Our President and CEO, Santiago “Jimmy” Mellado, shares an inspiring Easter message about hope that is relevant not just to children living in poverty on this one day, but to each one of us every day!
Hope is a fragile but powerful force. You know this to be true. When you have hope, no challenge seems too great. When you don’t, even the smallest task becomes overwhelming. It all goes dark.
But hope in the Lord can truly renew our strength.
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)
God has been teaching me — in my own life and the lives of the precious children we serve — that even the smallest glimmer of hope is enough to find a way out of a dead-end situation. And at Easter, we have the remarkable and powerful reminder of how God gave us a living hope through Jesus’ resurrection.
The Power of Hope
Let me introduce you to a child I met last fall who so deeply reminds me of the power of hope. In West Africa, I had the privilege of meeting a young boy, who was such an inspiration to me!
His father wanted to give him to the Voodoo priest in their community to be raised in the Voodoo religion. But this child had learned from the local church about the love of God.
He told his father that he didn’t want to practice Voodoo, but his dad didn’t listen. The boy had the courage to stand up to his dad twice, and he chose to move in with his aunt so he could continue attending the Compassion center.
And do you know what his vision is now? He wants to be a pastor.
What incredible hope he’s been given! And he’s already sharing that hope and ministering to the children at his center today.
Poverty can rip away dignity, self-worth and hope for a bright future. But in the lives of children like the boy I met in West Africa, I’ve seen the power and life transformation that occurs when children are given hope.
You are a significant part of this work. And I sincerely thank you for the hope you bring to children around the world. With each prayer you say on behalf of children in poverty and each letter you write to encourage their hearts, you are giving them the most precious gift of hope.
My Prayer of Hope for You
So, where do you need a speck of hope in your own life? Do you have an overwhelming sense that you’re not living up to other people’s expectations? Is it a broken relationship that’s hurting you? Perhaps it’s a work experience that’s defeating you?
Whatever the case may be, you don’t need a massive amount of hope to begin. I know from my own experiences that you just need enough hope to make the next move. God will meet you along the way with what you need for each additional step.
But we have to get started, move on what we know and head in God’s direction. We all can do that even if we don’t know how things are going to turn out!
We serve a God who is well-acquainted with suffering and hopeless situations. A God who promises to never leave or forsake us. And no matter what you or loved ones are walking through, I pray that He’ll provide you with this powerful force of hope in just the right measure.
Will you also join me in praying for children living in poverty around the world who need an extra speck of hope this Easter? That the local church will show them the life-changing power of hope freely offered to us. And that God will renew their strength.
Blessings to you!
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Thank you for the message from CI’s president. I am thankful to be writing letters to 5 CI children in different parts of the world as I pour out my love to each one of them.
Gracias por el mensaje. Debemos vivir con la conciencia de que somos esperanza para los vulnerables de este mundo.
I’m so Blessed to be a sponsor for Compassion Ministry, just to know I’m sharing in God’s Love with so many others that are giving to theses precious children. Now to him who is able to do Immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to His Power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20. God bless you Jim and this Ministry that is the extended hand of Our Creator “Our Heavenly Father”, we are all United through His Love. Now abide in these three Faith, Hope & Love.
Thank you and Bless YOU for all you do to bring our GOD into the light in a very dark world. The children I sponsor have come from tiny children , full of parasites and hunger, to beautiful adults, healthy and full of the HOLY SPIRIT! My love and blessings to you all, for all you do!
Beautiful message. Beautiful Easter surprise. May God continue to bless you and the children in poverty. Happy Easter. He is alive!!
Your powerful message and what you are doing reminds me of Eric Liddell
God Bless and strengthen that young man, and all the children of God, in Jesus name we pray.
And once again a child leads them! Thank you for the story of a child, driven to survive Gods command..come.
What an amazing story of how God protects His children, both adults and those who are truly just children, like this dear young man.
He may be a child, but He has the maturity of the Lord Jesus residing in his spirit. I know that he will become a powerful pastor because
he has devoted his life to following Christ and Jesus will never leave him or forsake him. I hope that someday his father will see Jesus in
his son and will also come to know Christ. The Bible says, “And a little child shall lead them.” So may this happen in the confused father.
What an amazing story of how God protects His children, both adults and those who are truly just children, like this dear young man.
He may be a child, but He has the maturity of the Lord Jesus residing in his spirit. I know that he will become a powerful pastor because
he had devoted his life to following Christ and Jesus will never leave him or forsake him. I hope that someday his father will see Jesus in
his son and will also come to know Christ. The Bible says, “And a little child shall lead them.” So may this happen in the confused father.
What a wonderful Easter message. A seed of hope is enough for God to multiple in our lives. His love and sacrifice is enough for us. Praise God for this perfect gift.
Hola bendiciones en cada momento que de una son risa en la vida de estos niños yo soy de guatemala y soy maestra de niños y me gustaria ser o dar una son risa a los niños
Thank you Jimmy for that inspirational message. I am overwhelmed with love for the young boy who had the courage to stand up for his belief in the Lord and Jesus! For him to be so strong and devoted to his beliefs, he is truly a model for all the children. God Bless him!
42 years ago I was living spiritual poverty. April 18, 1977 I at last asked Christ to be my Savior. I’m amazed at how He brought life back to a person with no hope. He is truly a Savior changing me from the inside out and given me a vision to serve Him. I have joy being His servant.
Joining with William Doherty and Peggy Kolstad in praising our AMAZING God and Father and thanking Him for the opportunity and gifting of resources enabling us to be a part of this extraordinary ministry!!
It has been exciting to be a part of our Dennis’ life and a privilege to “watch” him grow into the man God has ordained him to be. We are so proud of him and have grown in love for him.
We all need to remember the HOPE we have in Jesus and be willing to share that with a hurting world Thank you.
Very strong message and it’s build unless someone is not ready to change.
Thank You
Richard Nyeko the Apostle
What a beautiful story of God’s protection upon this young man’s life. His boldness in proclaiming his love for Christ is inspiring! Thank you for your prayers, not only for the children, but for the “hope of Christ” in all our lives! Thank you for your words of encouragement! Praise to our God Most High!!
Jimmy’s message is powerful and we wholeheartedly agree with it.
We feel very blessed to be a part of the
Compassion ministry.
Praise and thanks be toGod for all the great things He has done and continues to do for the children. We thank you Lord for changed lives. May Your will continue, in all these young ones lives!