The Church at Brook Hills, thank you for your generous support of 15 Survival programs in southwest Togo. Compassion’s Survival program provides holistic care to babies and mothers living in extreme poverty. Your gift makes this possible.
The first few years of life, beginning with pregnancy, are crucial for the healthy, long-term development of babies. During this time, small investments in key areas can mean the difference between life and death. Because of your generosity, 225 infants and their moms are receiving nurturing care from Survival staff as they navigate difficult life circumstances.
This report demonstrates the impact of your gift at the church partners you support.
Pictured above: Akossima, whose story is below, with twins, Jacque and Jacqueline.
Ministry Progress at the Centers You Support in Southwest Togo
(January – June 2023)
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- 313 babies and their mothers served
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- 35 babies were born, 94% had a healthy birth weight
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49 babies, on average per
month, treated
for malnutrition
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- 115 babies transitioned to sponsorship program
Hope for Akossima, a Caregiver at TG0901
Dear Sponsors,
I joined the Survival program when I was five months pregnant with my twins, Jacque and Jacqueline. My husband was unemployed and I couldn’t get to the hospital for my prenatal appointments. The Survival program covered all my medical expenses including hospital visits, ultrasounds and laboratory tests.
At nine months, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and had a cesarean section to save all three of our lives. Jacque and I were doing well, but Jacqueline was critically underweight. She was put on oxygen and we were hospitalized for about two weeks. If I hadn’t had the support of the program, my children and I may not be alive today.
In the program, we participate in income-generating workshops and the Survival Specialists visit us at home. I always learn new things that I use to teach my children and provide for my household. I am thankful for the food packages, hygiene kits and medical care that the program provides.
I used to be shy and angry, but thanks to the teachers, prayers and advice of our leaders, I have learned to speak up for myself and control my anger. Our family lives in harmony with each other and we are happy. This program has changed my family’s life.
Thank you so much for your support. May the Lord bless you!
Kindly,
Akossima
Helping Babies to Survive
Because of partners like you, babies and mothers in desperate need receive lifesaving support through Compassion Survival. In the following video, you’ll learn how one baby’s life was saved through the Survival program in Togo.
Recent Survival Activities at the Centers You Support
The Survival program opens new possibilities to mothers experiencing extreme poverty. Through the program, caregivers are spiritually nourished, fellowship with other mothers in their community, and learn valuable skills to provide for their growing families. Children thrive in a supportive environment and experience God’s great love for them.
Lydia, a caregiver at TG0524 says:
“I am grateful for everything the program is doing in my life. The lessons we learn help us build our families and provide a valuable education for our children. We learn about God and his infinite love for humankind. Thank you for supporting this program!”
The photos below provide an overview of recent activities at the Survival centers you support. Highlights include income-generating workshops, medical care, nutrition assistance, literacy education and home visits.
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- Djigbodi, a caregiver at TG0132, with her son and a newborn kit she received.
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- Routine medical checkups enable mothers to understand and maintain their baby’s health (TG0135).
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- After a workshop on maintaining a healthy home, the mothers at TG0137 prepared liquid soap and received hygiene kits.
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- TG0221 hosts a jewelry-making class for caregivers to sell bead necklaces for income at local markets.
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- A Survival Specialist from TG0223 visits with a newborn and mom at their home.
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- An instructor demonstrates how to plant a vegetable garden using containers (TG0224).
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- Caregivers at TG0515 learn to plan and financially provide for their families.
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- A mother teaches her daughter French using flash cards (TG0524).
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- Together, wives and husbands learn how to strengthen their marriage and provide a nurturing home (TG0606).
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- Women learn about safe drinking water, purification and storage (TG0604).
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- Mothers at TG0710 participate in a literacy training and learn the French alphabet.
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- A caregiver from TG0822 is thankful to receive a monthly, nutritious food pack.
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- At a caregiver’s home, a specialist reviews a lesson on how to raise and discipline children as God’s image bearers (TG0901).
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- Survival moms play with their babies while learning about stimulation games (TG0926).
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- Mothers at TG0927 receive fortified foods to ensure their children eat balanced diets.
Survival Program Spotlight: Fellowship Activities
In Acts 2:42 we read that the early followers of Jesus “devoted themselves … to fellowship” (NIV). Fellowship remains an essential expression of faith and is especially crucial for new mothers. In many instances, fellowship activities provide a critical lifeline for mothers who would otherwise remain isolated.
Whether fellowship includes sharing meals together, celebrations, educational training sessions, home visits, or other opportunities, mothers in the Survival program experience God’s love and care through these activities. Not only do these and other fellowship occasions encourage mothers, but they also provide them with nurturing connections with other mothers, establishing meaningful friendships, as well as offering emotional, physical and spiritual support.
With Gratitude
The Church at Brook Hills, your faithful support of multiple Survival programs is helping create healthier lives for mothers and babies in Togo. Thank you for partnering with Compassion International to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. May the Lord bless you as you have blessed those in need.