A Small Letter. A World of Hope.
Did you know that Concordia sponsors over 1,400 children in Kenya and Ethiopia in partnership with Compassion International? Through sponsorship and thoughtful letters, we share hope and support that goes beyond words – helping children feel known, valued and empowered through the love of Christ.
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Concordia recently completed a 6-week letter-writing mission that invited employees and residents to take part in this meaningful act of encouragement. Through this effort, many in our community shared letters of hope and connection with the children Concordia sponsors through Compassion International.
While the mission has concluded, the opportunity to connect remains. We welcome anyone who feels called to participate in letter writing to explore Concordia’s Compassion International sponsorship page, Meet the Children Concordia Sponsors, which will open in a new window. There, you can browse photos and short bios of the children Concordia sponsors and learn more about this ongoing opportunity.
If you are interested in connecting with a child and participating in letter writing, please contact Larissa Yates, Director of Development, at lyates@concordialm.org or 724-352-1571 ext. 8363. She would be happy to guide you through next steps.
Why Letter Writing Matters
A letter may seem simple, but for a child, it can mean everything. Thoughtful words of encouragement remind children they are seen, valued and deeply cared for – and often in ways that stay with them long after the letter is read. Through Compassion International’s program, letters become a tangible expression of hope, faith and connection.
For many children, letters are treasured keepsakes. They are read again and again, especially during challenging moments, offering reassurance and motivation. Consistent encouragement can help build confidence, inspire children to engage more fully in school and church and remind them that someone believes in their future.
Whether you share a prayer, a kind word, a story from your day or a simple note of encouragement, your letters help nurture a meaningful relationship rooted in compassion. In writing, you offer more than words – you help a child feel less alone, more hopeful and deeply connected through care that reflects God’s love in action.
Get Inspired
These short videos from Compassion International share why letter writing matters, how to get started and the journey a single letter takes to reach a child.
Thank You for Your Interest
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Concordia & Compassion International: Connecting Through Letters. Whether you feel called to participate now or are simply exploring, we’re grateful for your interest and for the many ways our Concordia community lives out compassion each day.
If you’d like to learn more about this mission or explore other Concordia Missions opportunities, please feel free to reach out to SaraBeth Swain, Concordia Missions Chairwoman, at sswain@concordiavn.org.