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs.  Parasites, respiratory diseases, and malnutrition are common health problems.  Mainor is blessed because he will have medical exams, health instruction, academic support, and Bible teaching, provided by Compassion. 

Please consider sponsoring Mainor.  He has been waiting over seven months for someone like you to come along and sponsor him.  If you would like to know more about Mainor or sponsor him, please e-mail me at lizzie4compassion@gmail.com

Change his life,

Lizzie