April 23, 2026

20 Children in Poverty Share Encouragement for Hard Times

If you’re going through a challenging season, these children living in poverty have good news to share with you.

Living in poverty, these children know a thing or two about hardship. But they also know a thing or two about hope. If you’re struggling today, let their collective message inspire you: You are loved, you are not alone and you will get through this.

1. Antonio, Ecuador: “God Bless You”

An Ecuadorian boy smiles while holding a sign that says God bless you.
Photo by: Nico Benalcazar

“I hope child sponsors feel happy to know that God blesses them, as he has blessed my family. I hope they feel excited to know that God is stronger than any problem in the world.” — Antonio, Ecuador

2. Festino, Tanzania: “We Are Praying for You”

A Tanzanian boy smiles and holds a sign that says "we are praying for you."
Photo by: Eric D. Lema

“When people see my sign, I would like them to be hopeful because we are praying for them. There is nothing he cannot do. He will answer. I would like to tell them that the troubles they are going through will not last. God will see them through. We love them.” — Festino, Tanzania

3. Saju, Bangladesh: “You Can Get Through This”

A Bangladeshi girl holds a sign that says "you can get through this."
Photo by: J. Sangma

“I tell my friends, ‘You can get through this,’ when they are sad to cheer them up. Surprisingly, when I tell it from my heart, the words work every time.” — Saju, Bangladesh

4. Virginia, Kenya: “Hang in There”

A Kenyan girl sits on the ground next to a sign that says "hang in there."
Photo by: Isaac Ogila

“I hope my sign will encourage someone who feels discouraged. I want people to know that it’s not good to give up. Jesus went through more and overcame. We are overcomers in him. Hang in there! We are praying for you.” — Virginia, Kenya

5. Fatima, Nicaragua: “Keep Going…”

A Nicaraguan girl smiles in front of a blue wall while holding a colorful posterboard.
Photo by: Junieth Dinarte

“… God is with you and he takes care of you always! He will help you and give you strength.”

Trust in the Lord because he’s always with us, in good times and bad times. He protects us and helps us. I want to tell you that we are praying for you constantly, and that when we allow the Lord to enter our hearts, he takes care of us and gives us strength. Hold onto him.” — Fatima, Nicaragua

6. Caleb, Ecuador: “I’m Praying for You”

An Ecuadorian boy smiles and holds a sign that says "I'm praying for you."
Photo by: Nico Benalcazar

“I hope sponsors feel peace when they see my sign, because I pray every day to God for them. Sometimes people feel lonely and I think they need to know that I am praying for them, as many children in the world are. When you are sad or afraid, sing a song of hope and you will feel better, and don’t forget many children are praying for you.” — Caleb

7. John, Tanzania: “Don’t Give Up — God Will Answer You”

A Tanzanian boy smiles in front of colorful tiles while holding a cardboard sign.
Photo by: Eric D. Lema

“When you are going through tough times, it is easy to give up. I want to encourage people to continue praying and God will answer their prayers. I would like to thank you for your love and encourage you that any hardships they may go through, God will help you.” — John, Tanzania

8. Savera, Kenya: “We Are Praying for You”

A Kenyan girl sits on a bench with her eyes closed and hands clasped together in front of her chest.
Photo by: Isaac Ogila

“I pray that my sign will remind everyone that God will never leave nor forsake you. I want people to understand that our God is an ever-present God. He has your life and your well-being in his palm. We love you all.” — Savera, Kenya

9. Melanie, Ecuador: “Never Give Up”

An Ecuadorian girl jumps in the air on one foot while holding a white piece of paper.
Photo by: Nico Benalcazar

“I would like them to read my message and to never stop dreaming. You can do it. God makes you perfect and strong. You are smart, and all this hard time will fade soon. Jesus is holding your hand, and he will never give up on you.” — Melanie, Ecuador

10. Zawadi, Tanzania: “God Is Preparing Your Moses”

A Tanzanian girl smiles between two tree trunks while holding a cardboard sign.
Photo by: Eric D. Lema

“I want everyone who is going through hardships to feel hope that God is preparing someone to take you out of your hardships — just like he did for Moses. Continue praying, God is preparing your Moses moment. May God keep you and bless you for your love.” — Zawadi, Tanzania

11. Tawhid, Bangladeshi: “Stay Happy Always”

A Bangladeshi boy smiles brightly in front of green ivy while holding a white piece of paper.
Photo by: J. Sangma

“Always stay happy and never feel sad because the happier you are, your loved ones will feel your joy.” — Tawhid, Bangladesh

12. Delmar, Nicaragua: “The Lord Is With You…”

A Nicaraguan boy sits in a school desk and holds a white posterboard while smiling.
Photo by: Junieth Dinarte

“…He is taking care of you! He will keep you safe! You are strong warriors in Christ. Continue having faith in him always.”

“I want to encourage you to have faith in the Lord because he will give you strength. You are all stronger than you think you are, and every day we pray for the Lord to bless you and your families.” — Delmar, Nicaragua

13. Bibiana, Tanzania: “We Love You”

A Tanzanian girl stands in a dirt yard while holding a sign that says "I love you."
Photo by: Eric D. Lema

“When you read my message, I want you to feel hope that God loves you. I would like to encourage you not to give up. We love you and may God protect you.” — Bibiana, Tanzania

14. Gino, Ecuador: “Be Brave”

A Ecuadorian boy smiles and holds a sign that says "God is good."
Photo by: Nico Benalcazar

“We need to be brave and trust in Jesus. God is a good Father, and he will give you whatever they need. I have seen it in my family. When we need something, we pray and God provides — that’s what my mother says. Be a warrior, fight against the fear, don’t forget to smile and remember that Jesus cares for you.” — Gino, Ecuador

15. Nazmul, Bangladesh: “Things Will Get Better”

A Bangladeshi boy smiles outside of a building while holding a sign that says "things will get better."
Photo by: J. Sangma

For everyone having a hard time right now, Nazmul has one encouraging message to share: “Things will get better.”

16. Josebeth, Nicaragua: “Keep Your Faith…”

A Nicaraguan girl smiles while holding a decorated poster board.
Photo by: Junieth Dinarte

“… because, with the Lord’s help, we will overcome this. Remember, you are loved!”

“I hope people who read this feel happy and loved. I’d like you to know that we love you and that we hope you are always surrounded by love and happiness.” — Josebeth

17. Sumona, Bangladesh: “You Will Get Through This”

A Bangladeshi girl wearing a floral dress between two blue walls holds us a sign that says "you will get through this."
Photo by: J. Sangma

“This situation is temporary, and you will get through this situation very soon.” — Sumona, Bangladesh

18. Gonzalo, Nicaragua: “Persevere in Prayer…”

A Nicaraguan boy wearing a bright red shirt smiles while holding a colorful posterboard.
Photo by: Junieth Dinarte

“… the Lord will comfort you! You are not alone! The Lord is with you! He will fill your heart with peace.”

“I want to tell you to persevere in prayer because the Lord will comfort you and motivate you to continue moving forward. He will be your strength and support during this time.” — Gonzalo, Nicaragua

19. George, Kenya: “God Is In Control”

A Kenyan boy wearing a colorful outfit and headpiece stands in front of a chalkboard that reads, "relax, God is in control."
Photo by: Isaac Ogila

“These times are not easy, but there are peace and joy in knowing that God remains God and he still loves and cares for us. Never give up! No matter the situation that you are going through, everything will be okay in Jesus’ name.” — George, Kenya

20. Haydee, Ecuador: “Thanks Jesus”

An Ecuadorian girl smiles in front of palm trees while holding a sign that says, "thanks Jesus."
Photo by: Nico Benalcazar

“I hope people can remember we always need to thank Jesus because he is good to us. Be strong because your God is with you. Whatever the situation, he is with you. I am praying for you and sending hugs wherever you are. You are not alone.” — Haydee, Ecuador

We hope these messages from children around the world have encouraged you today. Remember: God is with you. He loves you. And so do we!

A teen Bolivian girl stands between two trees and holds a letter against her chest with her eyes closed.

Encourage a Child in Need Today

Just like these words may have given you hope today, your words can do the same for a child in need.

Sponsor a child and write encouraging, life-giving messages to a child who needs them most.

20 Children in Poverty Share Encouragement — Compassion