Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! — 2 Corinthians 5:17
How would you describe yourself? You might say, “I’m 6 years old” (or 7 or 8 or 9!). You could say, “I’m a soccer player.” Or you might say, “I’m excited,” especially if you’re about to see your friends!
What we say about ourselves is important. You are created by God and so special to him. That means there are lots of wonderful things that are true about you. For example, you can tell people that you are loved and a child of God.
Kids in poverty are just like you — they want to be loved and know they are special, too. And because God loves them, that’s true!
We wanted to hear from children all over the world about the special things that are true about them. Eight kids told us the amazing talents and gifts from God that they are thankful for. Maybe you will hear one that you are especially excited about! Here’s what they said:
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. — Ephesians 2:10
I am a winner
Eliezer in Bolivia is learning that he is a winner. God loves each of us and wants us to know he has a good plan for our lives. It doesn’t matter where we live, how old we are or how much money we have. Eliezer’s family might not be able to buy things like new clothes or school supplies. But he knows that he can keep trying and not give up, even when it’s hard. God is with him — and that’s so encouraging! What are some things you’re trying hard at right now?
I am blessed
Niusy from Nicaragua is holding a sign that says benecida, which means “blessed” in Spanish. She knows that God has given her so many good things! Gifts like her family, her friends and the teachers at her Compassion center. Most importantly, God sent Jesus to die for Niusy and everyone else in the world. Whoever believes in Jesus will be with him forever. God comes into your heart and doesn’t leave. Kids in poverty need to learn about Jesus and trust in him to be saved, just like you. That is the greatest blessing of all!
I am smart
This is Isha in Bolivia. She knows that she is smart because God made her that way! Everyone has a mind from God that can figure out so many things. In school, Isha can feel confident to use her mind and think. She can answer questions and find out things she doesn’t know. She can even help other kids learn too. Maybe she’ll go to college one day and learn how to do an important job, like being a teacher or a doctor. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I am beautiful
Jana from Bolivia is beautiful! Jana was made in God’s image, which means that she had value and special gifts from God even before she was born. She is uniquely created by God — there’s no one else like her in the world. Her face is different from yours, her sibling’s or anyone else’s. And that’s so cool! Jana, and each one of us, can show our friends and family who God is. In our own special ways, we can act out things that God does, like being kind or creative. What’s something about you that can reflect God to others?
I am important
Maria Clara from Brazil knows that she is important. She is important to her family and friends, who love her so much. Maria Clara is also important to God, even when she doesn’t feel like it! This is a big thing to understand. God loves Maria Clara because he made her, not because of what she can do or the stuff she has. This means that she can trust in God’s plans in her life because God always loves her. Maria Clara is a big deal to God and so are you!
I am talented
This is Wesley from Brazil. He wants to tell us that he is talented. God created everyone with special talents and gifts. It’s important for children in poverty to develop their talents so they can express themselves and think about who they want to be when they grow up! Those talents might be playing an instrument, like Wesley’s recorder. Or it could be taking care of the animals their family owns. Each talent is a gift from God and can be used in big ways. What are your talents?
I am worthy
Victor from Brazil is worthy! That just means that it doesn’t matter whether Victor is the smartest or can run the fastest. God loves him, so that makes him special. Victor might not feel like he is special all the time, especially if his family can’t afford soccer practice or a new backpack for school. But God won’t change his mind about Victor. Jesus came and died for Victor — and for you! — so we can be sure God loves us no matter what. It’s not about what we can do but what Jesus did for us!
I am brave
Lesber from Nicaragua is holding a sign that says valiente, which is the Spanish word for “brave.” He doesn’t have to be afraid of the dark or going to school without his parents. He can do things that are hard, like meeting new friends or trying a new meal. That’s because he knows that God will never leave him. God is everywhere. Lesber can’t walk far enough or run fast enough to leave God. God is too big! With a big God who is always with him, Lesber is ready for anything!