At this time last year, everything was changing. The COVID-19 pandemic was sweeping the globe. Schools were closing, quarantines were starting and restrictions were being put into place. And just as each of those realities affected us in the United States, they also deeply impacted children living in poverty — physically, economically, spiritually and emotionally.
In Colombia, where many Compassion-assisted children live, a quarantine was mandated. Many people had to stop going to work. The streets were empty. Children could no longer meet at their local Compassion partner church. But Ester, a volunteer tutor there, would not let hopelessness win. Instead, she came up with creative ways to serve the children under her care.
Ester began work at 7:30 each morning. With her daughter’s help, she spent hours recording videos to encourage the quarantined children. Each video was funny, educational and motivational. Ester did this so the children would feel loved and connected while stuck at home.
For the children who did not have access to the internet to watch the videos, she made regular phone calls to share the lessons, read the Bible, pray and encourage them. And there was one child in particular who especially needed this support.