A Trio of Letters to End September

I sure do love how often I've been sharing letters. My blog feels alive when I share letters from kids around the world. I thank God everyday for connecting me to so many kids. It makes the world feel like a smaller, more loving place when I can encourage and love on these kids. Amazingly, two of these letters were all written super recently, as in just a few weeks ago. Or even less!

I have three letters to share with you today. From youngest to oldest, of course...

I received a very first letter from Veronika. It's pretty typical, as far as first letters go. Not too much personal information, yet, but I have no doubt a relationship will build. Plus, Veronika is still little, so is writing on templates. Today's letter is on the My Community template.

Veronika is 6 years old and lives in Haiti. Her letter is dated September 7th, 2016.

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1. My community is called: Carrefour Honore

2. My community is typically: Rainy

3. My community is located in: Nippes

4. One fun thing to do in my community is: Play soccer

5. A common job in my community is: Education

6. A common type of transportation in my community is: Motorcycle

Today, Veronika feels so glad to write to you in this letter and greet you in the name of the Savior. How are you and your family? She is fine, thanks to God. Her activities are going well. She is so happy to hear from you. She is always praying for you and your family. Pray that she'll pass all her exams in school. She thanks you for your support. She wants to share Jeremiah 29:11 with you. 

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Up next, a letter from Derrick. I just heard from him last month, so this letter was a lovely surprise! I've noticed that his country has really grasped the new letter system. This letter came super fast after her wrote it, too. It's such a blessing to be able to know up-to-date information about our kids. 

Derrick is 13 years old and lives in Uganda. His letter was written just this month, on September 16th, 2016. 

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Dear Kayla, 

I am so glad to be writing to you today. I am fine and doing well. I am grateful to God. He has taken care of me always. I am happy to tell you that I got my birthday money this week and I am so happy to tell you. God bless you so much! I am happy to tell you the things I got with the gift money: A piglet, two hens, rice, biscuits. Once again, thank you and God bless you. I am still doing a course in mechanics and I am enjoying it. I pray that God blesses you and also answers your prayers. God is good and he cares. Have a great day. Bye! 

Derrick

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To end, a letter from Jhonrex. I heard from him last month and earlier this month. 3 letters in one month is pretty great. :) 

Jhonrex is 16 years old and lives in the Philippines. He wrote this letter on July 9th, 2016. 

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Dear Kayla, 

Hello, how are you there? I thank you for your continued support and for all the letters. We had Zumba (exercise), group outings, and cooking in my school. In the student center, we had a leadership outing; we went to the pool. I'm working in a water refilling station. Please pray for me that my tooth won't ache again and also that my family will keep away from sickness. How is the weather there? Thank you very much. Til the next letter. 

Respectfully Yours, 

Jhonrex

Philippians 3:8b: "I have discarded everything else...so I could gain Christ." 

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Letters from East India

Since the new letter system started earlier this year, a few country offices really started to lag behind in letter delivery. One of those offices was the East India office. When I received these two letters this week, it was the first time I had heard from my kids in 7-8 months.

This first letter, from Indresh, is actually the very first letter I have received from him, since I was first assigned to correspond with him in January. While I may complain about having to wait for letters sometimes, the letters always end up being worth the wait. This is a pretty impressive first letter, as far as first letters go. He answered most of the questions that I've asked him my first letters to him. I have a feeling Indresh and I are going to build up a great relationship.

Indresh is 10 years old. His letter is dated April 28th, 2016.

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Dear Kayla, 

Greetings to you in Christ. I got your letter. I am feeling good. I am happy. I have seen your photo, which is so beautiful. I am fine here and all of my family members are also fine. I have seen the child's photo. Me and my friends will pray for that child. I am living with my parents. My house is made of mud. Electricity is available in my house. I am sleeping on a bed. A hand pump is available for water near my home. In my community, most of the people have jobs in the factory. We are getting clothes, oil, soap, bags, and books through our center. In my place, people travel by bicycle. I like to go on picnics with our center. In my place, very good food is available: vegetables, pulses, rice, mutton, fish, etc. In our place, there are very good places to see a visit, like the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Tower of Chittor, and Keviyoor Temple. Praise the Lord. 

Indresh

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I also received a letter from Nandini. It's not the most chatty letter, but she is responding to the letter that I wrote to all of my kids about following rules. She also included a beautiful mandala-type drawing. 

Nandini is 11 years old. Her letter is dated April 6th, 2016. 

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Dear Kayla, 

Greetings to you in the sweet name of Lord Jesus. I am fine here. Thank you very much for your love, prayer, and support. Thank you very much for teaching me so many prayer points. I obey all the rules an regulations at school and other places. I give respect to my teachers and elders. I obey my parents. Thank you for the letters. Please pray for my studies and bright future. Thank you for sharing with me about the Ten Commandments. 

Your Loving Child,

Nandini

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Rodrigo's Updated Photo 2016

As if Rodrigo's 4 year old photo wasn't cute enough, look at his new one. That smile! Those thumbs! Goodness, I love him.

Project Director Letter: HA-733

Another Monday, another project letter. I know these aren't the most exciting posts that I do, but I love having them written down in a place where I can't lose them. Single pieces of paper quickly get lost in the shuffle around here (and ultimately get thrown in the trash). Anything I want to keep, long-term, gets upload to the internet. Plus, I love getting a glimpse into my children's lives with these letters.

Today, we hear from HA-733, which is the project that my little one, Veronika attends. All of these letters are great, but I really like this one. Her project sounds like a wonderful place for the kids to spend time!

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Dear Kayla, 

My name is Jean Renuce Modesty. I am the leader of the Church of God in Nippes, Haiti. We are the Carrefour Honore Child Development Center that ministers to Veronika, your sponsored child. 

Actual Photo from Nippes, Haiti

I am so delighted and honored to greet you in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. I congratulate you for your financial supports and prayers. The staff, the center board, the church, and the parents greet you, and we will continue to pray for you. 

Although our financial situation is getting more and more difficult, God does not stop blessing us richly. We have a water shortage, we need a vocational school, and at church, we need certain infrastructures and rehabilitation. I trust that the almighty God will continue to do great things in our ministry. May His name be exalted! 

The church staff thanks you for your support and your financial help in the community. I am delighted to share the impact of the program in the children's lives through the local church and in the community. The children can go to school and learn a vocation. The children love God and they like to read the Bible. Many of them accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord. Thanks to your support, they can get healthcare, their school fees are covered, and they get the privilege of taking part in the spiritual retreats, camps, evangelism, and other activities organized by the center staff. They learn how to live in brotherhood and they share their knowledge. 

I want you to know that the letters and photos mean a lot in the sponsor-child relationship. This correspondence permits them to share information about their families , their country, and their culture. Also, the letters allow the sponsors to be informed about the children's progress at school, church, club, and within their families. Sponsor visits are a wonderful face to face meeting after several years of correspondence. They are so joyful to see each other in person. 

The children are trained in how to take care of themselves from the infectious and contagious diseases. Your support chip in to change their lives, because it reduces the rate of juvenile delinquency. The children of the program are so different from the others in the community. We continue to help the children become accomplished and cheerful Christian adults. I like working with the children and I trust that through this program, the children can become accomplished, self-sufficient, and encouraged in church. 

I pray that Compassion and the sponsors will keep up this partnership for the well-being and future of the children. Thanks to your support, we were able to offer instruction to the children in the areas of music, filming, sewing, electricity, and tiling. We have club meetings with musical liveliness every Saturday. We also have choir rehearsal at the center. Also, many parents get to learn how to protect a child and the children learn to protect themselves from abuse of all kinds. 

I say goodbye while feeling really thankful because we can count on your sponsorship to Veronika, and because I know you love our children. 

The church, the center staff, and the parents wish you success in everything you are undertaking in life. 

God bless you, 
Jean Renuce Modesty

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One Weekend Letter

I got a letter from little Solomon! Now, I realize that, at nearly 11 years old, Solomon is no longer little. But, it's something that I called him when I first started writing to him almost four years ago. He was much littler then. I fear it's a name that is stuck. He'll be 18 years old and he'll still be Little Solomon to me. Do you have any kids with nicknames like that, nicknames they have outgrown or will outgrow?

With that being said, let's move onto the letter. Solomon is 10 years old and lives in India. He wrote his letter on July 3rd, 2016. In his letter, he is mentioning the sticker activity page that I sent some of my youngest kids that Christmas. I sure hope he got it before July. My guess is he's just mentioning it now, but received it earlier.

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Dear Aunty, 

Greetings to you. How are you? Here, I and my family members are fine. Aunty, I got your letter with beautiful stickers and the bible activity page with the small house, like a manger. Thank you for your well wishes, also. Aunty, I am promoted from 4th grade to 5th grade. I am attending school, project, and church regularly. I am praying for you. Thank you for my last letters. 

Yours Lovingly,

Solomon

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Answered Questions and Long-Awaited Letter

Every morning, I take a shower, get some coffee, and settle down to my computer. The first thing I check is my Compassion account, looking for green bars. Lately, I've been seeing those green bars a lot. I woke up to two letters today, which I will share with you today.

And since I always like to post my letters in age order, I will share Celeste's letter first. Celeste, like many of my other children answers my questions about why sponsorship is important and why writing letters is important. I have loved receiving these answers! Celeste also writes other great things in this letter.

Celeste is 14 years old and lives in Honduras. Her letter was written on July 5th, 2016.

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Dear Sponsor Kayla, 

I wish you and your beautiful family are all doing well. Yes, I saw the Minion's movie. It was very beautiful - and funny! I have complete confidence that I will become a great teacher in the future. I am working very hard in order to get good grades in school. In the gardens at school we are growing lettuce, cabbages, and radishes. When these vegetables grow we will share them, as classmates. It is a very beautiful experience to share and eat what we plant. I am very happy that you are encouraging other people to sponsor kids from other countries. I will answer your questions. Compassion is a great support to me and my family. Compassion always takes care of me and always asks me what happened when I miss class. Sponsors are special friends that we have - even when they are far from us. They greatly help us. I thank you for being so beautiful and special for me. To a new sponsor, I would say; I am glad that you are considering to sponsor kids. This is a great support to every kid. Letters are important because that is how we know that you remember us and love us. That way, in letters, we are also able to know if you are enjoying good health. I do like to read your letters - they are very interesting. I am glad to know that you always pray for my family. I thank you for telling me what you do everyday in your work and with your family. I now say goodbye. God bless you and your family! I love you very much! I wish we were able to see each other soon. 

Kindly,

Celeste

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The other letter that I got is from Jhon. Hallelujah! I am so happy to hear from Jhon! Since the switch-over to the new letter system, the one country that seems to have struggled the most is Bolivia. I, and most other people that I know with kids in Bolivia, heard from their kids in February or March and then haven't heard from them since. Before today, my last letter from Jhon was received in February. It's been a long wait, but this letter is so worth it. Just to hear from him again! 

Jhon is 17 years old and lives in Bolivia. He did not write the date on this letter, so I have no idea when it was written, though I think it is around February or so, as mentions his winter school break. Jhon has always written every two months on the dot, so it makes sense that this letter would be written in February. I imagine that he has been writing every two months and those letters will start to make their way through to me soon. 

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Hi Dear Sponsor Kayla, 

I greet you with the peace of the Lord. I thank you for the letter you sent to me. About my day; I wake up late and then I get ready for the day. I play soccer in the morning with my friends. After school, I got for a walk in the afternoon. Sometimes, I go eat ice cream with my friends. I tell you that I am doing fine with my family. Thank you for praying for me. I tell you that we have already finished the winter school break and they gave us our report cards for the second semester. I will graduate from high school soon. I say goodbye to you, wishing you successes in everything that you do. I ask you to pray for my family. 

With Affection,

Jhon

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Carlos's New Baby Sister!

I woke up today to a green bar on my account, a new letter! This letter was from Carlos Alexander and in this letter, there was some exciting news! A new sibling! Two years ago, I got a similar letter about his new brother. Just like in this letter, there is no sign of the new baby's name, but after some prodding, I did get the name of his brother. Typical teenage boy, leaving out baby details, right? Haha. Anyway, I bet the family is excited, because after three sons, a little girl arrives.

Carlos is 15 years old and lives in Honduras. His letter is dated July 5th, 2016.

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Hello Dear Kayla, 

I wish when you receive this letter, you are in good health. My family and I are well, thank God. I tell you that I have a little sister that was born 15 days ago. I like to follow rules. I know that a rule from school is to do homework and obey the teacher. In the CDC, I receive lessons from 8-12. In my house, I also have rules, which are sweep the floor and wash the dishes. I like to follow the rules in my house, since disobedience is not tolerated. I live in a neighborhood that is somewhat safe. I'm happy to have a little sister and I am doing well in school. 

Carlos Alexander

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Project Director Letter: EC-558

Hello everyone! I thought last week was going to be my last project director/pastor letter to share, but recently, I was sent more letters for some of my new kids. I was pleasantly surprised and have a couple more to share with you. As I write this post, I have enough letters to finish out the month, so if you happen to see another letter in October, I received even more of them. :)

The letter I share with you today is from EC-558, which is the project that my young man Edison attends. He will be graduating in December, so it's a short relationship, but I am still grateful to learn about the community where he is from.

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Dear Kayla,

My name is Erwin Reyes Samaniego and I'm the pastor of the Alliance Church Nueva Vida located in Guayas province in the Coastal Region of Ecuador. We work along with the Child Development Center that is attended by your sponsored child. Thank you for choosing the sponsorship of Edison. 

The place where the center works is in a poor neighborhood. Recently, several urbanizing improvements took place. The families face hard situations such as: dysfunctional households, delinquency, drug selling and consumption. Some of the children that attend our center come from a place that used to be a dump. In this place there are no basic services, poor education in adults, and there is a lot of illnesses and poverty. 

Our challenge in this community is to share the Gospel, through loving and merciful acts towards the families. We want to see strong and healthy families, who live with dignity and eradicate delinquency. The Compassion Center is attended by many children in our community, which allows us to be in contact with many families and start new friendship. Several homes have opened their homes for the church and attend regularly to the church meetings. The children receive several benefits, such as support in their studies, medical assistance, and spiritual guidance for their lives. Several youth made their faith decision last year and now they are serving in the youth ministry. 

A month ago, we organized a summer camp that lasted 15 days. We had the attendance of more than 500 children and teenagers. It was a huge celebration and at the end of the camp, every child received a Bible. Recently, we started with the men ministry called Hardworking, Brave Men Who Love God and our Families. All the men showed interest and committed to attend meetings. Some of them even offered their homes for having the meetings, so they can take friends and family there. 

Something that really encourages our children is to receive a letter from their sponsors. It is a big joy for them to know sponsors are taking the time to write to them. For most of them, it is the only letter the receive, no one else has written a letter for them before. This fact makes them feel loved and valued because some of our children lack a father or a mother and in some cases, both. On the other hand, we have seen the sad faces of the children that don't receive letters from their sponsors. When they see their classmates with letters and their hands are empty, they try to pretend nothing happens, but sadness is evident in their lives. 

Sponsor letters help the children to improve their self-esteem. They know they have a friend who loves them, sometimes even more than their own parents. It is so nice to witness when a child receives a letter or a gift from their sponsor, and we know that it is a big impact in their lives. When children answer a letter, they express all their love and thankfulness through them. A special and unforgettable moment is when a sponsor meets their sponsored child. I understand it is not possible for every sponsor, but let me tell you, it is a wonderful moment full of hugs, and even tears, and it is a hard moment, even for us. Their relationship with their sponsor is so important for their personal development, self-esteem, and so encouraging in life. 

Let's pray together for our children and teenagers, for them to learn more about God's word and may their lives be transformed and become more powerful testimony our of almighty God in our community. 

I deeply thank you for your sponsorship and your commitment to give every month to Edison. May God pour many blessings upon you and your family. 

In Christ, 
Erwin Reyes Samaniego

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A Letter Here and There...Trickling In

Last month, I received 16 letters, which is not quite up to where it should be, but better than it has been. With so many kids, I expect to hear from nearly half of them every month, but that isn't always the case.

So far, this month, I have only had 4 letters. With the month only being halfway through, I hope to receive some more before the end.

This week, I received two letters. The first letter I will share is from Faith. I was so happy to receive this letter because it had been 7 whole months since I last heard from her. Faith isn't typically a very chatty girl, but this short letter does have some good details in it.

Faith is 10 years old and lives in Kenya. Her letter is dated June 11th, 2016.

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Dear Kayla, 

How are you, my dear sponsor? I am going well with my brothers and sisters here at home. It is my prayer that you are fine and healthy too. I am happy for the letter you sent to me. I was happy to hear from you. Here in Compassion, we are going on well and we are learning the word of God. We go to Compassion every Saturday. In my class we are 36 pupils. At school, I am doing well. Pray for me to keep on improving. In my leisure time I like playing rope skipping with my friends. I also like drawing and coloring pictures. May God bless you. Receive much greetings from my brothers and my sisters. They love you too. Greet all of your family members. 

Faith

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Next, a letter from Nikko. This is my second letter in two months from Nikko. These letters date back a bit, but that shows me that he has continued to write to me, the letters have just been delayed with the new system. Hopefully I have a one or two still on the way. 

In his letter, Nikko responds to the letter I wrote about Jesus' 12 disciples being young men, not the old men we typically picture. He really seems to like that letter. I'm not sure who shared it first, but thank you for posting it, so I could use it too! 

Nikko is 17 years old and lives in the Philippines. He wrote this letter on June 4th, 2016. 

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Dear Kayla, 

Hello dear sponsor! How have you been? I would like to thank you again for your letters that I received today. 

You're asking me about Jesus' 12 disciples and yes, you are right, I was thinking of old men with grey beards and I am surprised to know that they were not. Thanks for sharing about some things about Jesus. I am glad to have another learning that I got from you. Thank you also for praying for us here always. I am really happy to hear that. Yes, we restarted school. We had activities there. We got the chance to express ourselves and what's in our hearts and bond with my classmates. I am glad to experience that one day. Last Christmas, I received a ball, hair wax, and boxer shorts for presents. summer has just ended and we are experiencing rainy days, but I thank God, for it is a blessing. Thank for sharing your verse. I would like to share one with you also. It is 2 Corinthians 3:18. God bless you. 

Love,

Nikko

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Saying Goodbye to Sagar

It is with a bit of a broken heart to say that I am no longer sponsoring Sagar.

I got a dreaded phone call from Compassion earlier this week about him and was told that he is no longer attending the project. Sadly, he has not been meeting the attendance requirements this year, and over the last two months, didn't attend a single project day or activity. His project attempted to encourage him to come to the project, but Sagar refused. Instead, he has been traveling to the city to sell items, in order to raise money for his family. 

I am heartbroken for several reasons: 

1. I am so sad to lose Sagar. I love him. I love his project and his community and I love that boy, so much. I have been sponsoring him for 4 years now. It hardly seems possible that it's been that long, but it has. I have watched him grow from boy to a teenager. I will miss communicating with him. 

2. I am sad because Sagar did not see the benefit of attending the project...or he did...and a job was more important for him and his family. 

3. It breaks my heart (and really opens my eyes) that, in this world, there are places where 13 year olds not only can drop out of school to work full time, but that they HAVE to drop out of school and work. In places like the community where Sagar lives, not working could mean starvation or homelessness for Sagar's family. 

4. Sagar's community is a dangerous place, full of gangs, drugs, and sex work. His community is run by a group of pimps. There are so many things Sagar could fall into, very easily. I can only pray that he has a good job and has learned enough at his project to avoid all of these temptations. 

On Tuesday, the day I received the phone call, when I returned home from work I cried like I had lost a family member. I truly felt like I had. I know that sponsored and correspondent children come and go and it is always hard to lose them. I think of the kids that I have lost all of the time. But, and I almost hate to admit it, I really feel like Sagar and I had a special bond. I love him so much. 

And, while I'm being honest, part of me wants to blame myself. If I had sent more financial gifts...could his family have paid the rent, or bought more food, or paid for school fees. If I had done more, would Sagar still be in the project? I know that I can't blame myself, but I can't help thinking of things I could have, should have given up to help Sagar out more. 

To be honest, again, sometimes things just suck. The world can be a pretty terrible place. Sure, there are many good things and people and lights in the darkness, but in this situation, a 13 year old boy having to quit being a child in order to be the man of the family (he lives with his mother and sister) just sucks. 

I can wish and hope that things had turned out differently, but that is not how things work. All I can do now is pray that he stays safe and finds a good place for himself in the world. Maybe someday, even, God will bring us together again. 

So, goodbye, for now, Sagar. I hope you know just how loved you are. 

Two New Photos from India

Isn't it so much fun to watch out kids grow up? I just love making these photo collages, to see the age progression. Each collage can be made bigger by clicking on it.

First, I received a new photo of my boy Indresh. I think he has really grown and changed since his last photo. Indresh will turn 11 years old in November.

I also received a new photo of Chintada. I was so happy to get this photo, because Chintada graduates from the project in January. I wasn't sure if I would receive another photo of him, as he really wasn't due for one. It was nice to get one last photo of him before he leaves. 

Letters from some Girls, Both Small and Big

Last month, I received quite a few letters, which was super exciting! I originally sat down today to tell you about the letters that I wrote to my kids in August, but it turns out, I didn't write one. Not a theme letter, anyway. However, many of my kids got a response letter to a letter I received in July or August. Some of my children didn't get a letter at all from me in August. However, I've already written twice this month and intend to write again, so there is balance to everything.

So far this month, I have received two letters; one letter from one of my littlest girls and another letter from one of my biggest girls. I love hearing from both of them.

First up, a letter from Sweet Carolin. She wrote on the How I Have Fun template. Carolin is 4 years old and lives in the Dominican Republic. She wrote this letter on June 29th, 2016.

Plus, Carolin is going to be a big sister! Whoo hoo! Carolin has an older sister already and will soon have another sibling join the group.

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1. In my free time I like to play: with my teddy bear

2. When I am inside, I like to: play with my doll

3. When I am outside, I like to: play with my ball

4. The sport I most like to play is: Jump rope

Dear Kayla,

May God bless you today and always! This is the child's wish. She says that she and her family are well and are happy for the letters you send her. She says her best friend from the center is Arianny. She says she goes to church sometimes. Please pray for the child's mother who is pregnant. She says goodbye with love. 

Yours, 

Carolin

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The other letter I received is from Enatenesh. In her letter, she answers some of my questions. In one of her answers, she mentions when she sees old people. I don't recall asking a question about old people, so there must have been a translation error somewhere, but I do love her answer. She is a very sweet girl.

Enatenesh is 19 years old and lives in Ethiopia. Her letter is dated June 1st, 2016.

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Dear Kayla, 

Greetings to you my beloved sponsor. I am my family are fine. Thank you for your support. I received an exercise book, pen, bag, wheat, and cloth. Thank you. The climate is cold in our country. What about with you? I took my exam and I am waiting for the results and I am helping my parents. Answers to your questions: 

- I want to learn about computer science. 

- I want to learn. 

- I want to help parentless children.

- When I see old people, I wish that I could get old and thank God for giving me life. 

Goodbye, until I meet you in the next letter. 

Enatenesh

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Project Director Letter: CO-384

Today, we hear from CO-384, where my two boys Daniel and Jonatan attend. Their project is still new (at 11 years old, my Daniel is among the oldest kids) and is in a very poor area of Colombia. I am so grateful Compassion works in this area.

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Dear Kayla, 

We greet you in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ! My name is Libia G. I am the center director of the child development center (CO-384.) We are located in the Orinoquia region, which is located  in Colombia where your sponsored child attends. Thank you for sponsoring Daniel and Jonatan. 

An actual photo of one building at CO-384

I thank God for sponsorship, friendship and affection for our children. It is a great blessing to hear a child say that it is very good that someone from a distance cares about them who is far but their heart is close to them. The community has several problems such as parents abandoning children, extreme poverty, both economically and mentally. Through the center there is more contact with the community to present Christ as our savior. Most of the children lack affection. They also lack spiritual and cognitive orientation.

The sponsored children have begun to discover that they have talents and ministries that we are beginning to uncover. The center has caused and continues to cause a great impact on the neighborhood. Many testify about the positive changes in their children and others long to enroll their children. It is also being recognized by the Christian work of its social activities such as lunches for children, community kitchens, and evangelist marches. All who are part of this beautiful work tutors, insurers and cooks, have shared very valuable and beautiful experiences working with children. Children feel the change in their lives; they express this with words and others only with facts. We also see the fruit because children come to Bible classes on Sundays.

Campaigns have been conducted with children where God continues to support each activity carried out with the kids. We have had the privilege of having the visit of sponsors to our center where the experience was very beautiful. Eighty children receiving the group of sponsors dressed as soldiers and singing and sharing with them very happily. The center has a great sponsorship which has been a great blessing.

During the year the children have approximately received four deliveries of letters. For each child their letter is of great importance amid the lack of time with their parents. Children who do not receive letters are very sad. For this reason we encourage sponsors to write to their sponsored child. Sponsors are always in our prayers. We pray that God will continue working in their lives and bless them abundantly. Again, thank you for sponsoring Daniel and Jonatan! 

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Faith's Updated Photo: 2016

My grouchy-faced girl got a new photo and she remains consistent, haha. Needless to say, I love her and her grouchy face. I think she is just too cute.

Keep being you, Faith!

Carolin's Updated Photo: 2016

How cute is my little girl?! Carolin was registered into the Compassion program right after her 3rd birthday, so she was so teeny tiny. She will be 5 years old in November and has really grown quite a bit taller. She is just too precious, I tell ya.

Project Director Letter: KE-631

Another Monday, another Project Director letter. Yay!

Today, we read about project KE-631, where one of my newest boys, Daniel Lemayian, attends. I don't know too much about him yet, but am looking forward to a long relationship of letters with him.

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Dear Kayla, 

I salute you in the name of Jesus Christ. I am Rev. Erick, vicar of St. James Oloirien Parish of the Kajiado Diocese, Kenya. I also am the leader of the Anglican Church of Kenya Oloirien Child Development Center attended by your sponsored child. I wish to express my sincere appreciation for your continuous support of Daniel Lemayian at this center. Know that you have brought a smile to him. 

Our church serves a multicultural community, but the majority of the community members are Maasai who are "pastoralists" who raise livestock, even though livestock is dwindling due to a reduction in land holding units as a result of population growth, land selling, and harsh weather conditions. As a result, people have realized crop farming as an alternative way to earn a living. 

Our community is facing some challenges. Food insecurity is one of the great challenges for the community, as a result of inadequate rainfall and inflation facing the country at the moment. Drug abuse is a menace in our community. Many have turned to drug abuse as a result of idleness due to unemployment and negative influence from social media. This is threatening the future since many of them will turn to crime to get what they want. Teenage pregnancy is also a problem. Information about such matters is not easily shared by parents with their teenage children. 

The center has impacted the children in various ways. It has raised a group that values good virtues. Many children have enhanced spiritual discipline in their homes, like sharing the Word of God with their families through daily family fellowships. This is the practice that many families adopted out of the influence of the center children. 

The center nurtures promising leaders in the body of Christ through the involvement of children in Compassion Sundays. We encourage volunteering through community service like helping the elderly, and through environmental conservation measures, like tree planting. 

Because our congregation is mainly comprised of children and women, we focused more on youth and men last year. Since many youth are interested in football (soccer), the church organizes football tournaments to encourage them to use their gifts for the glory of God and turn away from drug abuse and other immoral activities that put their lives in danger. 

The church deployed ways to empower the few men who are there to be able to be disciples and bear fruit. We organized a men's fellowship to help them realize their spiritual gifts. It has been a great challenge to make men understand the need for being great male role models and witnesses for Christ. 

The children greatly treasure their sponsors letters. When writing, they are able to express their gratitude and share their prayer requests. The words of encouragement have made a big difference in the lives of children. When children do not get a letter, they feel they are not equal to the ones who do. 

My requests are that you pray for the children to improve in their academic performance, and that we would face the challenges of our teens with courage. 

It is now one year since I started serving in this church and I lack words to express my gratitude for the life transformations that have been realized through sponsorships. I do understand the level of sacrifice that many of the sponsors make to support the children. May God bless you abundantly for your generosity to Daniel Lemayian. 

Your Friend in Christ, 
Erick

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