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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Divya*, age 15, lives with her family in Nepal, where her father works as both a Nazarene pastor and a brick-layer. This story is all too common for many families struggling with limited opportunities for income.

Every year, Nazarene churches around the world extend compassion by highlighting the ministry of Nazarene child sponsorship.

Being a teenager anywhere in the world can be a challenge. For Siva*, a 16-year-old boy who attends a child development center in Nepal, the last year and a half has been in and out of restrictive lockdowns. 

Instead of growing frustrated, Siva wrote to his sponsor to tell her that he was using the time in lockdown, “as a great opportunity to learn creative things.” So, always a creative soul, Siva is teaching himself how to play the ukulele.  

Emanuel lives in the Dominican Republic. He is 17 years old and a Nazarene pastor’s son who has benefited from child sponsorship.

Here he shares his experience and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.