Latest Compassion Update

Last updated 27 Jul, 2020

The COVID-19 crisis continues to affect many of the countries that Compassion works in. As many Compassion child development centres are still closed for group activities, local staff are connecting with children and their families individually to provide support. This can include emotional and spiritual support and delivering supplies such as hygiene kits, extra food, water, medical supplies and other resources.

In some countries, some of Compassion's processes, such as writing and delivering letters, are delayed. But be encouraged—children continue to pray for their sponsors and can't wait to write again. Watch some heartfelt messages from children to sponsors below.

Country Updates

FAQs

  • How can I get in touch?

    Our Australian staff are working from home and would love to chat with you. If you have any questions or concerns about your sponsorship during this time, please give us a call on 1300 22 44 53 or email compassion@compassion.com.au.

    Please understand that we are currently unable to meet in person.

FAQs

  • Can I still send letters to my child? Will I receive any back?

    During the temporary closure of most of Compassion's national offices and the pausing of group activities in the majority of child development centres, the delivery of letters between children and sponsors will likely be delayed. We encourage you to continue to write letters of encouragement and prayers to your sponsored child, but please know that it will take longer for your letters to be delivered and it is unlikely your sponsored child will be able to write back until centres are reopened. However, please understand that at this time we are unable to post any attachments such as stickers, photos and other paper items to your sponsored child. 

    Find tips on how to write to your sponsored child during a crisis here.

  • Will I be told if my sponsored child has coronavirus (COVID-19)?

    Because we are committed to protecting each child and maintaining their privacy, we do not disclose children’s health information. However, to learn more about how COVID-19 is impacting your sponsored child’s country, you can click here.

  • How will sponsorship funds be used during this time?

    Funds previously used at the child development centres are now being used to provide children and their families with necessities, including food, clean water, shelter, clothing, household items, medical care and trauma counselling. For example, in Honduras, local church partners came up with an emergency plan to purchase, pack and deliver groceries and other essential supplies to vulnerable families. In El Salvador, church staff members have delivered bottled water, non-perishable food items and hand sanitiser to family members who are unable to obtain or afford these items on their own. And in other countries, those who are ill are being supported with medicine, vitamins and health advice.

  • When I give to the Disaster Relief fund, how will my donation be used?

    All donations to the Compassion Overseas Aid and Development Fund of $2 or more are tax deductible in Australia. Funds will go towards the Disaster Relief Fund and will be delivered through local churches around the world to meet the most critical needs of Compassion assisted children, their families and communities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. If funding exceeds COVID-19 response needs, gifts will be used in similar ways to respond to other disasters or where it is most needed.

    Approximately 20 per cent of all donations is used for administration and fundraising.

  • How is coronavirus (COVID-19) affecting Compassion child development centres?

    All of the countries where Compassion serves children are striving to slow the spread of the coronavirus through restrictions on public gatherings or quarantines. While many child development centres are temporarily closed to group activities, staff are striving to provide a basic level of program to all the registered children and their families.

    When they can, local church staff members are visiting homes to check on the welfare of children and their families. They may be delivering medical supplies, hygiene kits, extra food, water and other resources to help during this time.

    Please visit our website for regularly updated information about specific country situations and how the coronavirus situation is affecting child development centres.

How you can pray

Thank you for lifting up children and families around the world who are impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic—and the local staff and churches who continue to serve them in difficult circumstances.

  • pray With social distancing practised and social events cancelled, pray that God will raise up a new chapter of building meaningful, deeper relationships with each other. Pray that God’s kindness and love will be on display in every nation and every walk of life.
  • pray Pray for nations where food crises are following on the heels of isolation measures, as people lack access to sufficient clean water and food. Ask God to provide their daily bread and meet their needs.
  • pray Pray for the Lord to protect the health of people who live in poverty, as they are the least able to socially isolate themselves or choose alternative work arrangements. Pray for children registered with the program in this season of sickness. Ask the Lord to place a hedge of protection over the children and their families.
  • pray Lift up health workers, hospitals, administrators and decision-makers to God as they respond to the pandemic. Pray for protection, wisdom and hearts of compassion for the most vulnerable.
  • pray Pray for wisdom and resilience for churches across the globe, as they live out His love in faith. May the Lord be their strength and guide as they respond to the challenges of the virus facing their communities and churches.
  • pray Pray for Compassion supporters and sponsors all over the world. May each of them be surrounded by the grace, love and mercy of Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord to hold their hands and lead them.

For more prayer points—and if you have a prayer request— join our new Facebook prayer group for supporters, volunteers, staff and Advocates from around the nation. Thank you for praying with us!