COMPASSION
INTERNATIONAL
Nestled in the middle of Central America is Nicaragua, the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. A vast number of Nicaraguan children suffer from malnutrition and have received little to no education. This begs us to ask ourselves: “How are WE as the church going to be the hands and feet of Jesus?” Through Compassion International, we have planted a church in Nicaragua and are committed to meeting this community’s needs.
WHAT IS COMPASSION?
Compassion International’s goal is to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. They commit to honor Jesus Christ in all that we do. Jesus is the core of our ministry and his life and teachings shape our programs.
Sponsoring a child through Compassion International helps get the child out of poverty. It give the child an education, so that their future family will also be out of poverty as well.
COMPASSION AT COTTAGE HILL
The need is GREAT! What are we going to do about it?
AN UPDATE ON OUR VILLAGE & CHURCH PLANT
Our Cottage Hill family has adopted Iglesia de Dios Eben-ezer, in Nicaragua. There are currently 45 adults attending, and 35 children attending this church. The church is actively ministering in the community, and four people recently made professions of faith. After two long years of waiting to secure the land and acquire a building permit, construction started on July 7, 2022. The church leadership teams, Compassion staff members and the building teams worked diligently to complete construction on January 23, 2023. Iglesia de Dios has a brand new sanctuary, three classrooms, a kitchen and bathrooms. Because of your support, children now have a beautiful and functional space to grow spiritually, emotionally and spiritually.
Nestled in the middle of Central America is Nicaragua, the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. A vast number of Nicaraguan children suffer from malnutrition and have received little to no education.
MINISTRY PROGRESS
These new facilities have become a landmark in this community. 120 children participate in child development activities, and 30% of participants and their families attend church services on Sundays.
Children attend classes with great joy and their happiness is evident from the smiles on their faces. The tutors report increased attendance and better behavior among the participants. The children are more focused during lessons, engage in educational games and practice hygiene habits, such as hand-washing. Additionally, parents report seeing positive changes and spiritual growth in their children.
In the new sanctuary, 75 to 100 people, on average, can comfortably gather to learn biblical teachings, worship God and fellowship with one another. Throughout this process, the leadership teams better understood what it means to love God and your neighbor, and they want to instill this teaching in their children.
Danny, a young participant at the center says, “God is good to all the children in my community. We have the best classrooms and we keep our desks and classrooms tidy. I am so happy to be a part of this center and love learning Bible stories. My favorites are David and Goliath and when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey. Thank you very much, dear sponsors, for helping us build this building. May God bless you all!”
María directs the child development center and is grateful to Compassion and you all for trusting them to do this work. She says:
“The goodness of God amazes me. The new facilities provide adequate spaces for our children and youth to put their gifts and talents into practice. They also learn valuable life principles. From the beginning, the pastors invested in us to share the gospel in the community and today, we see the fruit. Our faith is growing, as is our commitment to children’s ministry.
Psalm 126:5 says, “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” Thank you for supporting us to empower future generations. We pray for you and believe that everything in your hands will be blessed.”