Compassionate Alliance sends food to schools in Honduras and the Dominican Republic (2004-2005)

One of the purposes of Compassionate Alliance is to help children at risk who live below the level of poverty. Most of these children live in countries where there is great need. Compassionate Alliance�s focus in the spring of 2005 is in the countries of Central America, East Timor, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and other places of need. We have built relationships with ministries that are working in the poorest segments of society and endeavoring to help children have the opportunity for an education. Interestingly, education is one of the proven methods to break the cycle of poverty and lift families up in the society.

Last fall, in cooperation with a school in Honduras, we had the opportunity to bless 750 children in a small community called El Progresso, north of the city of San Pedro Sula. The program design was very simple. Food was sent into the school and a team divided the food into 8,000 twenty-pound bags that were given to families of the students of the school. In this area of Honduras, employment is very low and the needs of the children great. Full Gospel New York Church sent teams of young people to this area to establish this fine educational institution. Compassionate Alliance is partnering with this church to not only bless the children, but to bring the families in close contact with the school and church.

A day of celebration was planned where the children were invited to the school playground for games and food while adults were invited to hear the presentation of the gospel and receive encouragement. In one day, over 12,000 people came, 6,000 of them children. Teams from America did face painting and played games with the children while their parents had the opportunity to hear a clear presentation of the gospel. Without a doubt, this was a time of family fun and joy. Over 1,100 adults made initial decisions to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. The next Sunday, the church�s size doubled in the pavilion. Importantly, the adults became part of the school and church community where their children are having the opportunity to receive Christian values and an excellent education.

What are the outcomes of this kind of a program? First, there is hope for families. Compassionate Alliance targets individuals to help them, but we also work to lift families out of the despair of poverty. Secondly, educational development is given to the children. The school in the San Pedro Sula area has become so successful that parents in a neighboring community have requested a similar institution for their kids. The school not only teaches in the vernacular of the country, Spanish, but also prepares the children in English so they can receive work more easily when they graduate from school. Thirdly, health care is given to the children as they come to the school. Simple health problems which may prevent the children from having an active life are treated so they can be healthy and grow to be what God has designed for them to be. Most importantly, new life in the community of the church is given to people who have little hope.

This evangelistic celebration of food, fun and hope for families is the goal of Compassionate Alliance. There are scores of schools in several countries of the world that we have targeted to do a similar festival to share the good news of Christ and the good works of compassion. If you are interesting in sponsoring one of these compassionate festivals, please contact our office.