Compassion Sunday Brings Hope and Unity to AIC Maeni.
A Day of Faith, Fellowship, and Renewed Hope
On April 27, 2025, African Inland Church (AIC) Maeni – a proud satellite project of AIC Kanzinwa Child Development Center – opened its doors for a special Compassion Sunday that brought together faith, community, and gratitude in a powerful celebration of partnership with Compassion International.
A Community United
The event drew an impressive attendance of 136 community members, including:
- 56 sponsored program participants supported by Compassion International
- 52 parents and caregivers
- 25 church members
- 3 community members
This diverse gathering represented the heart of our community – families, children, and supporters united in purpose and faith.
A Message That Transforms
Pastor Joel, our dedicated pastor in charge, delivered an inspiring sermon from Judges 13, which tells the powerful story of the announcement of Samson’s birth. His message resonated deeply with our community, focusing on three crucial themes:
God’s Intentional Calling: Every child, especially those supported through Compassion International, is part of God’s divine plan.
Extraordinary Purposes for Ordinary Families: God uses everyday families to accomplish remarkable things.
Faith-Centered Child Rearing: The importance of raising children in faith and obedience.
Pastor Joel reminded parents and caregivers that just as God had a special purpose for Samson before his birth, every child in our program carries divine potential. The message emphasized obedience, prayer, and unwavering trust in God’s promises.
A Life Transformed
The most remarkable moment of the day came when one parent gave his life to Christ – a testament to the power of the message and the moving of God’s Spirit in our community. This spiritual milestone represents the true heart of what we do: transforming lives through faith and compassion.
United in Prayer
Our extended prayer session was a beautiful demonstration of community unity. Together, we lifted up:
- Our faithful sponsors and their continued support
- Compassion International’s leadership and mission
- The well-being and spiritual growth of our children
- Strength for all caregivers and parents
- Our project staff and their dedicated ministry
- The ongoing classroom construction project that faces financial challenges
- Essential infrastructure development including classrooms, pit latrines, and offices
- Our church building and the broader Maeni community
Building for the Future
While celebrating our achievements, we also acknowledged our ongoing needs. The prayer for our halted classroom construction reflects our commitment to providing better educational facilities for our children, despite current financial challenges.
A Testament to Partnership
This Compassion Sunday was more than an event – it was a powerful demonstration of what happens when faith meets action, when community meets compassion, and when hope meets reality. It strengthened the bonds among our church, community, and Compassion International, reinforcing our shared commitment to raising children who are truly known, loved, and protected.
“The Compassion Sunday at AIC Maeni was a powerful demonstration of faith, gratitude, and hope. It strengthened the bond among the church, community, and Compassion International, reinforcing their shared commitment to raising children who are known, loved, and protected.”
