“My parents fought hard to keep me safe. School was expensive, and we were so poor. Because of my sponsorship, I received food, medical care and the opportunity to go to school. One day, I received a letter from my sponsor. It was the first time someone had told me that I was beautiful in God’s eyes.”
This is Kiwi’s story as a Compassion child growing up in the Philippines. Sadly, she is not the only child with a story like this.
Our school currently sponsors thirteen children through Compassion, all living in the slums of Cebu. During Compassion Week, students learnt about life in the Philippines, heard stories from Compassion representatives, discovered where their fundraising dollars go, and learnt just how powerful a simple letter can be.
Of course, there was plenty of fun too! Students enjoyed dress-up days, lots of gelato, and worked hard to unlock the opportunity to slime teachers – even Mr Curtis! But behind all the laughter was something much more important: young people choosing to care about others.
Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:12:
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
As I watched our students throughout the week, I couldn’t help but be encouraged. Their generosity, enthusiasm and willingness to care for others was a beautiful reminder that God doesn’t wait until we are older, wealthier or more experienced before He can use us. He delights in working through willing hearts.
This week, our students helped support thirteen families, brought hope to a community on the other side of the world, and helped make the love of Jesus known. Not through anything grand or spectacular, but through small acts of kindness, generosity and faithfulness.
It makes me wonder: what has God placed in our hands that He wants us to use for His purposes? Our time, our resources, our gifts, our words? The story of Compassion Week is a reminder that when we offer what we have to God, He can do far more with it than we could ever imagine.
Our students have inspired me, and I hope they inspire you, too.
Jacqueline Newell, Primary Pastor
More slime photos HERE