Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Tuesday's Child 07/12/2011

I love watching the video interviews with Leadership Development alumni; Richmond WanderaMichelle Tolentino, Tony MoralesJimmy Wambua Hearing them describe in their own words their stories of how Compassion reached out to them and helped break the cycle of poverty never fails to move me. Here are some children/young people who are excelling in school that are waiting for sponsors. Maybe one of them is a future Tony, Michelle, Jimmy or Tony....


Eleni lives with her grandfather and her grandmother. At home, duties include making beds, helping in the kitchen and running errands. Her grandfather is not employed and her grandmother maintains the home.
Running and playing group games are Eleni's favorite activities. In vocational training her performance is above average and she also regularly attends church activities and Vacation Bible School.

Most adults in Kara Kore are unemployed but some work as day laborers and earn the equivalent of $15 per month. This community needs schools, scholastic materials and employment opportunities.


In her home, Geisiane helps by running errands. She lives with her grandfather and her mother. Her grandfather is sometimes employed as a laborer and her mother maintains the home.
For fun, Geisiane enjoys singing, playing house and playing with dolls. She attends Bible class regularly and is in middle school where her performance is above average.
Most adults in Conjunto Prefeito Jose Walter work as carpenters, mechanics or teachers and earn the equivalent of $257 per month. This community needs secondary schools, vocational training and employment opportunities.

In his home, Tailleson helps by carrying water, gathering firewood and buying or selling in the market. He lives with his father and his mother. His father is sometimes employed as a farmer and his mother is sometimes employed as a farmer. There are 3 children in the family.
Playing with cars, singing and playing with marbles are Tailleson's favorite activities. In primary school his performance is above average and he also regularly attends church activities and Bible class.
Most adults in Bainet are unemployed but some work as street venders and earn the equivalent of $43 per month. This community needs proper sanitation, qualified teachers, scholastic materials and employment opportunities.


In his home, Franck-obert helps by making beds. He lives with his father and his mother. His father is sometimes employed as a farmer and his mother maintains the home. There are 4 children in the family.
For fun, Franck-obert enjoys soccer and bicycling. He attends church activities and camp regularly and is in primary school where his performance is above average.
Most adults in Gressier are unemployed but some work as subsistence farmers and earn the equivalent of $52 per month. This community needs schools, vocational training centers and employment opportunities.



Stephany lives with her father and her mother. Her father is employed as a laborer and her mother maintains the home. Stephany works at home running errands. There are 2 children in the family.
For fun, Stephany enjoys playing with dolls and playing ball games. She attends church activities regularly and is in primary school where her performance is above average.
Most adults in Villa Nueva are unemployed but some work in domestic services and earn the equivalent of $68 per month. This community has drinking water and electricity but needs schools, employment opportunities and improved housing.


Rolando lives with his father and his mother. At home, duties include making beds, running errands and cleaning. His father is sometimes employed as a laborer and his mother maintains the home. There are 5 children in the family.
Playing with cars, art and playing ball games are Rolando's favorite activities. In kindergarten his performance is above average and he also regularly attends church activities.
Most adults in Cooperativa Urbanor are unemployed but some work in factories or domestic service and earn the equivalent of $150 per month. This community needs food, clothing, an improved sewer system and sports facilities.


Jose lives with his father and his mother. His father is employed and his mother is employed. Jose works at home running errands and cleaning.
As part of Compassion's ministry, Jose participates in church activities and Bible class. He is also in primary school where his performance is above average. Soccer and art are his favorite activities.
Most adults work in factories and earn the equivalent of $79 per month. 
This community needs vocational training centers, libraries and employment opportunities.







Sunday, July 10, 2011

It's Just A Drop In The Bucket


Some of you may be hesitant, or unable at this time to make the commitment to sponsor a child, but you can still make a difference. 
I’m incredibly wealthy. I have 11+ access points to clean water in my house!! One of my responsibilities as a follower of Jesus is to be generous with the much that I have been given, because not everyone has access to the resources I have on tap. (Sorry, couldn't help myself)


In my country we can do this........

This is the reality for 400 million children:

Unclean water or lack of water is often a the root of many other issues in health, agriculture and consequently on many other aspects of people life. It is also closely related to poverty: accessing to a clean, close and reliable source of water a key conditions to a better level of life.
Consider the following:
·         Some 1.1 billion people in developing countries have inadequate access to water
·         2.6 billion people lack basic sanitation
·         Lack of water is closely related to poverty:
·         Almost two in three people lacking access to clean water survive on less than $2 a day, with one in three living on less than $1 a day
·         More than 385 million people without sanitation live on
less than $1 a day.
·         1.8 million children die each year as a result of diarrhea
·         400 million children have no access to safe water
·         4 million children will die each year from lack of access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation 

SO WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT???????



Give a Child in Need One of The Greatest Gifts – SAFE WATER FOR LIFE!



Compassion’s Water of Life, a safe water system goes to the heart of one of the greatest and most urgent needs in developing countries today – providing safe drinking water to children and their families.

Every day over 4,000 children are dying of water-related diseases such as cholera and typhoid that are easily preventable. Many more are suffering sickness, diarrhea and acute stomach pains – illnesses that stop children going to school and growing up into healthy adults.

When you give to Compassion's Water of Life program, you are not only giving safe drinking water, you are protecting a child from life-threatening diseases and allowing that child to go to school, to dream and reach their full potential.

Your donation of $55 provides:

Compassion's Water of Life system – safe water for life (over 1 million gallons) for a child and their family in developing countries.

Education on improving hygiene and sanitation
Support for improving community water sources where needed.

Each tax-deductible gift of $55 will provide a complete Water of Life system to a child and his or her family. Consider a gift of $55... $110... or even $165!


Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Tuesday's Child 7/5/2011

Some special people waiting for someone special!
I don't know if any of you are familiar with Chip Ingram, of Living on the Edge, and r12. I listen to mp3's of his Bible Studies on my way back and forth to work. Since I have a 90 minute commute, that a lot of listening. Today he talked about praying the way Jesus taught. We are to come before God with importunity. Webster's defines importunity as a shameless, unsuitable, urgent, demanding request to trouble or annoy someone with persistence. Now here's what I want you to get, what Jesus wanted his disciples to see was that the God of the universe is kind, He's loving, He's compassionate, He never says no.
How many of us have had our children repeatedly saying, Mom, Mom, Mom, come play, come read. Persistence pays off. Please continue to come before God in prayer with importunity on behalf of children in poverty. 

Proverbs 31:8-9
New International Version (NIV)
8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Nathaly lives with her father. She is responsible for carrying water, making beds and cleaning. Her father is sometimes employed as a laborer. There are 7 children in the family.
Rolling a hoop, singing and playing house are Nathaly's favorite activities. In primary school her performance is average and she also regularly attends Vacation Bible School.

Many, many people over on Our Compassion have been watching and praying over her for a long time. This motherless little girl has a lot of responsibilities I am sure in her family, and pray for dad who is trying to hold the family together.




Sally, age 8, Kenya
Sally lives with her grandmother. Her grandmother is sometimes employed as a farmer. Sally works at home helping in the kitchen and cleaning. There are 15 children in the family.
For fun, Sally enjoys playing ball games. She attends church activities and choir regularly and is in primary school where her performance is average.

Most adults in Nyahera are unemployed but some work as day laborers and earn the equivalent of $20 per month.
What an example of a grandmother's love, opening her home to 15 grandchildren. I can't imagine trying to feed 16 people on roughly $1.50 a day. This whole family needs our prayers, especially this dear grandma!


Dagan lives with her mother. She is responsible for helping in the kitchen. Her mother is sometimes employed. There are 3 children in the family. For fun, Dagan enjoys singing, hide-and-seek and playing group games. She attends church activities and Bible class regularly and is in primary school where her performance is average. Dagan, age 7, Togo
Dagan is on the Canadian site, but her sponsorship will automatically transfer to the US site. I have a heart for single Mom's. Dagan has been waiting 306 days for a sponsor.


Martin, age 7, Burkina Faso
Martin lives with his foster father and his foster mother. His duties at home include washing clothes and running errands. His foster father is sometimes employed and his foster mother is sometimes employed as a seller in the market.
For fun, Martin enjoys soccer, playing with marbles and hide-and-seek. He attends church activities and Bible class regularly and is in primary school where his performance is average.

 Most adults in Kilwin Sector 21 are unemployed but some work in subsistence farming and earn the equivalent of $40 per month. This community needs schools.
Martin is cared for by foster parents. This is a special opportunity to be family to a child who desperately needs to know that there is someone who believes in him and will love him no matter what.




Manuel, age 4, Nicaragua
Manuel lives with his father and his mother. He is responsible for running errands. His father is employed as a laborer and his mother maintains the home. There are 5 children in the family.
Manuel is not attending school because he is too young. Playing with cars, running and playing group games are his favorite activities. He also attends church activities regularly.

Most adults in Francisco Meza are unemployed but some work in factories and earn the equivalent of $73 per month. This community needs vocational training, schools, libraries, employment opportunities and alcohol abuse prevention programs.
Ok, I admit it, this little guy has stolen my heart because of his curly hair! I have a son and a grandson with curls and I can't resist them!


Sunny, age 8, India
Sunny lives with his brother and his mother. His duties at home include making beds. His brother is sometimes employed as a laborer and his mother maintains the home.
Sunny is not presently attending school. Playing with friends is his favorite activity. He also attends church activities regularly.
Sunny is blind. Please pray for him and be assured that your sponsorship helps him to live a fulfilled life

 Most adults work in domestic services and earn the equivalent of $30 per month. This community needs compulsory elementary education for children and vocational training.
This smiley young man is facing many challenges, but I love that he appears to maintain a "sunny" outlook through it all!


Husen, age 14, Ethiopia

Husen lives with his father and his mother. His father is sometimes employed as a farmer and his mother is sometimes employed as a farmer. Husen works at home carrying water, gathering firewood and caring for animals. There are 7 children in the family.
As part of Compassion's ministry, Husen participates in church activities and Bible class. He is also in primary school where his performance is above average. Soccer and running are his favorite activities.
Most adults in Shashemene work as subsistence farmers and earn the equivalent of $8 per month.


Seven children in the family, probably living on about $8/month. I feel bad because the older kids seem to go unnoticed. This young man shows great promise, doing above average in school. A future LDP'er perhaps? A Richmond Wandera in the making for Ethiopia.........?


Ps 103:8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious

Monday, July 4, 2011

Frito Corn Salad

I thought I had better take a break from trying to change the world and post a recipe. My family all raved about this one over the 4th. Drew loved it, so I have to post it so his friends can make it for him....
It seriously doesn't get much easier than this. I added cubed ham to make it a meal and a dash of cayenne pepper to jazz it up a bit. This recipe is very forgiving so add an extra can of corn, a little more of this and that, and it is easy to stretch. A note of caution, definitely best the first day due to soggy chips. So if you want to keep it over a few days, add the chips as you go! Enjoy!


Frito Corn Salad
  • (15 ounce) can whole kernel yellow corn, drained

  • 1 (15 ounce) can white corn, drained

  • cups grated cheddar cheese

  • cup mayonnaise

  • 1 green pepper, chopped

  • 1/2  red onion, chopped

  • 1 bunch green onion

  • dash of cayenne pepper or to taste (optional)

  • 1 package cubed ham (bacon is good too) 

  • 1 (10 1/2 ounce) bag coarsely crushed Fritos chili cheese corn chips

  • Mix everything together except the chips. Refrigerate for a few hours. Add the chips just before serving.



  • Saturday, July 2, 2011

    Tuesday's Child

    Tuesday's Child

    Monday's child is fair of face,
    Tuesday's child is full of grace,
    Wednesday's child is full of woe,
    Thursday's child has far to go,
    Friday's child is loving and giving,
    Saturday's child works hard for his living,
    And the child that's born on the Sabbath day
    is bonny, blithe, good and gay.

    I am going to start a new series HERE, called Tuesday's child. Hopefully I will be a little more consistent than I normally am :) No promises on which day this will actually appear either, though I will shoot for Tuesdays, for obvious reasons, except for this time, because I really want to find these kids sponsors. I am going to feature seven kids each week that are in need of Compassion sponsors, and a little bit about how you can change the world, one child at a time. HERE we go....


    Fica, age 17, lives with her father and her mother. She is responsible for carrying water, gathering firewood and sewing. Her father is not employed and her mother maintains the home. There are 6 children in the family.

    For fun, Fica enjoys playing jacks, swimming and singing. She attends church activities, Bible class and Vacation Bible School regularly and is in high school where her performance is above average.

    I am just blown away by this young lady's poise in this picture. I am hoping she finds a sponsor that will encourage her to pursue her college education through Compassion's Leadership Development Program.



    Whisley Snipe lives with his father and his mother. His father is sometimes employed as a laborer and his mother is sometimes employed. Whisley Snipe works at home carrying water, caring for children and making beds. There are 4 children in the family.

    For fun, Whisley Snipe enjoys playing a musical instrument, basketball and playing with cars. He attends Vacation Bible School and camp regularly and is in primary school where his performance is average.

    I have to admit, his name just cracks me up, and look at that smile!!!




    Define lives with her father and her mother. She is responsible for carrying water, gathering firewood and teaching others. Her father is sometimes employed as a teacher and her mother is sometimes employed as a laborer.

    For fun, Define enjoys ping pong, singing and telling stories. She attends church activities regularly and is in kindergarten where her performance is average.

    This family lives on an average of $3/month...... enough said!



    Your sponsored young woman, Rubyni, lives in the Vidva Ratna Villa Girls Home. Her duties include carrying water, buying or selling in the market and cleaning.

    Singing, art and jumping rope are Rubyni's favorite activities. In middle school her performance is average and she also regularly attends church activities and Bible class.

    This beautiful girl is without family, can you be the one who makes her feel loved?



    Fidele, lives with her brother and her sister. She is responsible for carrying water, washing clothes and helping in the kitchen. Her brother is sometimes employed and her sister is sometimes employed. There are 4 children in the family.

    For fun, Fidele enjoys singing. She attends church activities and Bible class regularly and is in primary school where her performance is average.

    One of my sweethearts from Togo, can't imagine her older brother and sister trying to hold the family together after the death of their parents.




    Fabio, lives with his grandmother. He is responsible for making beds and running errands. His grandmother is sometimes employed.

    As part of Compassion's ministry, Fabio participates in church activities. He is also in kindergarten where his performance is average. Playing with cars and playing group games are his favorite activities.

    I just love this little guy, and his grandmother for taking him in! He is adorable, might he live up to his namesake??


    Emanus, lives with his father and his mother. His duties at home include helping in the kitchen. There are 5 children in the family. His father is sometimes employed as a farmer and his mother is sometimes employed as a farmer.

    For fun, Emanus enjoys soccer, singing and bicycling. He attends church activities regularly and is in primary school where his performance is average.

    Don't adjust your computer screen, and yes I can count. It just didn't seem right to post one twin without the other. It would be awesome if they were sponsored by the same person, family, or workplace!


    Emanès, from Haiti, lives with his father and his mother. At home, duties include helping in the kitchen. His father is sometimes employed as a farmer and his mother is sometimes employed as a farmer. There are 5 children in the family.

    As part of Compassion's ministry, Emanès participates in church activities. He is also in primary school where his performance is average. Soccer, singing and bicycling are his favorite 


    (From the Compassion website)
    A New Beginning

    When you sponsor a child with Compassion, you change a child’s life — forever! Your activities.
    support changes every aspect of your sponsored child’s life. Children in Compassion’s program have the opportunity to thrive spiritually, economically, socially and physically. Compassion is committed to helping children in desperate need grow into fulfilled, Christian adults.

    When you sponsor a child with Compassion, you help shatter the cycle of poverty. You change the world — one child at a time. Compassion’s long-term holistic approach, along with your encouraging letters, will give your child hope and a new beginning.

    What could be closer to God’s heart? Sponsor a child today!

    You can release a child from poverty in Jesus’ name.

    More than 22,000 children younger than 5 die from poverty-related causes that often are preventable and treatable. You can help turn these numbers around. Your $38 monthly sponsorship helps provide your child with life-changing benefits that include:

    nutritious snacks or meals

    educational opportunities

    health and hygiene training

    medical checkups

    the caring embrace of a local church

    the message of God’s love through Jesus Christ.

    Sponsor now! Be the answer to a child’s prayer.

    Your life changes too.

    You will be so blessed over the years as you build a relationship with your child through letters, photos and prayers. And Compassion can even help you visit your child in his or her country. The relationship between a sponsor and a child is powerful and unique. You will be inspired and encouraged for years to come!


    Please be sure to check back and let me know if you are an answer to prayer and sponsor a child. If none of these children are the one for you, please check the Compassion website, as of right now there are 2505 children waiting for sponsors.
    Blessings!