Ecuador

Letter from Compassion Ecuador Director Jose Carrasco

Dear Sponsor,

Greetings in Jesus’ name! My name is Jose Carrasco. I’ve been privileged to serve as Country Director of Compassion Ecuador since 2016. I was born in Peru. I am married to Laura, and we have two wonderful children, Jose Alonso and Natalia. Thank you for being our partner in this endeavour by loving and supporting your sponsored child. Your love and care mean everything to their future. Thank you for your generosity.

Compassion has been serving Ecuador for 43 years. God’s faithfulness has allowed us to see results in many lives. We currently have more than 260 child development centres in Ecuador, serving more than 97,000 children and youth. Their development is consistent, due to the sustainability of the program. Its holistic approach brings transformation as the children apply Christian values and healthy behaviours while they’re with their families and in their communities.

Compassion is committed to continue to reach children in areas of extreme poverty in Ecuador. One of the greatest struggles our children face in the public schools and in their neighborhoods is the aggressive approach by street drug dealers. They see children in need as instruments to introduce drugs into their schools and communities. In impoverished areas, it’s common to see parents with a large number of children forced to leave them alone under the care of the oldest child, who is yet a minor, while the parents work to support the family. This situation leaves the children vulnerable to corrupt individuals. This phenomenon is a real threat for these children and their communities.

Although a handful of government medical centres are accessible in many low-income areas, they lack the medicine to treat the people, so families are forced to look elsewhere for medications. Clean, running water is always lacking, and although local vendors sell and deliver it in some areas, families often don’t have the means to buy it.

In the past two years, God has allowed us to see significant movement in impoverished communities where no churches existed. New churches are opening as a result of church-planting efforts in such areas. These new churches have a clear vision to serve in such a way that their presence is causing a stir in their communities. We continue to implement tools and enhance our partnership strategies to serve our children better. The sponsorship program has raised up men and women who are now active leaders in their communities. Many of them are church pastors and staff in our child development centres.

One cannot describe the bond that exists between the sponsor and the sponsored child. We can’t measure the happiness and hope children experience when they learn they will be sponsored and that soon they will receive a letter, a photo, or even a visit. That is why we encourage you to keep in contact with your sponsored child. It is absolutely wonderful to see children celebrating as they receive correspondence from their sponsors. The love and care of a sponsor, expressed in letters, lifts children up in ways you could never imagine.

As we look around and see a new generation of children in need in Ecuador, we are in awe with the realisation of the huge task God has entrusted to us. On behalf of the children of Ecuador, I would like to express my appreciation for your support and prayers. The children registered in our program are blessed, and they are aware that not everyone in their communities has the same opportunity.

It is because of you that they can be valued and loved, learn to walk with Jesus, and become responsible and healthy adults. There are no words to express the gratitude my heart feels for your sponsorship. Your giving has changed the destiny of your sponsored child, and that is priceless! My heart fills with joy as I express my appreciation and recognise your generous giving.

Sincerely in Christ,

Jose Carrasco

Country Director Compassion Ecuador