A City on a Hill—Compassion in Action

Human beings are born dependent. We come into this world with nothing, relying on the care and attention of our primary caregivers to survive.

20 Aug, 2024

American psychologist Abraham Maslow¹ lists our fundamental physiological needs as: food, water, clothing, sleep and shelter, but humans are complex, and there are higher needs (such as self-esteem and social fulfilment)² that we require to live a well-rounded and full life.

Studies show that without support, connection and love, humans struggle to thrive. We were created vulnerable and dependent on community—our entire wellbeing depends on it.

Interestingly, as we grow, these needs remain and even evolve in complexity.

For this reason, Compassion places a strong emphasis on caring for the holistic wellbeing of children living in poverty. Compassion's programs provide food packs and spiritual encouragement. Medical check-ups and birthday celebrations. Because every individual life is uniquely made and valuable, Compassion is committed to providing each child with the love, care and attention they need to thrive.

That's why, when a new Compassion centre opens its doors, it's a reason to celebrate!

A new centre recently opened in a Honduran community that has been struggling for decades. Social problems such as alcoholism, drug abuse, single-parent homes, malnutrition and illiteracy have run rampant, and families have been trapped in cycles of poverty for generations. Many parents in the region have not encouraged their children to pursue academic goals, and lack of self-esteem and self-confidence has drawn a veil over the hopes and dreams of many children.

Thankfully, the community has entered a brand-new chapter and things are looking up.

On opening day, families were filled with joy as this Compassion centre became a beacon of light to the surrounding community. More than 250 children are now being taught Bible teachings, and the socio-emotional and spiritual activities have begun to transform their mindsets.

For 10-year-old Gael, the opening of the centre has greatly encouraged his spiritual wellbeing.

“I like attending the Compassion centre because I learn about the Bible. My tutor taught me to find refuge in the Bible. So, when my bedtime is ticking by and I’m having trouble falling asleep, I recite Psalm 4:8. Since I learned this verse by heart, I trust that the Lord watches over me.” —Gael, 10–years old

Even Gael’s grandmother has been impacted by what she’s seen.

"I am an elderly woman who collects firewood sticks for a living, and who grew up facing the hardships of poverty. Since my grandson Gael attends the Compassion centre, I have witnessed how his life has been impacted by spiritual teachings, curricular activities, and medical support. I know his destiny will be different than mine.” —Glenda, Gael’s grandmother

Many children at the centre come from families living under the poverty line. Most caregivers work as farmers, construction workers and plastic recyclers, or, like Glenda, sell tortillas and firewood sticks for a living. Times are tough—but there is hope available and it’s tangibly outworked thanks to generous Compassion supporters who make this work possible. To further this life-transforming mission of releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name, donate here.

How Compassion makes a difference

The goal of Compassion’s programs is not that people living in poverty would scrape the surface of existence—but that they would deeply thrive from the core of their being. That seeds of love would be planted through spiritual input, food packs and medical care, and nurtured by the attention and kindness of Compassion centre staff. Ultimately, the goal is that the supernatural hope of Christ would fill the hearts of our global neighbours as they experience what it means to be fully loved, known and connected.

That’s what the heart of Compassion is all about—holistic child development—where a child’s foundational and physiological needs are met alongside their God-given design for a safe place to belong.

In addition to the practical benefits that Compassion assisted children receive through sponsorship—such as school supplies, nutritious meals, medical check-ups, new children’s Bibles, birthday and Christmas celebrations—many of them also correspond with sponsors from different countries. They’re learning about different cultures and growing in the assurance that they are loved by God, by the church and by their sponsors.

Through Compassion’s programs, children are cared for on every level of their physical, spiritual, socio-emotional and cognitive needs—and the impact ripples out and affects their family too.

A City on a Hill

In Matthew 5, during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus shares beautiful imagery about what a place of safety and refuge could look like. He describes the hope that believers carry as being like a city on a hill that cannot be dimmed, no matter the external circumstances. This hope is like a warm glow that pushes back the darkness and illuminates the road ahead.

This is what the presence of the local church was always intended to be. A place of hope. A refuge of peace. A shelter of belonging. And today, the call is still the same.

In the days of the early Church, Jesus’ followers, completely sold out in their love for Him and their devotion to the message of the gospel, knew they couldn’t keep the Great Commission hidden. Although they had no way of knowing just how far the Good News would spread, these disciples were faithful to share the light they were entrusted with. And this message is still transforming millions of lives today.

"You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” —Matthew 5:14

We are still commissioned to share the Good News of Christ with everyone we meet, and through the work of Compassion, children like Gael are given the opportunity to discover just how known, loved and connected they are.

Through Compassion’s programs, children who were once wandering without hope are now learning that their worth is beyond description and their voice deeply matters. They are shown that their circumstances don’t define their worth, and that they were created for a bright and hope-filled future.

In partnership with the local church, Compassion centres like this one in Honduras are opening their doors to the community. They are becoming a refuge for the weary—a city on a hill. A place that reminds the down-trodden that love exists and people care, and together, in community, we can face what tomorrow holds.

If you want to be involved in this life-changing work, you can partner with Compassion through volunteering, sponsoring a child, or donating.

Written by Sarah Moore, Compassion Australia, with local reporting by Juana Ordonez Martinez, Compassion Honduras.

¹ Maslow, A.H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50, 370-396.

² Reid-Cunningham, A.R. (2008). Maslow's Theory of Motivation and Hierarchy of Human Needs: A Critical Analysis. 14-17.