As the team approached the village of Cristo Rey (Managua, Nicaragua) a couple of weeks ago, children covered the playground - swinging and hanging from monkey bars. Laughter, and a misty afternoon rain, filled the air. Healthy children ran circles around us; their energy was contagious. This village, the site of a playground and church constructed by Compassion Creates Change, is also a feeding center where the children can come a few times a week to receive a balanced meal, participate in Bible study and youth group activities, and connect with friends. It has become the center of community life.

This scene is in stark contrast to the realities of life just over one year ago. Cristo Rey, a refugee encampment in rural Northeast Managua, is on the edge of a landfill where garbage smolders day and night. Nearly 18 months ago, Compassion Creates Change™, began a nutrition program here, in response to a staggering malnutrition rate that exceeded 40% for this community's children. A disproportionate number of children were sick, in a state of discomfort, and at-risk of irreversible stunting to their physical development.

Since that time, the health of more than 200 children in this region has been restored through nutrition therapy. House-by-house this year, the staff and partners of Compassion Creates Change™ demonstrated the love of a just God by providing medical-grade nutrition products and regular follow-up care to these children. The smiling faces of these kids are physical indicators of children whose health is improving. And, though they may be early indicators, they establish the potential for something new, the foundation for hope...,for change. Seeing the transformed lives of the children and their families reminds us of Isaiah 61:3,

"The Spirit of the Lord has come...to bestow the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."

The nutrition program is only part of a wholistic strategy in villages in Nicaragua and Nigeria where Compassion Creates Change™ establishes community development partnerships.  In recent years, Compassion Creates Change™ transformational engagement teams have built churches, parks and schools for several villages and provided nutritional screening, medical clinics and community health training to thousands of families. The work has been completed alongside solid local leaders, church partners, development agencies, businesses, and service professionals. Compassion demonstrated through collective impact and collaboration has created so much change.

The threshold of the quality of life for the children and families in these target communities can improve, but we need you. Would you make make a financial gift to Compassion Creates Change™ today? Click here to Donate Online.

Compassion Creates Change™ is organizing transformational engagement teams to Badagry, Nigeria and Managua, Nicaragua in 2014 to continue this important work. If you or your church would like to participate in an upcoming mission, please Contact Us.

The task is huge and the work must be shared. By working together and combining our capacities, we can make a difference. Thank you for your partnership. Please continue to lift us up in your prayers.