Five Letter Friday (On a Saturday): Volume 16

Well, it seems like posting a day late is a theme for this week. It's been a pretty high-anxiety and difficult week for me, so I'm not surprised things like blogging have fallen by the wayside. I will get back on track next week.

But since the week isn't over yet, I can still post five letters for you all to read.

We'll start with a letter from Rebecca, who is being her typical chatty self. I love that, of course!

Rebecca is 10 years old, lives in the Philippines, and her letter is dated August 18th, 2018.

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Dear Ate Kayla, 

Good day! How are you and your family? We are fine here. I joined the A1 Child Competition and I won. We are done with our English test and also the test in Values Education and I got perfect scores. I don't know about the other results. I sleep on the wooden floor and I place my foam mat on top. The distance between my house and the learning center is 3 km. Our water supply comes from the water district. What's your weather there? Until now, my father has not found a job because of his rheumatism. That's what it's hard for him to find work. Every October, I attend Girl Scout camping. What people here usually do during vacation is go to the beach to swim, but this time we are having a family reunion. Please pray for me so that I can submit all of my projects into school, like a world map. Thank you so much and God bless you. 

Love,

Rebecca

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Our next letter comes from the same country, from Jhonrex. This young man is so ridiculously inspiring to me. Even though he's now an adult, he continues to try to succeed in school. I know that it's been insanely hard for him. His perseverance is something I aspire to have.

Jhonrex is 18 years old, lives in the Philippines, and he wrote this letter on August 24th, 2018.

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Dear Kayla, 

Hi, I am thankful to God that you always send me a letter and I am thankful that you are always praying for me. I am doing fine in my studies and I'm now in 7th grade. Please pray for good health, especially for my mother's pregnancy this time around. How have you been? What course did you finish? Til' your next letter. 

Respectfully Yours, 

Jhonrex 

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Next is a letter from Brian, who seems to really enjoy the stories I've been sending this year. :) 

Brian is 16 years old, lives in Kenya, and he wrote this letter on September 8th, 2018. 

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Dear Kayla, 

It has been good hearing from you once more. I am so happy to hear that you are fine. I hope that your family is fine too. As for me and my family, we're doing fine. In my country is sometimes hot and sometimes cold. I got your letter and I really enjoyed reading it. The story about the prince and the princess, I really enjoyed. It was so funny, I even read it to my cousins. They enjoyed it too. We are now heading towards the longest holiday, which is in December, where we celebrate the birth of Jesus. I wish you all the best as you celebrate. Read Philippians 2:6-10. 

Goodbye,

Brian

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We now move onto our only template letter for this particular blog post. It is from Samuel and he wrote to me on the My House template. 

Samuel is 7 years old and is from Honduras. His letter is dated September 5th, 2018. 

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1. In my house, I sleep in: A bed 

2. In my house, we get water from: A tank 

3. My house is made of: Cement blocks 

4. The floor in my house is made of: Ceramic 

5. My house has a roof made of: Corrugated Iron 

Hello Dear Kayla, 

It is Samuel's brother who is writing to you. I hope you are well in health, beside your loved ones. I want to tell you that my brother is doing well in his classes. He is going into 4th quarter. He is well in health. He wants to ask you what will you do for your next birthday? What will you eat? What is your favorite color? I leave you, wishing you that God blesses you each day of your life. I hope to have news from you soon. Please pray for my life and my family's life. 

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The last letter of today's post comes from Jhojaira. Just a short note, compared to other of her letters, but I cherish it, none of the less. Such a wonderful young woman. 

Jhojaira is 14 years old, lives in Peru, and her letter is dated September 15th, 2018. 

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Dear Sponsor Kayla, 

I greet you in the name of Jesus. I want to tell you that these months, I am well and am spending more time with my parents. I am excited because my 15th birthday is coming and here in Peru, it's an important day. I thank you for the story you wrote in the letter. I liked it a lot and it was the first time I had heard that story. It was funny. Do you like to read a lot? Please pray for me to do better in school and also for my family to be united always. I say goodbye with much love. 

Jhojaira

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Five Letter Friday: Volume 8

You know the drill by now, don't you? ;)

Today's first letter comes from sweet Acram, who is telling me about his Project Learning. He sounds like he is learning quite a lot for a little guy. That's great!

Acram is 7 years old, lives in Tanzania, and his letter is dated June 29th, 2018.

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1. In my project, I am learning about: Serving God, loving others, cleaning my body, cooperation, and respecting adults. 

2. About my emotions, I am learning: To be calm and control anger

3. About taking care of my body, I have learned: To wash my body, to clean my hair, and to clean my ears. 

4. About being polite and kind, I have learned: To pray, to be calm, and to respect others

5. About jobs people have, I have learned: To sweep and to plant flowers 

Acram is thankful for your letter. He is healthy. He is very happy and loves you. 

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Up now is a letter from Yeraini. She is also writing to me about things she's learning at her project. The template is titled My Christian Learning. 

Yeraini is 6 years old, is from the Dominican Republic, and her letter is dated June 25th, 2018. 

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1. My favorite Bible story is: The Creation 

2. My favorite Bible verse is: Genesis 1:1 

3. My favorite thing about Jesus is: His love, his forgiveness, his mercy 

4. When I pray to Jesus, I pray about: My family & my sponsor 

5. My favorite song to sing at the project is: Hymn of Victory 

Dear Kayla, 

Yeraini sends her greetings with much love and affection in Christ Jesus. She says she's thankful to you for everything and for your letters. She says that every mother should love her children. She will be praying for Shakilla and for all her friends and tutors at the project. She sends her regards with love. 

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This next letter is a chatty, detail-filled letter from Jhojaira. It's so fun writing to older kids when they learn to write letters better and open up more. 

Jhojaira is 14 years old and is from Peru. She wrote this letter on July 8th, 2018. 

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Dear Sponsor Kayla, 

I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus. I hope you are in good health. Thank you for all the letters you sent me these months. I like to read a lot of the lessons you write to me. I also like to learn something new every day. Let me tell you that I finished my first semester of classes in June and I got first place. I would say that some important events in my family's life happened this month. One of them is that my cousin from Spain came here to Peru and we had some nice moments together. Even though they already left, we are happy to know that they are healthy. How have you been during these last few months? I hope you are doing well and are enjoying these moments along with your family and close friends. I ask you to pray for my older brother who has traveled to another place. I now finish these lines with a big hug. 

Love,

Jhojaira

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Onto a letter from Dagim. He is yet another one of my kiddos who is commenting on the stories that I have been sharing. I'm glad I decided to send these stories each month. They really have been a hit. 

Dagim is 10 years old, lives in Ethiopia, and he wrote this letter on May 25th, 2018. 

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Dear Kayla, 

How are you? Me and my family are fine. I am happy and thank you for the letter. I am happy to hear Goldilocks and the Three Bears. I have learned that we don't touch other's property without permission. Class is good and we are going to take the 2nd semester exam. Pray for me to get a good grade. It is hot here and summer will start in one week. Is it hot in your country? I love you so much. I say goodbye until we meet in our next letter. 

Yours, 

Dagim

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The last letter for today is from Dedilhomme who is writing to me on the My Medical Check-Up template. 

Dedilhomme is 6 years old, lives in Haiti, and his letter is dated June 28th, 2018. 

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1. My last medical check-up was on: April 16th, 2018

2. For my medical check-up, I went to: A medical clinic

3. One thing that was done at my medical check-up was: Vital signs 

4. This person went with me to my medical check-up: A parent 

5. During my medical check-up I felt: Happy because the children were moving 

Dedilhomme feels that it is a joy to write to you this letter and greet you in the name of the Lord who has all power. He tells you that he is doing very well, along with his family. He tells that he is on vacation now. He is playing games with friends and reading. He asks what kind of activities you do during your free time. He asks you to help him pray and he will help you pray. He tells you it is very hot here. He likes to eat bread with sliced avocado on it. 

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Letter Love from Teens

Before I started my sponsorship journey, I never thought I'd make a connection with a teenager. God has given me the innate talent to take care of, relate to, and teach very young children. But I have never really considered myself good at understanding teenagers. Well, then when I started my sponsorship journey, God led me to sponsor boys, and then older boys, and then older girls. It's only just more recently that my family started to gain some younger kiddos. But, all of a sudden I was making these fabulous connections with kids that had the word "teen" in their age.

And I love it so much.

So today's post will include letters from several wonderful teenagers who send me loving letters from all over the world.


Let's start this post off with a letter from Jhojaira, who has always been great at responding to things I write to her. It really feels like a conversation when we write to each other.

Jhojaira is 14 years old and lives in Peru. Her letter is dated April 28th, 2018.

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Dear Sponsor Kayla, 

I greet you in the love of our Lord Jesus. I want to thank you for the beautiful letter you sent. I love reading the stories that you write to me. I also like to see the photos and analyze them. Goldilocks is also a popular story here in Peru. I heard it at different times in school when I was younger. We can learn from this story that we shouldn't take other people's things. Anyway, I like the story very much. Let me ask you, are you in good health these last few months? Before saying goodbye, I ask for you to pray for me and my family to draw closer to God's way. I send you many hugs. 

Jhojaira

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This next letter is from Jhonrex and it comes with good news! In his last letter, he asked me to pray that he would have enough time to join a cell-group (what we call a small group) at his church/project. It seems like that prayer was answered!

Jhonrex is 17 years old, lives in the Philippines, and he wrote this letter on April 21st, 2018.

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Dear Kayla, 

Hello. How are you? If you ask about me and my family, we are okay. Thank you for the letters you sent. You talked about last new year and Christmas and about how cold it is where you live. I also received the letter that had photos of bulldozers and the photo of you together with your family. I'm glad that you continue writing to me and praying for me. 

About our weather here, it is now hot because it is summer here, but in your place it is very cold, so please take care of yourself. I am now in a cell-group with only four other members. We study the Bible, learn about God, and pray for one another. About school, I am still pursuing ALC (Alternative Learning School) because I still desire to finish. I am also still assisting the teachers at the project, with the youngest children. 

Please pray that I will remain in good health always, along with my family. What activities do you have there in the winter? Do you enjoy it? 

I end this message now. Thanks for your unending support. God bless you. 

Respectfully Yours,

Jhonrex

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This next letter is more like a quick note from a young man. He must be a very busy guy, but it is still nice to get an update about him. I don't hear from him very often, so even these small updates are great. 

This letter is from Lemayian, who is 18 years old and lives in Kenya. He wrote this letter on May 4th, 2018. 

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Kayla, 

I greet you in Jesus's name. I am doing well and my family members are also fine. How is your family? I hope and pray that you are all doing well. I normally go to church every week and I am doing well in the project. I than God very much because last year was good, but this year is better because we got a lot of rain and everything is green all over. Thank you for the letters you have sent me. I am very happy to see them. May the Lord bless you. 

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Onto another letter, this time from Lina. This letter seems to focus on things about herself, which I love. It's nice to learn more about her interests and things I can pray for her about. 

Lina is 19 years old, is from Colombia, and wrote this letter on April 24th, 2018. 

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Dear Sponsor, 

I greet you. May God bless you. How are you? My family and I are fine, thank God. I want to tell you that for the past two months, I have been attending a new church with my mom and sister. We feel fine and hope everything will be well there. I tell you that my name means "the person who anoints." I am the oldest of my siblings. My hair is brown and my eyes are brown. One thing that I do well is comb and style my hair. I also like reading. How is your family? What activities do you do in your free time? Sponsor, I will answer your questions. I don't suffer from any disease but my period is hard and I have bad cramps. I have these symptoms for 1 week each month. I have a medical appointment soon, on April 27th,  and I will tell the doctor this. I like to listening to music and playing with my mom and sister. I spend time with other children from the CDC and we like to go to the mall, park, and ice cream shop. I tell you that on Christmas I was not doing well because a relative passed away. I felt sad, but I feel better now. Thank you for your support during this time. Please pray for me to start a professional career after university. I also would like a family someday. I give you a Bible verse to think about; Psalm 119:17. 

Hugs,

Lina

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The next letter from today is from Jule, who I haven't known long, but he has been a great writer since his very first letter. Unfortunately, it seems like he is struggling in school. I will keep praying for him and encouraging him through letters. 

Jule is 14 years old, from Rwanda, and wrote this letter on May 12th, 2018. 

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Dear Kayla, 

I, your child Jule, greet you in the name of Jesus. I thank you for the way you care for me and pray for me. I am trying at school. I got a 49% marks and was ranked in 33rd position. Please pray for me to at least be among the top ten students in position. I like reading English books and it please me because my family is also doing well. I thank you for the letter you sent to me, sharing with me your news. I and my family are doing well. It pleased me so much to know that you pray for me. I am glad that your people who were sick got well. Romans 10:9-10 blesses me so much. May God bless you. I conclude by thanking you and wishing you God's blessing. 

Your Child,

Jule

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The last letter for today's post is from Milkias. I am not sure where this letter has been, but is seems to have been lost in cyberspace somewhere, because it just made its way to me this month, after traveling around somewhere for 6 months.

Milkias is 13 years old and lives in Ethipia. His letter is dated January 16th, 2018.

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Dear Kayla, 

Greetings to you, my beloved supporter! How are you and your family doing? I and my family are very fine, thanks to God. Happy new year 2018! I received a letter you wrote to me, along with all the gifts. I had a dog, but now she has died and I was very sad. I received the gift you sent me for the Christmas holiday celebration. I am very grateful for it. Thank you for sending me a gift and God bless you. I am attending my education well and I am studying hard to have good results. Please pray for me. Goodbye until we meet in another letter. 

From Your Child,

Milkias

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A Whole Slew of Updated Photos!

What could be better than a post full of collages of my kids with their latest, updated photo?

Not much, I think.

All photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Brisa from Nicaragua

Carolin from Dominican Republic 

Hillary from Kenya

Jhojaira from Peru 

Jhoyra from Peru

Lina from Colombia

Mariza from Nicaragua

Muzuro from Uganda

Rodrigo from Bolivia

Super Letter from Jhojaira!

My girl Jhojaira wrote me a super long letter and included several extra pictures! It's amazing!

Jhojaira is 14 years old and lives in Peru. Her letter is dated February 17th, 2018.

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Dear Sponsor Kayla, 

I am very happy to write to you again. Thanks for the letters, pictures, and images you sent to me. I want to tell you about a special day here in Peru and I think it's the same around the world. It's Valentine's Day! It's the day of love and friendship. How did you spend it? I spent it very well with my loved ones. I also spent it with a special person for me, which is my best friend. We went to the cinema and then we went to dinner at night. I send you a picture of us. We have known each other since we were little. It's been 9 years of friendship and we are inseparable. Do you have a best friend? A best friend is a like a sister from another mother. It is someone you trust; someone who is with you through thick and thin. That's why I chose her. She is always by my side when I need it and vice versa. Thanks for the letters. 

In response to your questions; I spent Christmas with all my family. I traveled too. I have my school break, which lasts for two months. I usually travel during that time to spend more time with my family. I also send a picture of my brother and me when we traveled to Tarapoto, which is known as the city of palm trees. Lastly, I go for a run in the afternoons. However, when I don't do that, I help my sister to take care of my niece named Itzel Sophia who is a year and three months old. I send you a picture of her from the day I took her to the park. I am holding her. 

Let me tell you that I went to a children's camp. The principal of the student center took me to help her and the group I led won. I send a picture of her, my friend, and me. 

I send a picture of me when I was on a bus traveling to Pucallpa. When I got there I learned about a pink flower called hydrangea. Pucallpa is a hot city and the people are very friendly. I hope you like all the pictures. 

I say goodbye with a strong hug and a big kiss. 

Your Friend,

Jhojaira

Jhojaira with her best friend

Jhojaira with her brother

Jhojaira with her niece

Jhojaira working at the children's camp

Jhojaira traveling on a bus

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Letters from 3 Girls

As you know, I don't have too many girls in my sponsorship family, so letters from girls don't happen quite as often as letters from boys. But, I have three such letters to share with you today.

Let's go in age order, for old time sake. :)

I received a My Dreams template from Airin. She also writes a very nice letter with the help of her tutor.

Airin is 7 years old and lives in Indonesia. Her letter is dated December 8th, 2017.

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1. When I grow up, I would like to be: A Doctor 

2. Someday I would like to meet my sponsor because: Because meeting my sponsor is my dream. 

3. Someday I would like to meet: My sponsor 

4. Someday I would like to see: My parents proud of my success

5. Someday I would like to visit: Bali, to visit tourism spots. 

My dear supporter, 

I am happy to write to you again. I am in 2nd grade now. Please pray for me that I will be a successful child in the future and will be able to make my parents proud of me and be happy. I will always pray for you, that God will bless your ministry, work, and family. Yes, I have seen a total eclipse in my country. One of my favorite chores is helping my parents. I will always pray for your students. I will pray for you and your fellow teachers so that your work runs smoothly. Please pray for me that my studying goes well and I will be able to become a successful child. 

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Up next is a letter from Rujikorn. One of my favorite letter writers (I have several). She drew me another lovely picture; one of her family this time. 

Rujikorn is 13 years old and lives in Thailand. Her letter was written on November 15th, 2017. 

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Dear Kayla, 

Hello. I thank you very much for sending me a letter and your photo. I feel so happy for reading your letter and seeing your photo. My family and I are doing well. I hope that you and your family are doing well. My school is starting at this time. I feel so happy for studying at the school at this time. I will concentrate more on my studies this year. I always attend the project activities every week with my friends. I feel the love of God to me more through the project program. My friends and I lead the worship at church every Sunday. I hear the sermon at the church too. I feel very happy for attending the project. I look forward to the coming of the Christmas celebration. I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year. I draw a picture of my family for you. I would like you to pray for my studies and also for the health of my family. I always pray for you and your family. May God always bless you and your family forever. 

With Love in Christ,

Rujikorn 

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The last letter for today is from Jhojaira. She tells me a great story in this letter! This story is in response to a story I shared with my kids and then asked them to tell me a popular story from their country. I like this one! I've heard a variation of this story before. It always sends a good message. 

Jhojaira is 14 years old. She is from Peru. Her letter is not dated. 

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Dear Sponsor Kayla, 

I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. At the same time, I want to thank you for the letter and the beautiful pictures you sent me. I loved the story because it was a good teaching. I know I will consider it in my daily life. Now I will tell you a very common story in my school, church, and whole district. 

One day, a man and his friends went hiking to a very high mountain, because they wanted to be recognized as the best climbers. But they were going to a very high part and it was starting to get dark, so they decided to stop and spend the night there. One of them didn't agree so he decided to continue because he wanted to be the first one to arrive. When he was on a very high part of the mountain, he slipped and fell down from a high part on the hill, and became fastened on a branch. The man was desperate and started to ask God for help. He heard a voice that said, "Let go of the branch, trust him." But the man didn't trust and decided to stay there. It was extremely cold so the man got hypothermia and died. The next day, one of the men found the body only one meter off the ground. This story teaches us that we don't always have to be ambitious, but we always have to trust in God. 

Kisses and hugs,

Jhojaira

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Letters from South America

Towards the end of November, letters from South America all seemed to roll onto my account at the same time. Let's share those letters all together, as a group, today!

First up, a letter from Jhojaira. She seems to be responding to the letter I wrote to her about my nanny kiddos starting their school year. I shared some of the things they would be involved in this year, as well as some of their interests.

Jhojaira is 13 years old and lives in Peru. Her letter is dated October 9th, 2017.

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Dear Sponsor Kayla, 

I greet you in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I thank you for the beautiful letters you sent to me. I'm glad to know that Gage is doing well and that he will join a basketball team. But I am especially glad to know that he will join the choir at church because everything we do to worship Him is good. I am excited to know that Chloe turned one more year older in life and I hope God gives her many more years of life and blessings. I like to sing like her, too. I hope you spent a nice summertime together. Also, regarding your questions, there was an eclipse in my country many years ago but I never could see it because it was not possible to see it where I live. I am very glad to know you had a nice eclipse day together. I say goodbye in the name of Jesus and wish you many blessings. I send many hugs and kisses. 

Your Sponsored Child,

Jhojaira

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Sticking to the same country, Peru, I now share a letter from Sunrei, my little girl who writes like an adult. At least, in my opinion. She really knows how to share details in her letters. 

Sunrei is 10 years old. This letter is not dated. 

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Dear Sponsor Kayla, 

I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I thank you for the nice letter you sent me. I'm always praying for Mariela, so everything goes well for her, that's she strong and brave, and that she always stays in Jesus Christ. At the Huachipa Zoo, I saw the giraffe, tiger, puma and fox. The animals were so beautiful. My little sister is beautiful and big. She's 7 months old. I'm very happy with her. I'm doing well in school. How's your health. How old are you? I ask you pray for my family's spiritual life, especially my mom. Isaiah 61:1, "The spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness the prisoners. I end with a strong hug and kiss. 

Sunrei

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Let's travel a bit to a new country and read a letter from my boy Jonatan. He used this letter to answers many of my questions from the past. My account recently updated that Jonatan is now performing above average in school. That, combined with his interests, he seems to be doing really well in life. I'm so proud of him! 

Jonatan is 10 years old and lives in Colombia. He penned this letter on October 18th, 2017. 

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Dear Kayla, 

My precious sponsor, greetings to you in the wonderful name of our beloved Savior Jesus. I want to tell you that I'm part of the worship team at church. I play charrasco and the tambourine. I'm so grateful to God for allowing me to serve in His work. I also want to tell you that I have some good friends. I have fun playing soccer with them and also jumping rope. My best friend is Jhonatan. I met him in the park and we like to play tag. I watch Bible stories in my free time. The project took us on a trip across the Bible and it was so much fun. I want to thank you for the photos and the drawings you sent. Your letters are so beautiful. About your questions, I want to tell you that there was an eclipse in my country a month ago. Today I ate rice with green beans. Lots of love. I give you this verse; Matthew 21:22. 

Jonatan Caleb

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Like earlier in the post, we'll again stay in the same country and share a letter from wonderful young lady; Lina. 

Lina is 18 years old and lives in Colombia. Her letter is dated August 14th, 2017, so it appears to have gotten stuck somewhere in the process. 

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Dear Sponsor, 

I greet you with a "God Bless you." I want to tell you that I have three friends, named Daniela, Danna, and Joel. My best friend is my mom. When I'm with my friends, we like to talk about our future and our dreams. What I most enjoy with my friends is playing. It's fun to do crazy things. I like to have friends because I can count on them in difficult moments. Now I answer your questions. I'm very well, thanks to God. My health and well-being are much better now. I would like to work with newborn children because it interests me a lot. I would like to work with children that age because they are more treatable and are very adorable. In the future, I would like to be a pediatrician. Yes, I would like to have other pets because I like animals a lot. Now I tell you that this week was the talent festival that we have every two years with other projects. I participated in dancing, but sadly we did not win. We had a lot of competition. But I had a great time and I enjoyed the festival. Thank you for your monthly contributions to my CDC. Thank you also for your letters and birthday presents. Before I say goodbye I want to ask you: How many friends do you have? What are their names? I want to ask you to help me pray for my dad, who will get out of jail soon. I ask you to keep him in your prayers a lot. I say goodbye, but first I give you this Bible verse. Psalm 27:8. God bless you. 

Sincerely,

Lina

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From the Field Friday: Peru

We've made it to the letter "P" in the alphabet with our country director letters. Up today, Peru and the great woman who runs the program there.

I have three kids there: Jhayra, Jhojaira, and Sunrei,

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Dear Kayla, 

My name is Cristina Zavala and I have been the country director of Compassion Peru since 2005. Compassion began ministering in Peru in 1984. We serve around 75,000 children through more than 250 partner churches. We want to open more opportunities this year, growing to serve more than 80,000 children. 

Cristina Zavala

My country has a rich history, beautiful places, and warm people, but also extreme poverty, broken families, and vulnerable children. Due to their living conditions and lack of economic resources, children face hard situations of abuse and neglect that erode their self-esteem and sense of belonging. The difference in a sponsored child is mainly the impact of being loved and cared for by people who value and give him or her dignity in safe environment. 

An Impoverished Home in the Peruvian Mountains

The economic situation works against families and parents, pulling them away from their children when the situation is pressing. They leave their children alone with little protection and supervision. Access to education, medicine, and potable water is still limited in the most impoverished regions of Peru. Some villages don't have medical centers, or the facilities lack staff. Other areas get water directly from rivers or contaminated water channels. Young people have no opportunity to learn marketable skills, and no dreams of progress and development. 

Children Learning Toothbrushing at Their Project 

We want to change the situation. We are working to help children improve their reading, writing, and math learning and to learn and develop healthy habits. Little ones who first arrive at the child development center often suffer from malnutrition. We are working with complementary funds to offer filtered and safe water. Together with the church partners, we talk to government institutions to improve medical care centers, and we keep on teaching Christian values and principles. We are also coordinating scholarships with private technical schools and helping young people to study a technical career such as computing, accounting, etc, or to study a major in college. 

Children Eating a Meal at Their Project

We also teach leadership courses to outstanding students. One young man who will complete the program this year faced many troubles as a sponsored child. His father is an alcoholic and his mother did not want to hear a word about. But this young man found affection, care, and shelter at the center. He had the chance to learn work skills; now he is going to school to study bakery and pastry, and he is also a leader in his church. From being immersed in poverty, he has discovered his great potential, and he now has big dreams. Another young man received a social volunteer entrepreneur honor from the United Nations for organizing teachers to give school tutoring in impoverished parts of Lima. 

Preschool Aged Children Building with Blocks

Children who enjoy a relationship with their sponsors feel the love and care of people who value them and give them dignity and the desire for a different future. Having a sponsor makes children very happy. They think sponsors are relatives who live very far away but send letters that bring them closer. Sponsors' letters have a high emotional value for children; when they get a letter, they feel they have some physical token from their sponsors. Please write your child as often as you can. 

Girls Writing Letters to Their Sponsors

Our partner churches are also ministering to their own communities by creating work opportunities and education and development programs that radically change families' inappropriate ways of living. Join us in prayer for every church partner that is working hard and doing such an amazing job. 

I want to express my gratitude to you for your continued love and support for your sponsored children. Together we can offer the valuable gift of hope to change the lives of the voiceless and suffering ones. 

Boys Playing Outside Their Project

In Jesus Christ, 

Cristian Zavala

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