Greetings Menlo Church, we are pleased to provide an update from the Survival center at Iglesia del Nazareno Monterón Marcavelica-Sullana. In this report, you will find a letter from a caregiver named Vanesa (pictured above) and updates on what the Lord is doing through the program. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
A Letter From a Caregiver at Iglesia del Nazareno Monterón Marcavelica-Sullana
Dear Friends,
Warm greetings in the name of Jesus. My name is Vanesa and I am the mother two daughters, including an 11 month old, and I participate in the PE0373 Compassion Survival program. I am a Christian and my family and I attend church together.
Three months into my pregnancy, I was diagnosed with gallstones and faced a choice between my health and my baby’s life. My husband and I prayed to God diligently, and by His grace, I was able to manage my health without compromising the health of my baby. Two months after giving birth via caesarean section, I underwent surgery on my gallbladder. It was a difficult season, but my health has improved significantly since. My husband helps me around the house and despite trials like any marriage, we are moving forward together with God’s help.
The Survival program has been a huge blessing to me and my family. The counseling services and home visits have been invaluable to my family as we navigated my pregnancy and health challenges. I also appreciate the monthly nutrition classes on how to best feed and care for my baby as she continues to grow. In addition to the baby-related care I have received from the program, the micro-enterprise classes on pastry baking and sewing have been very beneficial. Through these classes, I have learned skills that have helped me generate extra income for my home. The program has also helped me foster friendships with other new mothers in my community. Apart from classes, counseling, home visits, and new friends, the program has helped us with medical check-ups for my baby, as well as with medical bill reimbursement.
Recently at church, we dedicated our baby girl to the Lord. My husband and I are so thankful for two beautiful and healthy girls, as well as the support from both the Survival program and the church.
Because of your generosity, mothers like me are being blessed in my community.
Thank you, and may God continue to bless you.
Vanesa
Survival Statistics at Iglesia del Nazareno Monterón Marcavelica-Sullana (July-December 2019)
Survival Activities at Iglesia del Nazareno Monterón Marcavelica-Sullana
The Survival program emphasizes the importance of early childhood development. Survival specialists facilitate activities to help caregivers better interact with their babies. Physical and cognitive stimulation increases development and improves the overall health and growth of babies.
Survival programs provide holistic care to caregivers and babies. This includes helping caregivers and families increase their income through microenterprise training. These classes train caregivers in new skills such as sewing and baking that they can use to produce marketable goods. These skills lift families out of financial poverty by providing new ways to earn more income for their households.
In the program, caregivers learn about infant nutrition and the importance of breastfeeding in a monthly class lead by a nutritionist. Nutrition is an important aspect of early childhood development.
The dignity and rights of children are fundamental to the mission of Compassion International. As part of the Survival program, caregivers attend a workshop on child protection led by attorney, Gabriel Cobeñas.
Babies Moving From Surviving to Thriving Because of Your Support
Thanks to your support, these babies have recently reached their first birthdays and transitioned to home-based care through Compassion’s Sponsorship Program. They will continue their growth with the guidance provided to them from Survival staff and a loving sponsor.
Menlo Church, thank you for your support of caregivers and babies in Peru. Please pray that the Lord will continue to move in the Survival program at Iglesia del Nazareno Monterón Marcavelica-Sullana.