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In 2009, my mom organized a Compassion Sunday for our church. As we went through the packets that were sent, this little wavy-haired boy with the mischievous looking smile caught my eye and my heart.
His name was Medardo. He was 9 years old and lived in El Salvador. He spoke Spanish, which was the language I was learning at the time.
I knew I wanted to sponsor a child when I "grew up," but here was this little boy in front of me waiting for a sponsor NOW. I took a look at my finances and decided this was something I could do. God had provided, and I could do it.
I became a sponsor for the first time.
A few years later, an acquaintance of mine through the Compassion sponsor community visited her sponsored child at Medardo's project and was able to stop at his house to meet him on my behalf and take pictures to share with me.
This was the visual glimpse I had of Medardo's home.
I hoped that one day I would have the privilege of meeting Medardo face-to-face. Until then, we continued to write letters.
In 2011, I became a Compassion Advocate. I learned a lot about Compassion's ministry and partnership with churches, and I began to share this with others through volunteer experiences like festivals, church events, conferences, and concerts. I met other sponsors and Compassion workers who were so passionate about what God was doing and about their relationships with their sponsored children.
I got to hear from people who had sponsored children for years and had stories to share, and I got to see the excitement of people who were partnering in this ministry for the very first time.
In 2015, my hope of meeting Medardo face-to-face came true. I went on a Compassion Sponsor Tour to El Salvador and learned so much more about what God is doing through Compassion and what this ministry looks like first-hand.
We visited a Child Sponsorship and Child Survival Program Project.
We heard the stories of several mothers and families who have been a part of the Child Survival Program at this church's project. We learned about the workshops and classes provided there to help parents raise their children to be healthy and to provide for them.
We got to spend some time with the lovely workers at this project.
We also got to see the children's bakery workshop and try our hand at some cookie-making.
We were welcomed to the next project royally, complete with a parade. The people were so giving and so welcoming.
The Oasis de Amor (Oasis of Love) project will always hold a special place in my heart because of the experiences we had there and the people we met. Here, you see photos of a few of the classes and workshops offered to the children.
We were able to visit the home of one of the beautiful families who is part of the Child Sponsorship Program.
We spent the afternoon together learning about this family and experiencing little bits of regular life. It was a wonderful chance to have our eyes opened to the people the local church (with the help of Compassion) reaches.
We even got to help make chicken tamales! (Don't worry; we didn't really eat that little chick there. Fernando is joking.)
They truly are thankful for the things God has given, like this gorgeous view.
These people are beautiful.
We got to put together a one-day VBS program for this project, complete with songs and a David and Goliath skit.
The pastor and workers at the church and project here were so sweet, welcoming, and kind. It was so cool to see how the Church truly extends from country to country. One of the things that struck me most was that previously, I had always thought about the kids and their families. I hadn't really thought about the churches and people who make it all happen. This trip opened my eyes to the fact that this ministry truly is a partnership. We are linking arms with these people who are being the hands and feet in their local communities.
We were able to visit the Compassion country office and meet the wonderful nationals who work there and organize this wonderful ministry.
Finally, the day came to meet our sponsored children. I had the blessing of meeting sweet Medardo and his mother and spending a few hours together.
I also got to meet his little brother and learn how Medardo cares for him at home.
The experience was a little different for each sponsor and child, but it was a sweet day for all of us.
The last project we visited gave us the chance to see some more great workshops where the students are learning valuable skills. It was an extra special privilege to hear the testimonies of many of the students at this project and how their lives have been impacted by the opportunities they have there.
The caring and skilled translators from Compassion who spent the week with us were wonderful.
Sponsorship truly is a partnership among the churches, workers, volunteers, and sponsors. I'm so glad to be a part of the partnership.
I continued to sponsor Medardo until 2019, when he graduated from the program!
I now continue to sponsor other children and to volunteer with Compassion.
Will you join me in releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name?
Will you join me in releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name?
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