Stories to Connect You With Compassion & Grow Your Faith

Indonesia is the fourth-most populous country in the world, with over 275 million people. The Indonesian archipelago consists of over 17,000 islands — but of primary political, social and economic importance to the country is the island of Java. It is home to more than half of Indonesia’s population and is one of the most densely populated places on earth.

Fourteen years ago, Elizabeth had never heard the words “nasal encephalocele.” The Kenyan mother sat in a hospital ward, looking down at her baby. She noticed a small lump under his nose but didn’t worry. Her husband, Tunaiyo, was completing the hospital discharge process to take home their baby boy, Meshack. As the delighted family settled in at home with their new baby, they noticed that the lump under Meshack’s nose kept growing.

Writing a letter is inconvenient. But that’s what makes it so beautiful. Inconveniencing yourself can be a gift to the child you sponsor. And it can also be a gift to you.

Children are pint-sized comedians. If you’re not convinced already, take a read through this list of funny quotes from kids in Compassion’s program! The product of their creative minds — or perhaps the translation process — these funny one-liners perfectly capture the quirkiness and fun of children. Has the child you sponsor shared any gems in their letters?

In spring 2020, when 1,200 concerts and other live events were canceled, a huge challenge arose for Compassion — with no warning. Compassion’s field offices had already begun registering new children into programs, like they do every year. But when the pandemic arrived and planned gatherings around the world were canceled, Compassion no longer had the platform to share the message of sponsorship with the massive groups of people who would attend these events. As a result, 70,000 newly registered and vulnerable children no longer had an opportunity to connect with a sponsor.

These strong mothers would do anything for their children. Living in poverty with limited access to health care, food and education, many of them have experienced devastating loss and pain. But they persevere for their families.

So this Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate all the strong mothers around the world! Meet six women who work hard for their children and nurture them fiercely. And when that wasn’t quite enough, they sought the help they needed.

For an unsuspecting family in Colombia celebrating a wedding rehearsal dinner, a single word was powerful enough to bring every member to tears: “Sorpresa!”

Wondering what the surprise could be, the family turned to see the last person they could have expected: the Compassion sponsor of the groom, Mateo. For eight months, sponsor Kristen had been regretfully telling Mateo and his family that she wouldn’t be able to make a trip to Colombia for his wedding. But what they didn’t know was that she was determined to be there — and Compassion staff were helping to make it a surprise.

It has been such a pleasure sharing stories of thanksgiving from our field staff this year as part of the Compassion Prayer Network’s focus on gratitude. This month, I want you to meet Lidia, who works in public relations in our Compassion Guatemala office. Lidia shared with us the story of a Compassion-assisted child and his mother, Amelia. Lidia’s letter beautifully weaves together the disaster and the hope that Elfego and his family faced. I hope you find encouragement in this story and that it reminds you to look for the hope in the midst of difficult circumstances.

The world that 6-year-old Sophia sees around her is one of poverty and limitations. But Compassion’s photojournalist in Brazil, Sara Navarro, is among the caring adults who inspire her to dream without limits. Here’s Sara’s story of the day she visited Sophia.

In these photos of gardens around the world, you’ll see more than just plants. In these gardens are vegetables — but also opportunities. Fruits are flourishing — and so are small businesses started by families living in poverty. A fledgling sprout peeking up from the soil can signify a whole new future for a child. Because people in poverty who can grow successful gardens have not only a source of nutritious food, but also a source of income.

“My dad does everything for me! … I love him so much. One day I asked him to buy me ice cream and even without much money, he managed to buy it for me,” exclaims Davi about his father, Damião.

Upon hearing his son’s words, a tear falls from Damião’s eyes. In their culture, men rarely cry in front of others. But in the last few months, crying has been a normal part of Damião’s life.

Have you ever had one of those awesome, world-colliding moments when people from two different parts of your life meet? Like bringing a significant other home to meet your family for the first time. Or introducing your friends from church to your friends from work at your birthday party. These experiences only come around every now and then. And I love them.