In the photo above, a Survival Specialist from Eglise Evangelique Presbyterienne (TG0926) helps a 1-year-old child draw a picture for his sponsor.
Church at Brook Hills, your great generosity is helping babies to survive the crucial first 12 months, when their lives are the greatest risk and they are most vulnerable to illness and hunger. At nine church partners in Togo, your support is providing proper nutrition, access to medical care and a broad range of life-saving neo- and postnatal supports for both infants and their mothers. You are ensuring babies born into crippling poverty have the opportunity to thrive, setting them on the path to a healthy, happy childhood.
The Impact of Your Gift
Mothers and babies in Survival initiatives benefit from comprehensive care, life-changing education and practical assistance that will improve babies’ health outcomes, encourage healthy brain development and support physical growth. The babies can look forward to a bright future as a cherished part of the Compassion family, and the mothers can be confident that their precious child will receive everything they need to grow strong and healthy.
This update covers Survival progress at three church partners in Togo: Eglise de la Grande Commission (TG0604), Eglise Methodiste du Togo (TG0822) and Eglise Evangelique Presbyterienne (TG0926). Currently, 40 babies and their mothers are enrolled in Survival initiatives at the three church partners listed in this update.
Survival Activities at Eglise de la Grande Commission (TG0604)
Currently, 14 babies and their mothers are participating in the church’s Survival program. The church serves a small rural community of 1,000 residents in extreme poverty. Most families live on the equivalent of $8 per month. Typical homes in the area are constructed of mud walls and thatched roofs. The regional diet consists of bananas, beans, cassava and cereal.
This community has limited access to health care, malaria is common and the mortality rate for mothers and infants is high.
Ministry Progress at Eglise de la Grande Commission
(July – December 2021)
-
- 21 babies and their mothers received care
-
- 3 babies, on average, were breastfed exclusively
-
- 1 baby, on average per month, was treated for malnutrition
-
- 10 babies celebrated their first birthdays and transitioned to Compassion’s Sponsorship Program
-
- The pastor at Eglise de la Grande Commission encourages mothers to trust God and pray for wisdom.
-
- The church held an income-generation workshop where caregivers learned how to make and sell baked goods.
Survival Activities at Eglise Methodiste du Togo (TG0822)
Currently, 11 babies and their mothers are enrolled in the church’s Survival program. This church partner is based in a rural community of 8,600 residents on the plains of Togo.
Malaria and infant mortality are common in this area. The community needs employment opportunities, additional health centers and schools. The regional diet consists of bananas, beans, cassava, maize, plantains and rice. Most families earn the equivalent of $25 per month.
Ministry Progress at Eglise Methodiste du Togo
(July – December 2021)
-
- 27 babies and their mothers received care
-
- 4 babies, on average, were breastfeeding
-
- 4 babies, on average per month, received treatment for malnutrition
-
- 15 babies celebrated their first birthdays and transitioned to Compassion’s Sponsorship Program
-
- Drovi shares the impact the Survival program has made in her life, “I have found peace, joy and health through this program. I thank the donors who help us so that our children can grow up well and who guarantee a better future for my child.”
-
- The church held an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign and testing event. A mother meets with a counselor after being tested.
Survival Activities at Eglise Evangelique Presbyterienne (TG0926)
Currently, 15 babies and their mothers are enrolled in the church’s Survival program. This church partner is located in a rural, coastal community of approximately 13,700 residents.
Maternal and infant mortality rates are high due to extreme poverty and a lack of medical facilities. Most adults in the area are unemployed but some work as day laborers, market traders or on plantations. The average household income is equivalent to $25 per month.
Ministry Progress at Eglise Evangelique Presbyterienne
(July – December 2021)
-
- 22 babies and their mothers received care
-
- 3 babies were born, all were at a healthy weight
-
- 5 babies on average were breastfeeding exclusively
-
- 8 babies celebrated their first birthdays and transitioned to Compassion’s Sponsorship Program
-
- This community has high rates of illiteracy. Mothers from Survival attend a literacy course to become proficient in reading. The mothers aim to be able to read the Bible and other publications in their native language.
-
- A Survival Specialist teaches mothers how to prevent malaria.
Survival Program Spotlight: Spiritual Development
Compassion and its Frontline Church Partners are committed to making Christ the center of ministry efforts. Jesus is the core of our ministry, and his life and teachings shape our programs and reflect the spiritual commitments of our staff. They also guide how we love people, respect communities and cooperate with nations.
For Survival mothers, this crucial emphasis on spiritual development includes Bible study, prayer, hearing the gospel message, spiritual growth and discipleship, and opportunities to follow Jesus. During monthly home visits, the Survival Specialist encourages mothers and provides spiritual support and counseling as needed. In addition, mothers in the Survival program gather together to fellowship and worship, and often share the spiritual insights they have learned within their circles, influencing neighbors and, in turn, their community.
Thank You for Your Support
Church at Brook Hills, thank you for joining Compassion International in releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name. Your support is making a lasting difference around the world. God bless you!