Not every child is given a fair chance. It’s a sad fact, but a real one.

It’s why I’m an advocate with Compassion International. It’s why our family supports Buli. She was five when we first met her. She’ll turn 8 in two weeks.

Her father is a rickshaw driver, her mother a day laborer, which means that she waits each day in hopes of working and earning for her family.

We read her letters, pray for her and her family. And each month a very small sacrifice from our family makes sure that she is fed, educated, and her well being ensured.

Recently she sent me a letter. In it she showed me the birthday presents she selected with the small donation we sent to celebrate.

She had bought a cooking pot.

And a small tin to carry her lunch, and a chocolate bar.

She smiled with delight as she held her cooking pot, tin, and chocolate bar in the photo.

Why a cooking pot? Because the one they had was worn.

Something we take for granted, but a source of joy for a child in poverty.

Maybe you’ve been asking God for a way help children in need.

I hope you’ll consider Compassion International.

Take a moment. Check out the children who are waiting for sponsors.

Who is your “Buli”? How can you and your family show tangible love to a child in need?

The following is a recent story from Compassion, showing how a child is not only supported with food and education at the Compassion project, but how the well-being of a child is also nurtured.

Rescuing Angela from Abuse

When Angela was first enrolled in Compassion’s Child Sponsorship Program, the staff at her Honduras child development center noticed something peculiar. She always seemed depressed and withdrawn.

They decided to keep a close eye on her. One day, their fears were confirmed. Angela showed up with bruises all over her body. The staff immediately reported the abuse to child protection services. It was decided that Angela could not stay in her home.
The staff at Angela’s Compassion center knew they needed to find a safe place where the little girl could heal. They coordinated with an area orphanage supported by Compassion’s Highly Vulnerable Children Fund.

The home is a refuge for young girls who have come from painful situations. It is a safe haven where children receive loving attention and care. Now that Angela is out of the abusive situation, she is thriving.

She enjoys playing with dolls, drawing, karate and crafts. She has also become a social butterfly!
As part of her program, Angela meets with a Christian psychologist who helps her with reading and writing as part of her therapy. Together, they also work on Angela’s self-image.

Every evening, the girls have a devotional time before going to bed. During devotions, Angela recites her favorite Bible verse, Psalm 4:8: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety” (NIV).

This verse fills Angela with a sense of security, safety and love.