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The
cost of
compassion
How much difference can £18 make? Helena Palmer
has some answers...
 ow
would you spend £18? A dress in New Look? A fish and chips takeaway
for four? A new CD? Or supporting a child in the third world in
order to give them a better quality of life?
This is Daniel
my sponsor child. He is six years old and lives in Colombia (South
America). His father works as a waiter and his mother as a cook
when she can find work. At home Daniel helps with cleaning. There
are three children in the family, Daniel and two girls.
Daniel lives
in the mountainous community of Potosi, home to approximately
10,000 residents. Typical houses are constructed of mud and have
dirt floors. The population is comprised of mixed races and the
most commonly spoken language is Spanish.
The regional
diet consists of maize, plantains, bread, rice and potatoes. Common
health problems in this area include respiratory disorders, intestinal
infections, skin diseases and malnutrition. Most of the adults
in Potosi work as day labourers and earn the equivalent of £70
per month. The community desperately needs schools and employment
opportunities.
I write to
Daniel once every three months or so. In his last letter he wrote
'…I ask you to please pray for me and my siblings that God may
bless us.' My family pays just £18 a month for the staff of New
Generation in Christ in Potosi to provide Daniel with Bible teaching,
medical examinations, health instruction, nutritious food, recreational
activities, social events, academic support and educational classes.
The centre staff also supplies social events and educational workshops
for Daniel's parents.
This is what
I spend £18 on (or rather my parents do!). So next time you reach
to get a £20 note out of your pocket, imagine the difference it
could make to a child like Daniel. There are lots of Daniels,
they all need your help.
If you are
interested either contact me (612100) or contact Compassion directly
(01932 836490).
'Train up
a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not
depart from it' Proverbs 22 v 6.
Helena
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