Compassion
sends out a monthly prayer partner newsletter from Mark
Hanlon, Senior Vice President of Compassion International. I love their suggestions
of how to pray for our sponsored kids and thought that I would begin
sharing these each month. Click here to download the November prayer calendar.
We've all heard it, whether it's at home with our own children or simply walking down the aisle at the grocery store. It is a rite of passage for every child. As a parent or caregiver reaches out to help, there comes the loud "No! I'll do it myself!" It really is amazing to watch a child move from total dependence to self-reliance and independence.
Too often, though, children in poverty must rush through childhood and land too soon in a caregiver role. The children I meet are preparing meals, cleaning their homes and caring for their younger siblings far beyond the normal levels of chores and family. Independence for these children can turn into quite a burden.
One of the things I appreciate about Compassion's child development model is that we deliberately slow down the rush to be adults for the children we serve by giving them a safe place to be a child. Through the prayers and support of our partners, we help children enjoy being children as they build a firm foundation for their steps toward independence.
While we know that many of the children in our programs will still have very adult responsibilities, we do our best to give them the joys of childhood - a soccer game on the playground, a group of laughing friends and a safe place to learn and grow.
This month, please remember the 1.5 million Compassion-assisted children who are balancing childhood and independence. Pray that they will find both physical and emotional rest as they try to help their families. And pray for their spirits - that the letters from their sponsors and the encouragement of the Compassion staff will serve as a reminder that they are loved and valued.
Thank you for your continued prayers on behalf of the children we serve together. Your prayers are making a huge difference in the lives of children in poverty.
Too often, though, children in poverty must rush through childhood and land too soon in a caregiver role. The children I meet are preparing meals, cleaning their homes and caring for their younger siblings far beyond the normal levels of chores and family. Independence for these children can turn into quite a burden.
One of the things I appreciate about Compassion's child development model is that we deliberately slow down the rush to be adults for the children we serve by giving them a safe place to be a child. Through the prayers and support of our partners, we help children enjoy being children as they build a firm foundation for their steps toward independence.
While we know that many of the children in our programs will still have very adult responsibilities, we do our best to give them the joys of childhood - a soccer game on the playground, a group of laughing friends and a safe place to learn and grow.
This month, please remember the 1.5 million Compassion-assisted children who are balancing childhood and independence. Pray that they will find both physical and emotional rest as they try to help their families. And pray for their spirits - that the letters from their sponsors and the encouragement of the Compassion staff will serve as a reminder that they are loved and valued.
Thank you for your continued prayers on behalf of the children we serve together. Your prayers are making a huge difference in the lives of children in poverty.
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
~ Proverbs 22:5-7, NIV ~
~ Proverbs 22:5-7, NIV ~
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