This title says it all; it’s about providing baby goats to children in need. I know how important they can be for the families of our children. When I sponsored a boy in Haiti, every time I sent extra money for Christmas or birthdays he would buy a goat. When he graduated and I asked if he had a younger brother I could sponsor, Compassion sent me a new child packet for the brother and it said he was responsible for the family’s “herd of goats!” I just had to giggle. How wonderful!
In addition to hurricanes and fires this has been a summer of huge devastation in many third world countries. Please continue praying for India, Nepal and Pakistan. This affects more than 16 million children. Imagine that! They really need our prayers and support. I’ve been especially concerned for two boys I’ve previously corresponded with in India through Compassion’s ministry–Joseph and Subhah. I’ve been equally concerned for Muuo, the young man I met in Kenya. I’ve recently heard that his area has been facing a drought and has tried to plant three times, only to fail each time.
People often ask me what happens to siblings of sponsored children that are not sponsored through Compassion. My answer is that everyone in the family benefits from the sponsorship, and it’s true. Families take great joy in reading letters from the sponsor. The parents are able to attend classes on parenting, nutrition and health. Children share what they’re learning with others, and often bring food home to siblings. Sometimes they share what they have with their whole neighborhood, as far as it will go. I know one young man from Africa who tore up paper and broke pencils in pieces to share with others, since he was the only one in school (besides the teacher) with paper and pencils (due to his sponsorship). Children in developing countries usually love to share, and they celebrate with those who have special opportunities, such as receiving a letter from their sponsor, attending school, or having access to health care.
But yes, there are many children that are not being sponsored, and families who do not have even one child sponsored. Does Compassion’s ministry benefit them as well? Yes, take a look at the following video. In addition, entire communities benefit from sponsored children who grow up to become leaders in their society–teachers, health professionals, engineers, politicians and more. Compassion’s ministry has a huge impact on their communities, far beyond what we can even imagine. Watch to see how this entire community benefited from the Compassion center.
This is an older film from Compassion, but it’s a good one. It shows just how far special funds, aside from sponsorship funds, can help a child in need.
What kinds of gifts make a difference to a child in need? When I sent support to my boys in Haiti, I always wanted to suggest they purchase a soccer ball, but I knew that if they had one they would need to trade it for something practical, like a goat. We really don’t have any idea of the hardships they are facing, but Compassion International provides many practical options for your holiday giving. The Gift Catalog can be found at this link. Don’t miss this chance to help provide hope for one of these precious little ones! Thank you, thank you for giving so generously throughout this last year!
When I sponsored my first boy in Haiti in 1988 I also provided a little extra support for his birthday each year. What do you think he bought with the few dollars I sent? A goat! Every single year. What difference does a goat make for a family in poverty? Take a look at this excellent video from Compassion International, and you’ll see how very valuable it is to give gifts to your sponsored child.
