Country Director's Letter: Ecuador

Today's letter is from Ecuador, where we correspond with Danjhely, Alexandra, Selena, Breiner and Katherin. The original letter and photo can be found here.

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Dear Sponsor,

Greetings in Jesus’ name! My name is Jose Carrasco. I am the South American area director, and I’ve been privileged to serve as the interim country director of Ecuador since 2016. I was born in Peru. I am married to Laura, and we have two wonderful children, Jose Alonso and Natalia.

Thank you for being our partner in this endeavor by loving and supporting a child in Ecuador. Your love and care mean everything to the future of your child. Thank you for your generosity.

Compassion has been serving Ecuador for 42 years. God’s faithfulness has allowed us to see results in many lives. We currently have more than 260 child development centers (CDCs) in Ecuador serving more than 97,000 children and youth. Their development is consistent, due to the sustainability of the program. Its holistic approach brings transformation as the children apply Christian values and healthy behaviors while they’re with their families and in their communities.

Compassion is committed to continue to reach children in areas of extreme poverty in Ecuador. One of the greatest struggles our children face in the public schools and in their neighborhoods is the aggressive approach by street drug dealers. They see children in need as instruments to introduce drugs into their schools and communities. In impoverished areas, it is common to see parents with a large number of children forced to leave them alone under the care of the oldest child, who is yet a minor, while the parents work to support the family. This situation leaves the children vulnerable to corrupt individuals. This phenomenon is a real threat for these children and their communities.

Although a handful of government medical centers are accessible in many low-income areas, they lack the medicine to treat the people, so families are forced to look elsewhere for medications. Clean, running water is always lacking, and although local vendors sell and deliver it in some areas, families often don’t have the means to buy it.

In the past two years, God has allowed us to see significant movement in impoverished communities where no churches existed. New churches are opening as a result of church-planting efforts in such areas. These new churches have a clear vision to serve in such a way that their presence is causing a stir in their communities. We continue to implement tools and enhance our partnership strategies to serve our children better. The sponsorship program has raised up men and women who are now active leaders in their communities. Many of them are church pastors and staff in our CDCs.

One cannot describe the bond that exists between the sponsor and the child. We can’t measure the happiness and hope children experience when they learn they will be sponsored and that soon they will receive a letter, a photo, or even a visit. That is why we encourage you to keep in contact with your child. It is absolutely wonderful to see children celebrating as they receive correspondence from their sponsors, but children who receive no letters are so disappointed. The love and care of a sponsor, expressed in letters, lifts children up in ways you could never imagine.

For the past few months, Ecuador has experienced great challenges. We are now in the process of seeking the Lord’s direction for a new country director. In the meantime, the Ecuador staff is doing a great job continuing our mission of serving our children.

As we look around and see a new generation of children in need in Ecuador, we are in awe with the realization of the huge task God has entrusted to us. On behalf of the children of Ecuador, I would like to express my appreciation for sponsors’ support and prayers. The children registered in our program are blessed, and they are aware that not everyone in their communities has the same opportunity.

It is because of you that children in Ecuador can be valued and loved, learn to walk with Jesus, and become responsible and healthy adults. There are no words to express the gratitude my heart feels for your sponsorship. Your giving has changed the destiny of your child, and that is priceless! My heart fills with joy as I express my appreciation and recognize your generous giving.

Sincerely in Christ,
Jose Carrasco

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If you would like to sponsor a child from Ecuador, please consider sponsoring Cristobal, who just turned 13 on June 2.

Cristobal attends the same amazing project, EC453, that our Nancy attended (and this project is really great about sending extra photos)!

Cristobal lives with his single mother and one sibling. He is above average in school and enjoys bicycling, music, singing, story telling, learning about God, and learning new vocational skills. To sponsor Cristobal, click here.

Prayer Requests, Good Posts, and a Few Kids...

Between the rain in South America and the drought in East Africa, I'd like to remind you to please be praying for our sponsored kids in those regions! And if you comment with your child's name, I'll pray for your child in that region too.

As I mentioned before, I get my updated crisis information from Compassion Australia's page. This is what their page shares about Peru from March 30:

On 27 March the north part of Peru suffered another river overflow, this time affecting mainly Piura where we have several child development centres.

The Pedregal Grande district suffered flooding that reached the top of the houses. This area has significant damage and more children are impacted near PE-01585. During the time of the flooding Compassion staff received calls from 2 tutors with 14 children each that were stranded on roofs. They had to wait the whole night to be rescued because the river flow was very high and difficult to access the community. On 28 March the river flow decreased and the children, tutors and the families were successfully evacuated from the area and taken to a safe and dry location. Those families lost at least 80% of their belongings. The community is still flooded and uninhabitable.

Additionally, two more areas in Pozo De Los Ramos and Monte Sullon were flooded. Two annexes of PE-0331 and PE-0584 facilities have been flooded. The children and their families were all evacuated and all the children are alive and healthy. The primary location of PE-0331 was not flooded so they’ve been receiving children from affected areas.

No additional child development centres or children have been reported as affected yet.

Compassion Peru is continuing to provide emergency assistance to the affected families through disaster funding.

We thank God that all children are alive and healthy. Please continue to pray for the safety of our children in all affected areas.

Compassion Peru will keep us updated as more information becomes available.

And last night Compassion shared this blog post: Flooding in Peru...take a minute to learn more!

And about Colombia from April 4:

On 1 April, three rivers near Mocoa in southwest Colombia overflowed, causing flooding and a landslide. Many people are missing and 254 have died. The Colombian government is providing aid. Compassion does not have any partner churches in the affected area.

Please pray for those living in the affected area and for those responding to this emergency.

We also received an email from Compassion USA about the drought. I would appreciate if you would be praying for the kids in East Africa as well:

As you may have heard in the news, East Africa is in the grip of a crippling drought that has left 23 million people in need of aid. Lack of rainfall has sharply curbed harvests and driven up the price of grains and other staple foods to increasingly high levels, leaving the region’s poorest in danger of malnutrition.

Compassion is committed to the long-term care of each child registered in our program. In the coming months, our field staff will guide us as we provide food, water, drought-resistant seeds and support to the families we serve in East Africa.

We ask for your continued prayers in this season. Will you join us today in praying for:
a rainy season that would bring relief to crops and water sources
families who must make the difficult decision to uproot and move to find water
the health of the children we serve, particularly those who are malnourished

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I also recently read two wonderful blog posts and wanted to share them here! The first one is about Ecuador's recovery from the earthquakes last year. It is so encouraging to see the impact Compassion has on a community after a natural disaster, especially as we are watching other countries suffer this year.

Putting life back together after Ecuador's devastating earthquake

And the post Perspectives on India: One Compassion Graduate's Words was encouraging and heartbreaking all in the same moment. I at least encourage you to take 4 minutes to watch this video.


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Finally, Compassion has been adding a lot more children with disabilities, and these two kids caught my eye. I am praying for them to be sponsored soon, and just in case you might be on the search for a new child, please consider one of these two!

Zamary from Mexico just turned 6 on January 25. She lives with her mother and one sibling, and has a chronic illness listed as "other."

Zamary enjoys art/drawing, playing with dolls and learning about God! To sponsor Zamary, click here.

And Elias from Guatemala will be 14 on May 25. He lives with parents and two siblings, and struggles with epilepsy.

Elias enjoys group games, soccer and learning about God! To sponsor Elias, click here.

**All photos are courtesy of Compassion**

Selena in Ecuador

We began corresponding with Selena in May 2016. I will continue to update this post as we hear from her.

We have received 8 letters, one pastor's letter, and one country director's letter while corresponding with Selena. Her birthday is April 20. Selena lives with her mother, Fabiola, who works as a farmer, and with her grandparents.

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Project Info and Activities:

Selena attends EC-451 in Riobamba
* Home to approximately 4,000 residents
* Primary language is Spanish
* Most common work is work is farming
* Average earning is $340 a month
* Regional Diet: cereal flour, bread, rice & potatoes
* Common Health Problems: parasites, malnutrition, diarrhea, breathing diseases
* Typical Houses: dirt floors, brick walls, corrugated iron roofs

Center Activities: Bible teaching, medical checkups, nutritious food, hygiene and health education, sports, field trips, birthday celebrations, academic reinforcement, homework help and vocational activities.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: running, reading, art/drawing, singing, color pink, listening to music, reading the Bible, math, natural sciences

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Letter Highlights...

"I like a lot to know about the word of God. I like to listen to music and read the bible on my free time."

"I like to play soccer and I have a very nice classmate who is named Janneth y I want to tell you that I have two favorite subjects. They are Mathematics and Natural Sciences because in Mathematics we are learning what will help us when were are grown and in Sciences we are learning about the plants, how to care for them."

"I'm going to the project on Wednesdays and I have learned about the Ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer. Ive learned a lot of things about our Savior Jesus Christ. I'm doing well at school. My favorite subjects are School Projects and Natural Sciences. Everybody in my class is my friend. I'm in 9th grade (2nd year of middle school). I also want to say that I like sports because it's good for health."

"Answering the question of your last letter, I'm called Selena because of my uncle, he wanted to name me like the famous singer that has very pretty songs and that is why I'm called Selena."

"I would also like to tell you that I am attending the project and I am praying for you. I learn in the project many things about the word of God and I like to sing. I have many friends."

"I want to dedicate this verse to you: Joshua 1:9 'see that I command you to be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.'"

"At school in my studies I'm fine. I'm happy because I will soon finish school and I'll go to another course, at school in my spare time I like to play with my classmates and also read the books to be good in life."

"In the school project area, I am making some fabrics like scarf, caps, embroidery, bracelets, necklaces. I am the best student in that subject. My classmates are making scarfs."

"At high school, I am doing okay and take part in dance with my mates...The subjects that I like best are Physical Education and English, I do my best in order to learn English because I'd like to speak in English in future. My objective is to finish my high school studies in order to go to college, I'd like to become a doctor and this is my dream since I was a child. I will accomplish my dream as my aunt does...I would like to ask you: do you speak Spanish? What is your favorite animal? How old are you? What is your favorite food?"

"I would like to tell you that I have a friend who has been with me in the good and bad moments and I want to congratulate you for your beautiful baby that God has given. May God bless him and care for him and I want to tell you I really love babies because they are little angels. May God bless Mateo and may greetings to all your family."

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To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Breiner in Ecuador

We began corresponding with Breiner in June 2016. I will continue to update this post as we hear from him.

We have received 6 letters, one pastor's letter, and one country director's letter while corresponding with Breiner. His birthday is March 8. Breiner lives with his parents, his father works as a teacher and his mother sells in the market.

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Project Info and Activities:

Breiner attends EC-452 in Pulucate Center, Riobamba
* Home to approximately 3,700 residents
* Primary language is Spanish
* Most common work is farming
* Average earning is $354 a month
* Regional Diet: bread, rice, potatoes & maize
* Common Health Problems: parasites, malnutrition, diarrhea, breathing disorders
* Typical Houses: dirt floors, adobe walls, corrugated iron roofs

Center Activities: Bible teaching, choir, health education, clothes, supplementary food, educational field trips, environmental protection activities, educational materials, school fees, tutoring, life skills training and health screenings.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: soccer/football, cars, singing, listening to music, learning about God, listening to Bible stories, music, language & literature, rice & chicken, green, washing dishes

* Dreams: to be a professional, to be a pastor

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Letter Highlights...

Please pray for: my family because they are the nicest present God gave to me

And I also want to say: there is nothing nicer than having God in my heart and I pray for you

"I am friendly with everybody."

"I like Math, in the future I want to be a professional in order to serve God and the society, I would like to be a pastor but it is in God's hands."

"[M]y favorite sport is soccer and indoor soccer. In my school they are starting to play soccer and I play in the second half to score goals. I like to play with my pets, I have 7 cats and 8 dogs, but a dog died. I also play with my cousin Franklin and if he is not there I play with the ball or I ride the bicycle when my dad and my mom allow me to."

"My brother's name is Ariel, my mom's name is Delia and my dad's name is Sergio, we are a good family and with my animals we are in total 11."

"I want to learn now to play the guitar but I can't because I am deaf and the deaf cannot play. I can play the piano."

"What talent do you have? Wash the dishes, fix the table, help my mom and play soccer. What things do your family and you like to do? Dad: work at school. Mom: work at work. Me: helping my dad and my mom...Do you have a pet? A cat and a dog."

"How do you share the gospel with others? Reflecting on the Bible and saying the Bible verse of Jeremiah 33:3."

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Artwork

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To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Katherin in Ecuador

We began corresponding with Katherin in June 2016. I will continue to update this post as we hear from her.

We have received 7 letters, one project director's letter, and one country director's letter while corresponding with Katherin. Her birthday is July 4. Katherin lives with her mother, who is unemployed.

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Project Info and Activities:

Katherin attends EC-470 in Carpuela, Ibarra
* Home to approximately 2,700 residents
* Primary language is Spanish
* Most common work is day laboring, subsistence farming, plantation work
* Average earning is $120 a month
* Regional Diet: corn, beans & rice
* Common Health Problems: malnutrition, skin diseases
* Typical Houses: cement floors, brick walls, tile roofs

Center Activities: Christian education program, medical checkups, nutritious food, health education, special celebrations, sports, cultural activities, homework help and academic reinforcement.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: dolls, play house, running, teddy bear, playing in the park, soccer, playing with her dolls and toys (especially bathing the dolls, combing their hair, and fixing toys), learning letters, watching movies and eating popcorn with her family, visiting the park and playing with her friends

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Letter Highlights...

"I also want to say that I like to ride bicycle and my mother teach me."

"My favorite weather is hot weather... because I can go outside to play with my friends."

"My favorite things to do during my holiday is to play with my cousins and to spend time in the house of my grandma...During my holiday, I like to travel to Quito with my maternal grandmother...I want to thank you for the letters and the photos you sent to me. The baby is beautiful."

"She would love to share with you a little bit more about her family. She lives with her mother, grandma and aunt. Her food is prepared by her grandmother."

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Artwork

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To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Project Director's Letter: Ecuador (EC-470)

Whenever we're assigned a new correspondent, we're sent a project director's letter! I like sharing them here both as a record and for others to read. Enjoy!

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This letter is from Katherin's project! And the photos are from Compassion's Ecuador Highlands Region page.

Dear Eric and Hannah,

I am Liliana G., the director of the church [EC-470] and associated CDC ministering to Katherin.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to you for your support of Katherin and this entire Center.

The church is located in the community of C; most of the inhabitants are Afro-Ecuadorians. The weather is warm and the main economic activity is the cultivation of products such as beans.

The biggest challenge that the community has is the poverty cause by the lack of opportunities since most of people don't have an educational background. There is also a constant vacation of the prices of farm products that they cultivate for sale, and this situation makes that mothers have to travel to other cities in order to sell these products and leave their homes and children all alone. We have a high rate of dysfunctional families.

As church, our vision and biggest desire is that the families can be united in the love of Christ and also that our community practices the life that Jesus taught us. The Center has the goal of forming lives that can be an impact in the community through the example of Jesus.

Children who participate in the Center have the opportunity to grow with a conviction based on the Word of God and form their character in order to take good decisions in every area of their lives. On December of the last year, during the Christmas program, many children took the decision of receiving Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

One of the things that pleases us the most, is to witness the exception that children have when we start the Center activities. They are very excited and have many questions about what they are going to learn each day.

As church, we have put in practice the teachings of the Word of God and we have organized home visits to families with much need in order to know their reality and give them a word of hope. We also give them a groceries basket and pray for their lives.

When children receive a letter they feel recognized by their sponsors. They express their happiness, sharing the photographs and letters with their relatives and friends. They are interested in the sponsors' lives and they want to meet them personally. On the other hand, children who don't receive letters, have a feeling of abandonment and they don't feel motivated to participate in the center.

The sponsorship program allows us to reach children and youths from other communities such as P, A, J, C and P. It has opened doors to preach the message of Jesus Christ in these zones and fulfill the Great Commission.

Please pray for the families so they can receive the Word of God and also pray that we can consolidate a good leadership in order to serve our children and youths. We ask you to pray for each one of the children and families so that they can accomplish the purpose that God has for each one of them and that our children can become a light in the middle of our society, giving the Lord the place He deserves.

We encourage you to continue being a difference in the life of Katherin.

Sincerely,

Liliana G.

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If you would like to sponsor a child from Ecuador, please consider handsome Fabian! Fabian is 19, his birthday is February 25, and he attends EC-453, where our beautiful Nancy attended! This is a wonderful project that sends extra photos!

Fabian makes his home with his stepfather and his mother. Teaching others, caring for animals and running errands are his household duties. His stepfather is employed as a teacher and his mother is employed as a farmer. There are 2 children in the family.

Singing, art and listening to music are Fabian's favorite activities. In high school his performance is average and he also regularly attends Bible class and youth group. To sponsor Fabian, click here.

Pastor's Letter: Ecuador (EC-452)

Whenever we're assigned a new correspondent, we're sent a pastor's letter! I like sharing them here both as a record and for others to read. Enjoy!

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This letter is from Breiner's project! And the photos are from Compassion's Ecuador Highland Regions page.

Dear Eric and Hannah,

It's a pleasure to write and tell you many of the things that have been happening in our community. I am Pedro YM, pastor of the evangelical church, KKY, located in C city, center [EC-452] of Ecuador. The Compassion CDC attended by Breiner is [EC-452].

I send warm greetings in the sweet name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. After this short greeting, I thank you heartily for the great blessing that we are receiving through the sponsorship of your child. Thanks to Compassion International the blessing of Christ, we are leaving the spiritual and economic poverty. So I thank you for the work you are doing for the good of Breiner who will be the future of our community. God will reward you some day.

The community from P is located south of the province of Chimborazo, about 30 kilometers from the city of Riobamba. Our community has about 1000 inhabitants and fortunately here most people are Christians. Our challenge, as a community and church, is to improve the development of tourism for the benefit of children and adolescents, so that in the futre this is a production site, where there is no migration. Likewise, we also want to develop leaders who can then be the head of the church.

The vision of the church is similar to the center which is release children from spiritual, economic and social poverty. This will allow them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults. The children of the center have a desire to learn more about the word of God because they are getting involved with the church and the activities of the center. This is the opposite of other children who are mired in vice and materialistic life.

I would like to share the story of a young sponsor child that, a few years ago, was on the wrong path and company. However, with thanks to God and Compassion International, is now a responsible young man and wishes to continue with God helping other young people to find the correct way. The church provides training with its members, so we can work together in the service of God. We also organize events and evangelistic campaigns. The number of families that worked on the center is approximately 150. We have been very concerned with the issue of migration, as it is becoming more frequent and common that people in our community want to leave town to get a more profitable job.

It's important that each child receive a letter from their sponsor because through this they create a bond with you. When they get letters, they feel very happy and grateful. In fact we would like, if possible, that you visit your sponsored children. However, it is important to tell you that when children don't receive a letter, they feel desperate and abandoned. Please write to Breiner.

Finally, I ask you to pray for our center and its progress just as we are also praying for you. Thank you very much dear friends, for your great support for children living in poverty in Ecuador.

In Christ,

Pedro YM

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If you would like to sponsor a child from Ecuador, please consider handsome Walter who turned 10 on July 3 and who is crippled in one arm.

Walter lives with his brother and his mother. His duties at home include running errands. There are 2 children in the family. His brother is not employed and his mother is sometimes employed.

For fun, Walter enjoys bicycling, running and playing group games. He attends church activities and Bible class regularly and is in primary school where his performance is average. To sponsor Walter, click here.

Danjhely in Ecuador

My parents began sponsoring Danjhely in October 2014. We have the privilege of corresponding with her! I will continue to update this post as we hear from Danjhely.

Due to the fact that my parents' receive the letters, I am not sure how many letters we have received from Danjhely, but I do have a copy of the pastor's letter and a country director's letter! Her birthday is September 4. Danjhely was originally living with her mother, stepfather and brother Angelo, but in 2015, she moved in with foster parents. Her foster father works as a farmer.

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Project Info and Activities:

Danjhely attends EC-473 in Otavalo, Ibarra

* Home to approximately 65,900 residents
* Most commonly spoken language is Spanish
* Most common work is work is day laboring, street vending or small businesses
* Average earning is $150 a month
* Regional Diet: maize, beans, chicken, bread, bananas, rice & potatoes
* Common Health Problems: intestinal infections, respiratory illnesses, dermatitis
* Typical Houses: cement floors, brick walls, tile roofs

Center Activities: Bible teaching, medical checkups, nutritious food, special celebrations, sports, educational reinforcement, and homework help.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: walking, listening to music (fun, romantic, Alex Campos), Chinese food, soccer, walking her pet, fuchsia, math, science

* Due to have a baby October/November 2016, but continuing with her studies!

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Letter Highlights...

"Christmas is a beautiful time here. All streets are decorated with lights and at the main park people decorate a huge Christmas tree surrounded by presents. They even set a manger scene."

"I want to tell you that on this Christmas at the church we are doing a dance and a beautiful theater play referring to this topic which is so important because is the birth our Savior Jesus."

"On vacations I had a good time helping my mother to sell cleaning products, I went to visit my aunt in Quito. I would like to let you know that my son will be born at the end of October or at the beginning of November and it is really exciting for me because I feel how the baby moves inside of me, and its so beautiful to feel him."

"I always pray for you and God cares and bless you because you are special for him and also for me, goodbye with a hug and kiss. Please pray for me and my family and the health of the baby."

"I tell you that in 3 months I will go out on school vacation, my baby is already 5 months old and every time he is more playful and smiling, it is almost impossible not to be with him all the time, he is such a beautiful angel that God gave me and for that I thank Him very much."

"I want to share with you a game that we play here in Ecuador and is called "statues" and a group of friends from 4 onwards can play; first they sing a song that says, "Let's play states, states, states, with Batman, with Robin, I sit, I stop and I stay like this" and no one can move."

"I would like to ask: How can you be married for so many years without give up love like always?"

"Thank you that you always keep me and my family present in your prayers. Thanks for the beautiful letters that you sent to me. You always encourage me when I need it most."

"Soon, we will take the school finals and I will finish junior. My baby is growing more and more every day. He is already crawling and wants to eat. He likes the noisy sounds. He has much interest in bright colors. Soon, he will turn 8 months. I am so sad and happy at the same time because I see that he is growing. God is great and He never abandons us."

"I want to thank you for the very nice letters you send me, and for making me part of your new grandson... I want to tell you that I will enter high school after two weeks. I am very excited and glad. My baby Lenin Jared is already 9 months of being born, he is filled with much energy and happiness. These last months have been many emotions since we are few months away that the baby turn 1 year old. Thanks to God he has not get sick and he has been doing well."

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Artwork

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Gifts

In 2015, we were able to send Danjhely a stuffed bear, Bible, and a pencil case with a journal, lip gloss, and barrettes inside!

When we received news that Danjhely was pregnant, my parents (her sponsors) sent Danjhely a gift to help with the new baby. Compassion is helping her continue with school as she cares for the baby! And we received this sweet thank you letter with a photo of her little son! Danjhely shared, "Thank you for the letter and the gift that you sent me. I'm fine in my studies and thank you because I can study for your help. I brought many things like diapers, cream, milk and other things. I'm in a physics course."

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Extra Photos

In May 2017, Danjhely sent photos! She is pictured with her son, her mom and her boyfriend.

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To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Pastor's Letter: Ecuador (EC-451)

Whenever we're assigned a new correspondent, we're sent a pastor's letter! I like sharing them here both as a record and for others to read. Enjoy!

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This letter is from Selena's project! And the photos are from Compassion's Ecuador Highlands page.

Dear Eric and Hannah,

I want to send you a cordial and affective greeting in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whiting you success in your daily work and your ministries. My name is Matias MG, I am 81 years old and I am the pastor of the Evangelical Church "B" and the CDC called [EC-451] attended by Selena.

I infinitely thank you for your unconditional support towards Selena. Thanks to your generosity we continue working in order to improve the lives of children in the name of Jesus. Compassion International is a big blessing for all the associated churches, helping us to enhance the service toward children. I want to quote the words of a young man about the sponsorship program: "The sponsors are like big umbrellas which protect us from torrential rains. I am glad to know that somebody cares about me and this gives me hope. I want you to know that even though I cannot demonstrate it, I really appreciate you and I am really grateful with all my heart just for the fact of knowing that people from a country far away care about boys, girls and teenagers and love them." Thank you one more time for smiles in our children's faces and thanks for promoting peace and tranquility in the hearts of the parents in our community.

The church and the center are located in the central region of Ecuador in the province of C, CC, Parsih of Columbe, in the community called "ET." This zone is surrounded by wonderful mountains and has a beautiful lagoon near. These tourist attractions are a big blessing. One of the challenges that we are facing is the lack of productivity which happens because of the soil degradation. This caused many fathers to migrate to other cities in search of jobs, leaving their children and youths who in some cases, lives with their grandparents, uncles or older siblings.

The center has a positive impact in the community as an institution that forms responsible and self-realized Christians. Our staff is trained in spiritual and health areas and they are also studying and preparing. This has improved their self-esteem and has strengthened their dreams and goal. Our vision is to have young professional leaders who serve the local church and can be an example to others. We want them to be responsible Christians who spread the Gospel to every creature.

During the last year, four children had the opportunity to personally meet their sponsors; this was a big joy. Our children have received letters which also have been a blessing and encourages them to continue learning more about the Word of God. This is a blessing not only for children but also for their families. Through the letters they have learned more about their sponsors' lives which is very important for them.

Please continue praying for children and youths who haven't heard of Jesus. Please pray for our congregation so that we can have the strength and value to glorify the Lord despite the struggles that we have.

I say goodbye thanking you again and wishing that the Lord spill many blessings in your families, jobs and ministries. Thanks for your generosity towards Selena.

With love,

Pastor Matias MG

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If you would like to sponsor a child from Ecuador, please consider handsome 17-year-old Stalin who attends EC-451. His birthday is April 28.

Stalin lives with his father and his mother. His duties at home include gardening, caring for animals and cleaning. There are 3 children in the family. His father is employed as a teacher and his mother is sometimes employed as a farmer.

As part of Compassion's ministry, Stalin participates in church activities, youth group and camp. He is also in high school where his performance is above average. Soccer, bicycling and listening to music are his favorite activities. To sponsor Stalin, click here.