Compassion International

The Compassion project is there helping children out of this terrible poverty.

It can be so easy to get overwhelmed by the extent of poverty in our would that we feel there is nothing we can do to alleviate it. But Jesus calls us to respond. He knew we could not solve all the world's problems, but if we do what we can by sponsoring a child, we can make a tremendous difference. 

Two years ago I sponsored a little Moslem boy in Indonesia called Haydar Rapin Romansyah, Apin for short.

He was 6 then and in the photograph looked quite scared, sad and very thin. The next one showed him queuing up with all his friends at the train station on the way to school. His 7-year old photograph showed a marked difference. He has shot up in height and though not actually smiling has struck a very nonchalant hand on hip pose. He is still stick- thin but that could be his Indonesian genes. He is 8 on the 20th of October and I am really looking forward to this year's photo. We could have a smile...

Compassion has been running for 55 years and has been recognised as a charity of outstanding integrity by a number of independent accountability organisations. It is Christ centred, child focused and Church based. You can often not be quite certain how much of the donation actually goes to the problem area. All the sponsorship money goes to the care of the child and at least 80% of other donations and gift aids goes to help children and their families as well as projects like HIV/AIDS where the right drugs are given and people can live long and productive lives earning a living and supporting their families. At present more than one million children are sponsored by Compassion and attending projects in 25 of the poorest countries in the world.

Compassion works in partnership with local churches to implement their programmes overseas. The children are introduced to Christianity and their families are invited to all celebrations. Apin didn't go to the Christmas celebrations with his family but he may do in time. We remember him every day in our prayers and he wants us to pray that he will work hard and do well at school. 

I have today particulars of lots of children who are waiting for sponsorship so I urge you, if you can, spare 70 pence a day to come to see me at the Compassion table where you can see photographs of Apin and read his letters. You can write on line which is a lot easier as my hand-writing can be a challenge to others. 

I can assure you that the investment you make will change the life of a child, their family and community and in so doing, bring honour to God.

Finally some words from St Matthew's Gospel, “Whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you do for me”.

THANK YOU.

Kate Lowry

01376 561662