Today's letter is pretty identical to the letter from Brazil, but I suppose that is to be expected. It is written by the same man who is running similar programs in two countries.
I have five wonderful children in Colombia. Ronaldo, Lina, Daniel, Jonatan, and Nicol.
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Dear Kayla,
Greetings in Jesus name! My name is Jose Carrasco. I am the South America Area Director and I've been privileged to serve as the interim country director of Colombia since 2014. I was born in Peru. I am married to Laura and we have two wonderful children, Jose Alonso and Natalia.
Jose Carrasco and His Wife
Compassion has been serving in Colombia for 45 years. We currently have more than 240 child development centers and we are serving 77,000 children and youth. Through sponsors' generous and selfless giving, children feel loved, cared for, nurtured, and supported in many ways. You have made all this possible for your sponsored children through your sponsorship and prayers. You truly are making a difference in your children. Thank you so much!
Sweet Boys at Their Compassion Project
Unlike a child who is not in the program, a sponsored child has a safe place to go each day. At the centers, children have the opportunity to learn about the love of Jesus and to identify their strengths, develop their gifts and talents, and overcome difficulties. They are taught, among other things, that they are special because they are children of God.
We do face struggles daily. Compassion serves Colombia's most impoverished children and their families. The children are at high risk of sickness and even death in their early years. Every day they are surrounded by violence, the absence of one of the parents, etc. They also face economic crisis, in which unemployment and the cost of living are extremely high, making life increasingly difficult for those who live in poverty. Lack of water and access to good medical attention is a daily struggle. Hospitals lack medicine and equipment. The families cannot turn to government education or its agencies, as these do not offer the help they require.
An Impoverished Neighborhood in Colombia
By God's grace, we will continue to go forward and overcome any obstacle that presents itself. Compassion Colombia has improved its program and materials to better empower the church to fulfill its mission. Churches work hard and diligently to serve the children better through training, materials, and mobilizing local resources. We are developing child protection networks and early childhood and youth development strategies so we can help more children become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults. It happens when the church of Christ gets mobilized in prayer and action to intervene in children's lives.
Sweet Kiddos Playing a Game at their Compassion Project
Nourishing the relationship between the sponsor and the child is of utmost importance. I encourage you to write letters. When a child receives a letter, it means more to your child than you will ever know. Your words really affect your child positively. Knowing that someone who lives so far away is praying and thinking about them makes children feel loved and appreciated.
Children Drawing Pictures for Their Sponsors
I cannot express my gratitude for your sponsorship for your sponsored children. Your giving has changed the destiny of your children, and that is priceless! My heart fills with joy as I express my appreciation and recognize your generous giving. May the Lord bless you and your family. We covet your prayers and promise also to pray on your behalf.
Sincerely in Christ,
Jose Carrasco
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If you would like to sponsor a child in Compassion, consider 8 year old Raul. Click here to go to his page and learn more about him.
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