Good News From the Survival Program in Mexico
Caregivers expressed gratitude for the doctor who provided checkups and guidance on baby care. Moms learned hygiene tips and received vitamins and medications based on their babies’ needs.
Thank you, Awaken City Church.
Your support enables the local church to provide vulnerable babies and mothers with a healthy, happy start through the Compassion Survival program at Iglesia Nacional Presbiteriana Puerto del Cielo in Chiapas, Mexico.
Currently, the program is serving 15 mother-infant pairs. All caregivers learn parenting and income-generating skills and receive spiritual nourishment from God’s Word. Moms and babies at risk of malnutrition receive nutritional support and regular medical check-ups. Church members and program staff form a loving, supportive community to give mothers encouragement in their parenting journey.
This report includes recent statistics, photos of Survival program activities and additional highlights. We hope you enjoy seeing the impact your gift has made in the lives of these babies and their mothers.
Mark Pellingra
Ministry Progress at Iglesia Nacional Presbiteriana Puerto del Cielo
January – June 2025
19
babies and mothers served
3
babies born, and
100% had a healthy birthweight
5
pregnant mother
received prenatal care
7
babies reached their first birthday and transitioned to the Sponsorship Program
A Letter of Gratitude From a Caregiver
Dear Friends,
My name is Geydi, and I live in a beautiful place near a river where we can wash clothes and bathe. The water is cold because it flows down from the mountains, and the area is surrounded by trees. It’s peaceful here, with clean streets, and I thank God that we live in such a calm and tranquil environment.
When I joined the Survival program, I was pregnant. Now, my baby is almost one year old, and I feel incredibly grateful for all the support we’ve received. The program has helped us with medicine when the babies get sick, vitamins, and many helpful classes.
Through the program, I’ve learned how to properly feed, care for, and protect my baby. Everything I’ve learned has helped me become a better mother.
I thank God for the gift of life, for the opportunity to continue learning through the program’s classes, and for all the people who make this support possible. I’m truly happy to be part of the Survival Program.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Geydi
Letter edited for clarity.
Recent Activities at Iglesia Nacional Presbiteriana Puerto del Cielo
Your support helps provide a strong, healthy start for moms and babies during an extremely vulnerable time. Monthly group activities and training sessions empower caregivers with critical skills in parenting, income generation, and child development. Regular medical check-ups and nutritional support foster healthy growth for both mother and child. Survival specialists also make home visits to check on progress and provide spiritual discipleship. The photos below highlight some of the recent activities making an impact in these families’ lives.
A nutritionist gives an important talk on dental hygiene. The moms learned how crucial it is to start brushing their children’s teeth early to prevent issues like nighttime toothaches and cavities. They were taught to brush their children’s teeth twice a day — once in the morning and again before bedtime. The moms in the group were excited about the session and grateful to receive toothbrushes and toothpaste for their babies to practice their new knowledge at home.
Moms connected through crafts, sharing experiences, and decorating wooden figures. New and returning moms enjoyed learning together in a joyful, creative, and welcoming environment. You can see by the smiles on their faces how much they enjoyed this activity!
Celebrating the Transition from Survival to Sponsorship
For babies born into extreme poverty, reaching their first birthday is a significant accomplishment. Thanks to your generous gift, seven babies recently celebrated this milestone and transitioned into Compassion’s home-based Sponsorship Program. Surrounded by the ongoing support of program staff, a vibrant local church, and loving sponsors, these precious little ones will continue to receive the resources and relationships they need to thrive. Meet four of these special 1-year-olds below!
Juan (twins!)
Cesar (twins!)
Glendy
Camila
Survival Program Spotlight: Fellowship Activities
In Acts 2:42 we read that the early followers of Jesus “devoted themselves … to fellowship” (NIV). Fellowship remains an essential expression of faith and is especially crucial for new mothers. In many instances, fellowship activities provide a critical lifeline for mothers who would otherwise remain isolated.
Whether fellowship includes sharing meals together, celebrations, educational training sessions, home visits, or other opportunities, mothers in the Survival program experience God’s love and care through these activities. These and other fellowship occasions not only encourage mothers but also connect them with other mothers, establishing meaningful friendships, and offering emotional, physical and spiritual support.
Your Gift Matters
Thank you, Awaken City Church! Your gift is making an eternal impact on the lives of vulnerable moms and babies in Mexico. Thank you for investing in them and partnering with Compassion International to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. May God continually bless you!