Child Sponsorship

Two Mothers, One Story of Hope: The Impact of Child Sponsorship

aheckman — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:37:31 +0000

Two Mothers, One Story of Hope: The Impact of Child Sponsorship aheckman Thu, 04/16/2026 - 17:37

Two Mothers, One Story of Hope: The Impact of Child Sponsorship

A Mother’s Testimony from Peru

“My name is Roxana. About seven years ago, I heard about this child development center in my town. It was a place where children could go to be cared for and protected. They also provided food, offered support services to families, and provided guidance on parenting and nutrition. But above all, and most importantly, they instilled in the children the teachings about the love of God. I knew it was important for them to know the word of God, His forgiveness and infinite love for us, and also the love of our neighbor. For these reasons, I decided to send my children to this child development center.

Roxana's son and daughter

More than seven years have passed, and as a mother, I feel blessed by everything they have done for my children—by every lesson, by every smile, by every joy, and by each and every support they have given my family. I feel very happy and grateful. Belonging here has helped them a lot in different aspects, such as their knowledge of the word of God, which they carry and practice at home, at school, and with their friends; the values that are instilled in them, such as prayer; and the methods they use to learn, which are very didactic and make them want to learn more, whether in Bible discussions or internal verse competitions. Not to mention the performances they give when we celebrate anniversaries or festive dates like Christmas.

Currently, both children are sponsored. They are excited to interact with their sponsors. They know that somewhere in the world, someone they do not know personally supports and blesses them, appreciates them, and wishes them the best.

I feel very grateful for the work of the pastors, the tutors, and the entire team that works to run this place.

I am currently a member of the Church of the Nazarene, and I am happy to be a Christian.”

A Mother’s Testimony from Nicaragua

“Hello, my name is Deyling. I am 37 years old, married, and I have three children.

My family and I have been part of the child development center since it was founded. My eldest son and daughter attended this center from a very young age, and I can say with complete confidence that they have grown and developed beautifully in every area, thanks to the support of this ministry, which has invested so much in my children. As a mother, I feel fortunate and blessed, as this program has been a helping hand to us at all times—in both the good and the difficult moments. I owe so much to this project, and above all, to God.

Deyling and her son and daughter

I have supported as a volunteer in the kitchen on many occasions, and I do so with great love. I am grateful to the pastor, who always includes me, and to Sister Margine. My husband, Harvey, and I recognize that the center has been a great help to our children, as it prepares them in every area, and now we are seeing the fruit of the seeds that have been planted in them. They have already been baptized and are now actively serving in ministry. My son serves in NYI (Nazarene Youth International), and my daughter serves as a teacher in NDI (Nazarene Discipleship International), as well as an assistant at the center. I serve as the steward and my husband is part of the worship ministry.

My family and I have gone through many trials, and God has been present through it all—using the ministry of the center together with the local church, praying for us and providing spiritual and emotional support. I firmly believe that the center is leaving an enduring mark on every family and is impacting our community.

My son graduated from high school this year and is now enrolled in university to study agricultural engineering. I know he will soon graduate from this program, and I would love to personally tell his sponsors how grateful I am for their continued support. They are part of my son’s development—his success is the result of what they have sown. God bless you.

Thank you for serving families in need. We will always be praying for you. We love you.”

Child sponsorship makes a difference for families like these, all around the world. Learn more and search for a child to support here.

Peru

Nicaragua

Child Sponsorship

Holistic Child Development

children and youth

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A Future Full of Hope for Cameroon's Children

aheckman — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:58:59 +0000

A Future Full of Hope for Cameroon's Children aheckman Thu, 03/05/2026 - 18:58

A Future Full of Hope for Cameroon's Children

March 5, 2026 ~ Simbarashe Kanenungo

The Church of the Nazarene has a new but growing presence in Cameroon. In response to the country’s persistent economic hardships—which have severely affected the well-being of children—the church has stepped forward with a holistic outreach approach aimed at ministering to vulnerable youth.

Cameroon has been grappling with a severe economic crisis since 2018. This has largely been driven by the conflict in the Southwest and Northwest regions and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many children are left to fend for themselves, roaming the streets, often exploited to sell food or subjected to sexual abuse. Education remains out of reach for many, especially orphans, displaced families, and those rejected by society.

Recognizing that children hold a vital place in God's kingdom, the Church of the Nazarene responded to this crisis by establishing a school in the town of Galim. The École Primaire Bilingue de Galim Child Development Center offers vulnerable children a chance at education and a better future. With 72 students enrolled from grades one through seven, the school is supported by seven committed volunteers, including both teachers and cooks, who faithfully minister to the children each week.

In May, the school held a celebration honouring students who completed their first year of kindergarten, awarding certificates to mark their achievements. One mother shared her heartfelt gratitude. “Even when school is over, this program continues to bless our children,” she explained. “My son now prays at home before meals.”

Beyond education, the ministry is fostering spiritual growth. Children are not only participating in Bible studies, homework assistance, sports, and games—they’re also attending church with their families, enriching the local congregation.

The local team has engaged in training led by the holistic child development coordinator to enhance its capacity for effective ministry. Since receiving support from Nazarene Compassionate Ministries beginning in March 2025, the school has made remarkable progress and is now officially registered with the Ministry of Education.

This story taken from the latest issue of NCM Magazine. Read other stories of the global Church living out Christ's compassion here.

children and youth

Holistic Child Development

Child Sponsorship

Africa

Cameroon

Love in Action: A Small Church with a Big Vision in Chile

aheckman — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 22:54:56 +0000

Love in Action: A Small Church with a Big Vision in Chile aheckman Thu, 07/17/2025 - 22:54

Love in Action: A Small Church with a Big Vision in Chile

July 17, 2025 ~ AMY HECKMAN

Tucked into the hills above Chile’s rugged coastline, a small Nazarene church is quietly making a big difference in their community.

“Sometimes all you need is one person to change the world,” says Pastor Lorena Noé.

Lorena knows how true this statement is. She and her husband, René, are co-pastors of the Valparaíso Church of the Nazarene. For more than 10 years, this small congregation has opened its doors each day to welcome two groups: adults living with special needs and children and teens in need of alternative education. Together, the programs are known as Mirada de Amor, or “Look of Love.”

“The church isn’t just known because of our singing and worship, but because we are making a change,” she explains.

The school, an alternative education program, offers classes for students who have struggled in the city’s traditional public schools. Each morning, children ages 3–18 stream through the gate, eagerly chatting as they settle into small classrooms housed within the church’s campus to begin their academic work. A fenced courtyard provides space for physical education and recreation. The main worship room is utilized for weekly chapel services. Throughout the morning, students socialize and learn together in small, tight-knit groups. Then, early in the afternoon, parents come to the gate and students line up for dismissal, and soon the staff is preparing for their next group of guests.

The adults who arrive for the afternoon program bring the same energy. For these attendees, Valparaíso Church is a home away from home. Enrichment activities—like therapeutic care, physical education, arts and crafts, and dancing—help fill the hours with purpose and joy. For their parents, it’s a place where their adult children can experience belonging, true acceptance, and community. The afternoon program now draws more than 40 adults.

“The beautiful thing is that God is glorified, because we are a small church that is sustaining something really, really huge,” says Lorena.

Funding two daily ministries hasn’t always been easy. At the beginning, the vision required a great deal of personal sacrifice. Over time, Pastors Lorena and René worked hard to develop community relationships and sponsorships that sustain a large percentage of daily operating costs. Much of the church’s facility was built through Work and Witness volunteer labor. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries’ child sponsorship program—which includes not just children but also young adults with special needs—connects caring sponsors with the individual young adults at Mirada de Amor, ensuring that a family’s financial need is not a barrier to attendance.

“This is the vision of the church,” explains Lorena. “People ask, how is this possible? I don’t have an answer—I just know it is happening.”

The church has developed a unique educational model that is paying off for the students. Many enter the program frustrated or apathetic about learning. For most, they were unable to stay in their previous schools. But once enrolled, and after some time passes, their attitudes begin to shift.

“We see how the children gradually develop motivation,” shares Lorena. “They’re able to study on their own, and they’re seeking to learn.”

The leadership team is convinced that their model helps students and adults with special needs discover potential they might not otherwise reach. Discrimination, exclusion, poverty, and learning struggles are often burdens that attendees carry into the program. Lorena has seen Mirada de Amor help lift those burdens.

“Within the marginalized, you have people who are not able to access quality education,” she states. “All children have the right to quality education. All children have the right to access education that allows them to grow to be good men and women. This is our banner in our ministry.”

The model for the afternoon program has spread. A church member moved to Brazil and replicated the project. Now, there are 10 Mirada de Amor programs for adults with special needs in that country, demonstrating the high demand for a ministry that uplifts and encourages this population.

“This is about dignity and having opportunities,” says Lorena.

Members of the Valparaíso congregation, many of whom work at or volunteer with the Mirada de Amor programs.

Recognizing the dignity of children and young adults with special needs—a segment of the population often overlooked—is how this church chooses to love its neighbors. From the outside, the building is just one of many on their city street. It’s nondescript other than the cross on one wall, and a church sign at the end of the property. But behind the gate and inside the doors, this small congregation is leaving an indelible mark.

Lorena is convinced they aren’t the only small church capable of this kind of ministry.

“There’s a reason we are a small church, and we will continue being a small church—and God is doing great things through this small church,” she explains. “Wouldn’t it be amazing if small churches could believe what God could do through them, and how God can impact their communities?”

Mirada de Amor can be found on social media here.

Learn more about Mirada de Amor in a story from NCM Magazine here.

Are you interested in sponsor a young adult with special needs from Chile? Visit our website and in the drop-down menus, select “Chile” and “Supportive Education.” Any young adults in need of a sponsor from Mirada de Amor will appear there, and you can click through to begin a sponsorship relationship.

Chile

Child Sponsorship

children and youth

Holistic Child Development

A Look Inside: Holistic Child Development in Paraguay

aheckman — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 19:41:18 +0000

A Look Inside: Holistic Child Development in Paraguay aheckman Thu, 03/13/2025 - 19:41

A Look Inside: Holistic Child Development in Paraguay

This report was submitted by staff of a child development center in Paraguay. To reach their community, this center has a strong focus on sports ministry and English classes.

Each year at our child development center, one group of students graduate, and a group of new students joins. This year, 90 percent of our new children live with ADHD and language difficulties. As a result, the dynamics of the classes, devotionals, and activity times we provide have been adjusted to help them focus, learn sports techniques, follow instructions properly, and develop discipline. All groups have adapted well to these changes and improved their interactions with peers and God.

As part of spiritual care for each child, we maintained weekly follow-ups on devotionals. We covered the book of Genesis, emphasizing the values found in each story and the theme of conflict resolution in relationships. We have begun using new material for the second half of the year, and the discussions have been truly engaging.

The weekly nutritious snack time is a success—fruits, cereals, and milk are devoured! We also provide alternatives for those who have dietary needs.

We have held soccer classes and psychological and family counseling, celebrated birthdays monthly, and observed special occasions with the students. Our English classes focus on conversational and sports-related language. Through interactive games and visual aids, the children have made significant progress.

In January, halfway through the year, we placed a sign at the entrance announcing open registrations.

Juan*, a boy from the neighborhood, had been insisting for months that his parents bring him to the center. However, his mother was convinced that we didn’t offer soccer classes—until she saw the sign on the door! She quickly enrolled both him and his little brother, and they are now happily participating in the center's activities.

Other parents have shared how good they feel about bringing their children here.

“I don’t know why, but I feel so good with you all,” said Carmen, Paulina’s* mother. “Our marriage is going through a rough time, but when we come here, and you listen to us, I feel better.”

A recent special event featured a young woman with a missionary calling who had participated in a mission trip. Before departing on the trip, she visited the center to share her calling with us, and after the event, she returned to share her testimony and show photos.

For the teenagers who attend our center, it was a great blessing to see a young woman from an underprivileged neighborhood get to travel, receive training in missions, and achieve difficult goals. One of the limiting beliefs we face here in Paraguay is the widespread mindset that "it can't be done.” Changes and challenges are often seen as impossible. Her testimony was encouraging and inspiring, showing the students that every obstacle can be overcome by God.

We look forward to the new challenges this next semester will bring. We thank God for His guidance in every detail.

* Children’s names are changed for protection.

Paraguay

Child Sponsorship

children and youth

Holistic Child Development

Looking Back, Looking Forward: The Impact of Holistic Child Development

aheckman — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 19:45:47 +0000

Looking Back, Looking Forward: The Impact of Holistic Child Development aheckman Thu, 11/21/2024 - 19:45

Looking Back, Looking Forward: The Impact of Holistic Child Development

Sarah*, a recent graduate of a Nazarene child development center in the Philippines, shared her inspiring journey during the center's anniversary celebration this year. From joining the center at age three to becoming a graduate and now a volunteer teacher for other children, Sarah's testimony highlighted the profound impact the center has had on her life. Keep reading for an excerpt from her remarks.

“I am Sarah. I was a sponsored child of the [child development center] program since I was three years old. [The center] trained me and equipped me holistically, taught me about Jesus, and allowed me to draw closer to God.

“Jesus showed a special love for children, welcoming them and blessing them ... that is also how the Church of the Nazarene welcomes children through this ministry.

“I understand that [the] program is not just teaching you about Bible stories, hygiene lessons, singing, etc. It’s not just about that, [it] helps you to go in the way you should go—which is God’s way.

“And [the center] is not just about being compassionate to the children ... [it] also teaches you to be a compassionate one, too. The blessing is not how [the] staff are kind, generous, and compassionate to me, it’s how it made me one of those—a kind, generous, and compassionate person towards others, too. God loves us so that we can love others.

“Thank you to my sponsors. Thank you to the teachers and staff who taught me since the beginning, until I graduated, and until now that I am the one teaching. Thank you to those people whom God used for [the center] to come into existence.

“All glory belongs to God. I’ll continue to surrender my life to God, to serve him, to reach out other people, to strive, to make a difference, to be a light and salt, to lead, to use my gifts for his glory and lastly, to make Christlike disciples of all nations.”

You can make a difference in the life of a child or teenager like Sarah today. Your monthly gift of only $30 USD will provide a student with a strong foundation that supports their growth from childhood through adolescence and beyond. Learn more at ncm.org/sponsor.

*Children’s names are changed for protection.

Holistic Child Development

Child Sponsorship

children and youth

Philippines

Seven Days of Praying for Children

aheckman — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 18:54:18 +0000

Seven Days of Praying for Children aheckman Tue, 11/05/2024 - 18:54

Seven Days of Praying for Children

In a world that constantly changes, the needs of children around the world are always present. Whether it’s protection from harm, provision for their basic needs, help escaping the weight of poverty, or spiritual care, children need our prayers now more than ever. As parents, educators, caregivers, and compassionate individuals, we are called to intercede on their behalf—lifting up their health, safety, well-being, and dreams before God.

To help guide our posture toward children, we invite you to join us in a powerful journey of prayer: seven days of intentional intercession for the children in our lives and around the world. For each day, we will focus on a specific aspect of children’s lives and the lives of the adults around them. It’s a simple, yet profound way to make a lasting impact, not only for the children we know personally, but for those who are suffering, overlooked, or in need of hope.

Will you take the next seven days to pray with us?

Day 1: Pray that all people would come to appreciate the gift that children are and see them as infinitely valuable.

Day 2: Pray for the protection of children, that the plans of those who would seek to harm or abuse them or their families would be thwarted. Pray that we would seek ways to assume the responsibility of protecting children in our communities and around the world.

Day 3: There are many children who live in poverty or difficult circumstances. Pray that they would experience the provision, love, and care they need. Ask God to raise up advocates, resources, and opportunities for them to thrive and grow in a safe and nurturing environment.

Day 4: Pray that families would be inspired to teach their children to follow the Lord and seek wisdom as they grow. Pray for leaders in child development centers as they seek to do the same.

Day 5: A parent’s love is meant to be deep and comforting from the moment a child is born. Pray for children who have lost their parents or those who have a difficult relationship with their parents. Pray they will find comfort and strength in Christ.

Day 6: Pray for children who are sponsored in Nazarene child development programs to come to faith in Christ, along with gaining the skills needed to take steps out of poverty. Pray they will learn to look to the Lord for strength and hope each and every day.

Day 7: Pray for teachers, caregivers, social workers, and all those who work with children to be filled with compassion, patience, and understanding. Ask God to equip them to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the children in their care.

children and youth

Child Sponsorship

Prayer

The Heart of a Kingdom Servant

aheckman — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 18:27:11 +0000

The Heart of a Kingdom Servant aheckman Tue, 08/06/2024 - 18:27

The Heart of a Kingdom Servant

AUGUST 6, 2024 - CRYSTAL GIBBONS

In the heart of Yerevan, Armenia, lives Miriam*, a remarkable young woman whose journey with the church began at the tender age of seven and has since blossomed into a testament of faith, service, and love for the Kingdom.

Mariam’s connection with the Church of the Nazarene started through the vibrant and engaging Vacation Bible School (VBS) held at the church. Drawn in by the crafts, the loving atmosphere, and the warmth exuded by the church members, Mariam found more than just a weekly gathering; she discovered a home away from home.

For a decade, Miriam faithfully attended the Kids Club through the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries child sponsorship program, cherishing the fun-filled activities and forming lasting bonds with the church community. It was during this time that the seeds of faith were planted in her heart, leading to a pivotal moment at the age of thirteen when Miriam accepted Christ as her personal savior. From that moment forward, her life took on a new purpose centered around serving the Kingdom.

As she embraced her faith, she felt a calling to give back to the place that had nurtured her spiritual journey. Now seventeen, Miriam dedicates her time and energy to helping run the same Kids Club where she first encountered the love of Christ.

This past summer, she took on a leadership role, orchestrating a VBS program that touched the lives of more than 40 children. Miriam’s commitment to service extends beyond the walls of the church. She is currently pursuing a degree in finance at university. She sees her studies as a means to contribute to the community and make a positive impact.

Despite her busy schedule, Miriam remains deeply rooted in her faith, finding strength and purpose in her relationship with God.

“The Nazarene church is my home. It is the place where I discovered the power of faith and found a family of believers who embraced me and supported me every step of the way,” said Miriam.

This loving community has changed Miriam’s life, and she is excited to serve others the way she has been served.

* Children’s names are changed for protection.

Taken from the latest NCM Magazine. Click here to read the issue.

Child Sponsorship

Holistic Child Development

From the Magazine

Armenia

children and youth

Joy, Despite Obstacles: A Child Sponsorship Story

aheckman — Wed, 10 May 2023 20:29:57 +0000

Joy, Despite Obstacles: A Child Sponsorship Story aheckman Wed, 05/10/2023 - 20:29

Joy, Despite Obstacles: A Child Sponsorship Story

MAY 10, 2023 · BY AMY HECKMAN

Marsha* is a sponsored 17-year-old girl in the Philippines. She’s overcome many challenges across the years, including her family losing their home when Super Typhoon Rai hit the nation at the end of 2021. The storm damaged or destroyed millions of houses, at least 16,000 schools, and 330 health clinics, eventually impacting close to 10 million people.

Marsha, her mother, and nine siblings live in St. Bernard, a town that was almost completely destroyed by the Typhoon. Dan Balayo, child development coordinator for the Asia-Pacific Region Church of the Nazarene, reported that all families of children served by the Nazarene child development center in St. Bernard were directly impacted by the storm.

The Church of the Nazarene in the Philippines responded immediately to the needs of the most vulnerable population, distributing relief goods and establishing safe spaces for children to process traumatic experiences from the storm.

Thankfully, Marsha’s family survived (as did all the families of other children at the center), but they had to move into an evacuation center right before the holidays.

At the time, Marsha shared this with her sponsor, saying, “It was really sad that we didn’t celebrate our Christmas at our home. Despite that, we never gave up. We still celebrated Christmas with happy faces. We prepared spaghetti, pansit, and bread. We were happy because we were safe and healthy.”

When recovery efforts started, and school work began again in earnest, Marsha didn’t let this ongoing upheaval deter her from her goals. In the midst of recovery and rebuilding, Marsha received an award for academic honors at school.

“My heart is full of joy [because of] receiving the award,” Marsha wrote to her sponsor. “This allows me to study harder. I am thankful and bless God for everything He did.”

A little over a year later, finally back in her home, she wrote the update below. Keep reading to see how joy continues to be a hallmark of Marsha's outlook and attitude.

Child sponsorship gives children help right when they need it. When you choose to support a child living in poverty through sponsorship, you give them encouragement to continue to on through whatever obstacles come their way.

Learn more here.

“Hi, how are you? I hope you are doing well.

After a long time, I am going to write a letter for you, with lots of love. First, I want to greet you a happy new year. I hope that your new year will be one of the best in your life. I'm writing this letter because I want to share with you how I celebrate New Year’s...

I celebrate those great days with all the [fun] that I can. Two days before the new year, we started our preparations. We cleaned our house, got ready and we look forward to the great day with my family. I made a list of delicious food item on December 31st and prepared it with my sister. I had an amazing celebration with my family.

How about you? How do you spend your holidays? I hope you are enjoying those days.

Thank you for your continuous support and for the Christmas gift that I have received. May God continue to bless you more.”

*Name is changed for protection.

Child Sponsorship

children and youth

Holistic Child Development

Emergency Relief

Philippines

Through Grief to Hope in Guatemala

aheckman — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 17:46:43 +0000

Through Grief to Hope in Guatemala aheckman Fri, 04/28/2023 - 17:46

Through Grief to Hope in Guatemala

APRIL 28, 2023 · BY AMY HECKMAN

Evan*is a 7th grader in Guatemala who attends the child development center in his town. Evan’s mother experienced complications with childbirth and passed away four years ago. Since then, Evan and his seven siblings have had to face life without her love and care. The teachers at Evan’s center report that despite this tragedy marking his life, Evan is a hard worker who loves to improve. He strives diligently to overcome the obstacles he faces. Evan also attends the local Nazarene church that hosts the child development center, where he participates in children’s church and youth services.

Making ends meet is not easy for Evan’s family. Evan is one of the ten percent of children in Guatemala who work in order to help out at home. He spends a few hours each day in a local bakery to cover his educational costs, as school is only free in Guatemala through the 6th grade. Sometimes, Evan uses his income to help pay for the needs of his younger siblings. To balance all of his responsibilities, Evan goes to work in the morning before school. After work, he goes to school, then to his center in the afternoon, and studies in the evenings.

Being part of the child sponsorship program means that Evan is able to attend the development center for free. There, he receives help with his homework after school, along with spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and social care that is designed to develop all aspects of his life. Evan’s sponsor is a Nazarene church in Wisconsin, and Evan regularly writes notes to the church to shares gratitude and updates. In a recent letter, he expressed how happy he was to be a part of the center.

“I thank God first of all for putting in your hearts the will to help me,” he wrote. “I know that our God will multiply you in abundance.” Evan is not the only one in his family to benefit from sponsorship; two of his younger sisters attend the center as well.

The care given by the staff is impacting each of Evan's family members with the help needed to thrive despite both grief and economic challenges. In a country where only 79% of children complete primary school, the center’s activities help keep children engaged and learning. Most importantly, the center is built on a foundation of faith.

“We take the opportunity to pray with [students] and remind them of how important they are to us, to the church, and above all to God,” said Arnoldo, center coordinator. This kind of encouragement can give children confidence and a reason to hope for a bright future, no matter their current circumstances.

That encouragement is echoed in the care felt through the sponsorship relationship. “I am very grateful to my sponsor,” said Evan. “Even though I do not know them, I feel a great love for them because of the support I have received.”

When you sponsor a child like Evan, committing your financial resources and prayer support, you are making a tangible difference. Learn more here.

*Child’s name is changed for protection.

Holistic Child Development

Caring for Children Around the World

aheckman — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 19:27:14 +0000

Caring for Children Around the World aheckman Wed, 04/05/2023 - 19:27

Caring for Children Around the World

APRIL 5, 2023 · BY AMY HECKMAN

In Nepal, the children at one Nazarene child development center share a common experience—many have never celebrated their own birthdays. For families in this area who struggle with ongoing poverty, there’s no time or money to spend on play or celebrations. Instead, parents have to stay focused on earning enough to eat and have housing. Many of the children have worked alongside their parents to support the families’ needs. When they are enrolled in the center, though, not only are children given opportunities to grow spiritually, educationally, and physically, but special moments like birthday and Christmas celebrations with their classmates help shape their emotional development.

The local church that hosts the center has noticed an increase in relationships between community members and their members thanks to this ministry.

A child development center in Romania provides a safe environment so children and teens can develop positive self-esteem, grow spiritually, and improve their academic skills. The center provides Bible teaching, meals, clothing, tutoring, access to health care, and a place for kids to play together.

Sometimes the benefits a child takes home from their center are intangible, yet no less impactful. “To be part of this program helped me to see myself with different eyes,” said one teenager who attends the Romanian center. “I learned to control my emotions.”

Life in Nicaragua can be difficult for children. At least 42 percent of the population lives in poverty, and that widespread unemployment, poor infrastructure, and other stressors leave many families struggling to survive. At one child development center, parents are educated on helping their children grow through proper nutrition and food preparation. A water well provides clean water for children and their families to use. Younger children receive academic coaching, and teens are supplied with vocational training. These activities are in addition to the regular spiritual guidance and extracurriculars like music and art lessons that make up the rest of the center’s activities.

Still, the stressors outside the center are sometimes a strong pull. Because of this, last year, several teens stopped attending. The center staff are committed to praying for the teens' safety and that they would be able to make wise choices for their futures. Due to work shortages in the area, some families had to leave for a season to harvest coffee in the mountains, taking their children with them. Other parents were concerned with earning enough money to pay fees for their children to graduate from school.

“God supplied all the needs,” reported one leader.

Last May, two teens who also attend the church graduated from a baptism class. After their baptism in a nearby lake, the church and center community enjoyed a celebration together.

The center staff continues to press into their mission to help children and teens develop and grow. “The task ahead of us is very challenging,” said the leader. “We are praying and fasting that the Lord will help us continue in the race of compassion. We have seen God's support in everything we have done for his work and for his beloved children.”

When you sponsor a child, you help them attend a child development center like these. To learn more about making a difference for children living in poverty, visit ncm.org/sponsor.

Child Sponsorship

children and youth

Holistic Child Development

Child Sponsorship

Two Mothers, One Story of Hope: The Impact of Child Sponsorship

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