This week we were joined by our friends from Compassion Australia, Johanna van Tienen and Isaac Pau, who shared stories of how local churches around the world are bringing the love of Jesus to children and families living in poverty.
Johanna began by sharing about Compassion’s work in Thailand, where churches partner together to support children, families, and communities. Through sponsorship and long-term relationship with the local church, lives are being transformed and new opportunities are opening, including ministry reaching across the border into Myanmar. Across the world today, more than 2.3 million children are being supported through Compassion programs, each one connected to a local church community that walks with them toward hope and restoration.
Isaac then opened the Scriptures to Acts 3:1–10, the story of Peter and John encountering a man who had been unable to walk since birth. As the apostles approached the temple, they chose to stop and see the man in front of them. Though they had no money to give, they offered something greater: faith, compassion, and the power of Jesus’ name.
This moment reminds us that loving our neighbour often begins with something simple: stopping. Paying attention. Being willing to be interrupted by the needs around us. When Peter and John stopped, it opened the way for a miracle and became part of a much larger story of restoration and transformation.
We were encouraged to consider what God has placed in our hands. Whether it is time, resources, faith, or compassion, each of us has something we can offer. When we give what we have, God uses it as part of His greater work of bringing healing, hope, and freedom in Jesus’ name.
