Comments on: Ask the Field: Uganda and the Philippines

By: Norman

Norman — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 01:37:43 +0000

Being that you frequently interact with sponsored children, I would like to know if the children are truly discouraged when their sponsor discontinues supporting them? What would you suggest to a sponsor who is struggling financially and is wondering if he should cancel the sponsorship and risk hurting the child, or take up his cross and continue the sponsorship despite financial difficulties.

Thank you for your time.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 00:26:31 +0000

This question is for both gentlemen. I sponsor both an older and younger child. I find it very easy to send small items along with the letters for the youngest (stickers, bookmarks, etc.) But I find it harder to figure out what small gifts to send for the older children. What do they like (that will fit in the right sized envelope)? Any suggestions?

I have also wondered about the $300 gift. As mentioned by Prairie Rose…is it best to send smaller amounts (so as not to overwhelm them) or larger more useful amounts all at once???

May God richly bless you both!

By: Sumana

Sumana — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:05:36 +0000

Hi Edwin,

Good to see you profiled here. Way to go brother. Keep up the good work. I’m looking forward to reading your answers to the questions you were asked.

Sum

By: Kayla

Kayla — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:41:49 +0000

For either person: How does Compassion deal with the jealousy of children who receive no extra money/letters towards the more fortunate ones that frequently receive gifts from their sponsors?

By: Catherine

Catherine — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:11:23 +0000

Dennis and Edwin,

Can you tell about the time when you first decided to become a compassion child sponsor or work for Compassion?

By: Mary

Mary — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:04:39 +0000

I sponsor two children in the Philippines and my questions are for Edwin.

Can you share what the prices of some common items are. I send family gifts in small amounts and if I knew what some items cost I can send more. I realize prices vary, but I would like to have a general idea.

What is the average price for:
-a sack of rice?
-sandals, dress(for a 12 year old girl).
-Milk?
-Spaghetti?
-Fruit, such as mangoes

Thank you.

By: Kalaya G.

Kalaya G. — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:57:33 +0000

What a great idea! I sponsor children from both countries. My question for Edwin:
What is the general opinion of Compassion’s work among people in the Philippines? Is it an organization that is well-respected? How about child registration into the programs? Are there income guidelines? Or do you look at other areas of need in their lives?
Also, what percentage of the children in the Philippines that go through Compassion’s programs are truly released from poverty? Thanks!

My questions for Dennis:
What is the most memorable moment you can think of during a sponsor tour?
Do the children whose sponsors do not visit feel left out?
Do the families that Compassion works with have a pretty good understanding about what the program entails, and are they open to their children being evangelized? Is there a balance between being so desperate that they feel they must enroll their children and thus expose them to the gospel in order for them to be educated and fed?
Another question: What kinds of things can I say in my letters to best encourage my child? Thank you!

By: Kayla

Kayla — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:18:13 +0000

What are the qualifications for the project workers to work at the child development centers?

By: Prairie Rose

Prairie Rose — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:54:51 +0000

After seeing the conditions in Uganda as reported by the Compassion bloggers, I want to send my Ugandan children the full $300 each year permitted as a family gift. My question is, in general is it better to give $300 in one gift, or is it better to give smaller amounts periodically, such as $100 every 4 months? On the one hand, I’ve thought the larger sum is better because if there was a more expensive project or job-starter that needed done, it could be, but on the other hand, I wouldn’t want to overwhelm them with such a large gift all at once and then absolutely nothing more for a year. Advice on this from the field would be greatly appreciated.

By: Compassion dave

Compassion dave — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:18:02 +0000

There is a misconception among some who believe that Compassion force-feeds children a Christian doctrine. While I know that this is false, I do know that not all children accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. My question is, "How is the child who has not come into the faith typically treated?" Please elaborate. May God continue to bless the work of your hands cd