Compassion is a Child Sponsorship Program that serves children living in poverty. But, it addresses so much more than a child’s physical needs. It also meets the needs of their heart, mind and soul. Because, as Compassion so often says, the hope of Jesus, the care of a local church and the encouragement of a sponsor are more powerful than poverty. For over five years we have been so privileged to partner with Compassion Australia to sponsor hundreds of children in Northern Thailand.
We recently received correspondence from two Partnership Facilitators that are written on behalf of the Child Development Centres we partner with. We want to share these with you to show you that your support in their lives has an important impact, especially through these uncertain times. We hope you see the important role you play in this work and pray you are encouraged by the knowledge that the children continue to be surrounded with the care and love of Jesus at this time. If you want to find out more about sponsoring a child, please don’t hesitate to contact us. If you sponsor a child through Compassion, might we encourage you to continue to pray for them and to take the time today to write them a letter?
Weerayut C was recently asked several questions to give his perspective on how the Child Development Centre he facilitates is making a difference. Here is what he said:
| What does the school year look like for the children, and how has Compassion helped with their education?
Compassion supports children and their families in school fees, school uniforms, meals at school, supplementary food and other things as needed. Compassion also supports transportation costs to school in some areas. Primary school students are studying locally and living with their parents. High school students need to leave the village to stay in a hostel to further their studies because there is no high school. Students from rural areas have to try harder because their basic knowledge is less than those in the city. People often look down on them. Some are bullied about being tribal people. They need to have perseverance to complete their education. How are things going at the church projects? The centres offer activities to develop children and youth. The continuation of child development grows children into leaders in the village, school, community and university. They take part in serving and developing the community according to their gifts. Many of them become leaders in the centre they are attending and many represent youth at the district level. Compassion also promotes income-generating skills for children and their parents, such as raising chickens and pigs, making desserts and growing vegetables. It helps children and their families to have food to eat, earn additional income, save for expenses and have vocational skills. How can supporters pray for the local partners and children? Pray for frontline partners as they continue to do sustainable ministry on their own in the future. Pray that everyone will be safe should there be a second wave of COVID-19. Pray for the economy and for the security of children’s’ parents’ income. Pray for everyone’s health. Pray for the children’s education and a proper career in their future. Is there anything else you would like to share? Thank you for your compassion and support to children although you live far away and have never met one another. Your love and kindness are valuable. You have shared and given opportunity and new life to many children as well as their families. You have done amazing things. It is valuable to many people. The opportunity and your sponsorship change the lives of many children and enable them to have better living quality and education. Surely, they will be able to depend on themselves and transform the community they are living in. Your sponsorship is the best gift in their lives, and they will never forget you. May God abundantly bless you always. |
Preecha R is also a Partnership Facilitator who make holistic child development possible through the Child Development Centres. He was recently asked the same questions to give his perspective from his community and tells us how sponsorship makes a difference. Here is what he said.
| What does the school year look like for the children, and how has Compassion helped with their education?
The school closed during March-July 2020. During that time, the school and the centre suspended study and activity in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Children did not learn much during that time. The frontline partners adjusted the plan. For the home-based group, the centre staff focused on providing teaching materials to the parents to teach children at home. For students who are in primary and high school, the centre staff provided them with lesson plans to do at home. For vocational school and university students, activities were done in smaller groups of five to 10. The centre also provided vocational skills training, tuition and school materials. Those who are studying at university are supported in terms of school fees and other expenses. How are things going at the church projects? After the frontline partners were introduced to family discipleship, they have taken this on to their centres. It is a good thing to see them become aware of promoting family values to pass on to their children. As a result, there is a good relationship among family members. They build one another up spiritually. They serve together and collaborate more. This led to the centre’s growth. Another important thing is that the caregivers are taking part in developing their children. Our partners in this area also build up youth so that they will become good leaders in the future. Children and youth enjoy this activity very much. They are now serving as youth leaders at their own centres. How can supporters pray for the local partners and children? Pray for COVID-19 prevention and for parents to find work during this time. Pray for the implementation of children’s ministry. Pray for the centre staff. Pray for frontline partners as they prepare to implement the ministry on their own in the future.
A picture from Christmas 2020, handing out Christmas gifts. |
‘Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.’ Philippians 2:1-4
