What a blessing it was to host Sarah Rahardja from the Compassion office in Manado on Sunday 11 October. It is normally Sarah who hosts and welcomes Insight Trip visitors from Manly to Manado, but this time it was our honour and privilege to host her in our home town of Manly.

Sarah spoke at two services at Seaforth Baptist Church with members from Balgowlah Uniting, St Pauls, St Matts, St Pauls and Ruach churches also attending.  Sarah talked about some of the issues the families of Manado face as well as the Compassion Child Sponsorship Program in Manado (there are now 20 projects in Manado and Manly-Manado has sponsored 215 children from these projects!).  Many of the people attending the services were Compassion sponsors who learnt more about the daily activities of the Compassion children at the projects.  It was inspiring to hear about the transformation of the lives of children who have been sponsored, especially little Rivaldy and the hope he now provides to his family.

Sarah also provided an update on the Child Survival Program that Manly-Manado supports and how the program has impacted the lives of mothers and babies in Manado, including Revalina and baby Iwene who now receive regular health support, nutritious food and medicines and vitamins as well as spiritual growth in their lives.

Thank you Sarah for your visit - we look forward to the next time!  May God continue to bless you and the Compassion team in Manado as you continue to bless the poor of Manado.