Thank you, Free People Church, for helping Compassion launch a new child development center in Peten, Guatemala. Your support is making a difference in the lives of 240 children participating in the new center based at Iglesia del Nazareno. The name of the child development center is Linaje Escogido (Chosen Lineage).
This update contains a letter from the pastor and photos of some of the children participating in activities at the center. In the photo above, children enjoy a snack during a birthday party at Linaje Escogido.
Ministry Progress at Iglesia del Nazareno
Program activities have started, and children are being matched with sponsors. This center is operating normally with precautions taken as needed to protect against COVID-19.
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- The children participate in fun, active games at the center.
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- Nutritious meals and snacks help ensure the children’s healthy physical development.
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- Caregivers are grateful to receive food supplies from the center.
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- At this event, each child receives a copy of an age-appropriate educational magazine produced by Compassion Guatemala.
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- Good nutrition is an important part of each program day.
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- Team games teach children important social lessons.
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- A girl enjoys creating a colorful picture.
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- Children are proud of their creative craftwork.
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- A child enjoys a birthday celebration at the center.
Greetings From Pastor Mateo
Pastor Mateo
Dear Friends,
I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, hoping that you and your families are well! I have worked in the evangelical Christian ministry for more than 50 years. Since 2017, I have served as the pastor of the Church of the Nazarene. First of all, I thank God for the opportunity to host this important and compassionate child development center.
At the same time, I thank you for the unconditional support you have given to our center. I thank you together with all the members of the board of this center and church, since with your support it has been possible for us to buy the necessary materials and build a kitchen that will be of great benefit to the children. Also with your funds, it has been possible for us to buy desks for the children and some supplies that will be used by the center’s administrative office.
I wish with all my heart that God continues to bless you, and I hope that his blessings abound toward you. Because of your support 242 children are benefiting, and many more will benefit in the future.
I wish to say goodbye with the following text: “I assure you that everything you did for one of my brothers, even for the smallest, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40 NIV). May God bless you at all times and may you be prosperous in everything you do.
Sincerely,
Pastor Mateo
Interview With Itzayana, a Compassion Participant
How far is your home from the center and how do you get there?
Itzayana
I live less than one mile away and I walk to the center.
Why do you enjoy coming to the center?
The activities are very fun and we learn a lot, especially from the Bible.
What is your favorite activity at the center?
What I like the most is sharing with the other children in my class, playing ball and having fun with them.
What is one thing you have learned at the center?
They have taught us to pray to God and how to share with other children.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a police officer and take care of others.
Thank You for Delivering Hope to Children
Jesus said, “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:5, NIV).
Because of your generous heart, Free People Church, children at Iglesia del Nazareno benefit from care that addresses every major aspect of their well-being, helping them to develop and thrive. Thank you!