children and youth

Equipping Children, Transforming Families: Holistic Care in Nepal

aheckman — Thu, 14 May 2026 22:08:35 +0000

Equipping Children, Transforming Families: Holistic Care in Nepal aheckman Thu, 05/14/2026 - 22:08

Equipping Children, Transforming Families: Holistic Care in Nepal

May 14, 2026 ~ Amy Heckman

In Nepal, a child development center is seeing transformation in the lives of the children and families it serves.

Lola’s grandchildren attend the center. Their story is similar to many of the center’s attendees. As part of a large family, there were never enough funds to go around. That includes the costs associated with attending school.

When families lack the resources to purchase school supplies for their children, the center provides books, pens, pencils, and school uniforms. When children struggle academically, the center offers free tutoring to help them improve their grades and build confidence.

For Lola’s family, the lack of funds for school supplies was putting her grandchildren at a disadvantage.

“Because our family was so large, our income was never enough,” she shared. “We always struggled to pay school fees, tuition fees, and buy uniforms for the children. Sometimes, because of lack of money, the children were scolded at school. When the center distributed educational materials [and] school uniforms … we no longer had to buy those items for the children. This helped us use our limited income for other important household needs.”

Lola

The center’s programming includes basic health checkups and hygiene and personal care lessons, ensuring children stay healthy and learn to wash their hands, brush their teeth, and maintain personal cleanliness. These simple actions help reduce the spread of disease, helping children grow up strong. Children then take these skills and others and use them at home, impacting their families.

“[My] grandchildren, who once didn’t know how to do household chores, now help with washing dishes, cleaning the house, and cleaning the toilet,” reported Lola, activities that improve the health of families and help children practice important life skills.

Parents and community members are invited to training seminars at the center to learn about topics such as child safety and protection. The classes discuss challenges like child labor, child marriage, abuse, and violence, helping adults to understand how best to protect children from common risks.

Parents also attend self help groups at the center, a program that educates participants on wise financial choices and helps them reach financial goals. With the funds saved, families can take out loans to invest in small business concepts. At the center, parents can learn marketable skills such as making soap, caring for livestock, and making candles. These business opportunities can increase family incomes, making it easier for them to pay for food, clothing, school fees, and other pressing needs.

“The center not only supported children but also taught parents like us the habit of saving through group activities,” said Lola. “Through this savings group, we were able to borrow money to pay for the children’s exam fees and repair our animal shed. This small saving initiative has brought financial stability to our large family.”

With greater financial freedom, parents contribute a small amount to the center to help pay for student snacks and a percentage of the school uniforms that the center provides. This gives parents a sense of ownership and partnership in the center’s activities, and for the center, it frees up some funds for other operational costs.

“I believe that the saving group has given our family hope and happiness,” reported Lola.

With increased parental support, and the volunteer work of church and community members, the center is poised for long-term sustainability and a reduced need for external funding.

All of these activities have led to community members viewing the center in a positive light.

“Earlier, I used to think that church people do not mix well with society,” shared Lola. “But when I started attending parental training at the center, I saw the kindness and dedication of the believers there, which deeply inspired me. Now, I also participate in the programs.”

Most importantly, the center is a place where children can discover the love of Jesus. Spiritual and moral values are taught through Bible stories and lessons, and children learn to pray. As character qualities like kindness, honesty, discipline, and responsibility are demonstrated and learned, children become leaders among their peers and gain the skills they need to succeed in life.

Bhim* is in 6th grade. His father works as a day laborer to support Bhim, his brother, and their mother. Their limited income meant that even notebooks and pens were beyond their means. Though Bhim was registered at the center, it was a far distance from his home, and he only made the trip occasionally. After a teacher instituted a reward system for faithful attendance, Bhim was motivated to attend every day! He now likes playing badminton with friends, studying, and assisting his teachers. The financial support from the center means Bhim has all the supplies he needs to succeed in school. His teachers and family have also observed growth and development beyond his academic journey.

Bihm

“[Bhim] has become helpful at home as well assisting his mother with cooking, taking care of the chickens, and washing his own clothes,” shared a center leader. “He is now the leader of his group, cooperating well with his friends and siblings, and caring for everyone around him.”

An 8th grade student, Sabina*, comes from a large family where economic realities prevented her from affording everything she needed. While her family noted she was always happy to help around the house, it was her schoolwork that caused stress. Her parents were unable to assist much, and Sabina found even simple homework difficult. She struggled to turn in her assigned work.

Once she enrolled in the child development center, Sabina found the support she needed to grasp her lessons and complete her homework. She also thrived in extracurricular activities like Bible quizzing, singing, and dancing, which built her confidence.

Sabina

Sabina’s family is grateful for the growth Sabina has experienced from the center’s ministry.

“When I look at other children, my daughter seems very wise to me,” said Sabina’s mother. “She is happy with whatever she has.”

As a result of her hard work, discipline, and dedication, Sabina was awarded the Best Student Award at the center this year.

*Children’s names are changed for protection.

children and youth

Holistic Child Development

Child Sponsorship

Education

Nepal

Two Mothers, One Story of Hope: The Impact of Child Sponsorship

aheckman — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:37:31 +0000

Two Mothers, One Story of Hope: The Impact of Child Sponsorship aheckman Thu, 04/16/2026 - 17:37

Two Mothers, One Story of Hope: The Impact of Child Sponsorship

A Mother’s Testimony from Peru

“My name is Roxana. About seven years ago, I heard about this child development center in my town. It was a place where children could go to be cared for and protected. They also provided food, offered support services to families, and provided guidance on parenting and nutrition. But above all, and most importantly, they instilled in the children the teachings about the love of God. I knew it was important for them to know the word of God, His forgiveness and infinite love for us, and also the love of our neighbor. For these reasons, I decided to send my children to this child development center.

Roxana's son and daughter

More than seven years have passed, and as a mother, I feel blessed by everything they have done for my children—by every lesson, by every smile, by every joy, and by each and every support they have given my family. I feel very happy and grateful. Belonging here has helped them a lot in different aspects, such as their knowledge of the word of God, which they carry and practice at home, at school, and with their friends; the values that are instilled in them, such as prayer; and the methods they use to learn, which are very didactic and make them want to learn more, whether in Bible discussions or internal verse competitions. Not to mention the performances they give when we celebrate anniversaries or festive dates like Christmas.

Currently, both children are sponsored. They are excited to interact with their sponsors. They know that somewhere in the world, someone they do not know personally supports and blesses them, appreciates them, and wishes them the best.

I feel very grateful for the work of the pastors, the tutors, and the entire team that works to run this place.

I am currently a member of the Church of the Nazarene, and I am happy to be a Christian.”

A Mother’s Testimony from Nicaragua

“Hello, my name is Deyling. I am 37 years old, married, and I have three children.

My family and I have been part of the child development center since it was founded. My eldest son and daughter attended this center from a very young age, and I can say with complete confidence that they have grown and developed beautifully in every area, thanks to the support of this ministry, which has invested so much in my children. As a mother, I feel fortunate and blessed, as this program has been a helping hand to us at all times—in both the good and the difficult moments. I owe so much to this project, and above all, to God.

Deyling and her son and daughter

I have supported as a volunteer in the kitchen on many occasions, and I do so with great love. I am grateful to the pastor, who always includes me, and to Sister Margine. My husband, Harvey, and I recognize that the center has been a great help to our children, as it prepares them in every area, and now we are seeing the fruit of the seeds that have been planted in them. They have already been baptized and are now actively serving in ministry. My son serves in NYI (Nazarene Youth International), and my daughter serves as a teacher in NDI (Nazarene Discipleship International), as well as an assistant at the center. I serve as the steward and my husband is part of the worship ministry.

My family and I have gone through many trials, and God has been present through it all—using the ministry of the center together with the local church, praying for us and providing spiritual and emotional support. I firmly believe that the center is leaving an enduring mark on every family and is impacting our community.

My son graduated from high school this year and is now enrolled in university to study agricultural engineering. I know he will soon graduate from this program, and I would love to personally tell his sponsors how grateful I am for their continued support. They are part of my son’s development—his success is the result of what they have sown. God bless you.

Thank you for serving families in need. We will always be praying for you. We love you.”

Child sponsorship makes a difference for families like these, all around the world. Learn more and search for a child to support here.

Peru

Nicaragua

Child Sponsorship

Holistic Child Development

children and youth

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A Future Full of Hope for Cameroon's Children

aheckman — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:58:59 +0000

A Future Full of Hope for Cameroon's Children aheckman Thu, 03/05/2026 - 18:58

A Future Full of Hope for Cameroon's Children

March 5, 2026 ~ Simbarashe Kanenungo

The Church of the Nazarene has a new but growing presence in Cameroon. In response to the country’s persistent economic hardships—which have severely affected the well-being of children—the church has stepped forward with a holistic outreach approach aimed at ministering to vulnerable youth.

Cameroon has been grappling with a severe economic crisis since 2018. This has largely been driven by the conflict in the Southwest and Northwest regions and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many children are left to fend for themselves, roaming the streets, often exploited to sell food or subjected to sexual abuse. Education remains out of reach for many, especially orphans, displaced families, and those rejected by society.

Recognizing that children hold a vital place in God's kingdom, the Church of the Nazarene responded to this crisis by establishing a school in the town of Galim. The École Primaire Bilingue de Galim Child Development Center offers vulnerable children a chance at education and a better future. With 72 students enrolled from grades one through seven, the school is supported by seven committed volunteers, including both teachers and cooks, who faithfully minister to the children each week.

In May, the school held a celebration honouring students who completed their first year of kindergarten, awarding certificates to mark their achievements. One mother shared her heartfelt gratitude. “Even when school is over, this program continues to bless our children,” she explained. “My son now prays at home before meals.”

Beyond education, the ministry is fostering spiritual growth. Children are not only participating in Bible studies, homework assistance, sports, and games—they’re also attending church with their families, enriching the local congregation.

The local team has engaged in training led by the holistic child development coordinator to enhance its capacity for effective ministry. Since receiving support from Nazarene Compassionate Ministries beginning in March 2025, the school has made remarkable progress and is now officially registered with the Ministry of Education.

This story taken from the latest issue of NCM Magazine. Read other stories of the global Church living out Christ's compassion here.

children and youth

Holistic Child Development

Child Sponsorship

Africa

Cameroon

Faith that Does Not Falter

aheckman — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 23:11:35 +0000

Faith that Does Not Falter aheckman Thu, 02/12/2026 - 23:11

Faith that Does Not Falter

FEBRUARY 12, 2026 ~ BRANDON SIPES

Myanmar has faced near-constant conflicts since 1948, when it achieved independence from Great Britain. The country has alternated between civilian and military rule, with the most recent coup in 2021 cementing the current regime’s control. Christians, along with other religious minorities, face discrimination, while ethnic groups like the Rohingya continue to suffer violent persecution.

Since violence escalated in the past four years, displacement in Myanmar as soared—more than 3 million people are now displaced across the country. Internally displaced people (those forced to flee their homes but remain within the country’s borders) are seeking shelter wherever they can find it.

Most of them are children.

In church buildings across the country, congregations have opened their doors, becoming homes for children who have been forced to flee. Some arrive with family members. Others arrive alone.

In one church, two girls, ages 13 and 8, and a boy, age 12, shared part of their story:

“Our father left many years ago, to another country to work. But he stopped sending money after a little while. My mother was caring for us, but there were too many days when fights and war broke out near us. So she made a plan to bring us [here]. But she became sick too and died not long after we arrived.”

Now orphans, they live with nine other children at the church.

“These children, and dozens more, are being given shelter, food, trauma care, education support, and a model of faithfulness,” said a church leader, Ram Thein. “Faithfulness is rooted in love. With a heart that loves Jesus, we offer many prayers together with our very lives.”

In March 2025, Myanmar experienced a 7.7 magnitude earthquake—the second deadliest in its modern history, killing more than 5,300 people. Nazarene leaders quickly mobilized, despite the risk of military checkpoints. They brought food, water, and spiritual care, and made plans to provide trauma support to children in local schools.

“The headmaster welcomed this initiative, sharing that while many groups had provided food, clothes, and medicine, no one had yet focused on the emotional needs of the children,” said Jasmin Eugenio, SEA Field NCM coordinator.

Even in conflict. Even in disaster. The focus remains clear: children, healing, hope.

These crowded church homes for displaced children and the trauma care offered in schools are signs of God’s faithful work in Myanmar—making all things new, mending what is broken, and restoring what has been destroyed.

This article is adapted from the latest issue of NCM Magazine. Click here to read the rest of the story and learn more about how the churches in Myanmar are responding with courage and faith to ever-present conflict, displacement, and disaster.

Refugee and Immigrant Support

Growing Together

aheckman — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:51:07 +0000

Growing Together aheckman Thu, 01/22/2026 - 15:51

Growing Together

JANUARY 22, 2026 ~ LUSINE MELKONYAN

In Armenia, the local Kids Club has been a place of growth, support, and faith since 2004. The program meets in the church building each week and serves 45 children between the ages of 6 and 18, reaching a total of 70 families—225 people in the community.

More than just an after-school gathering, the Kids Club provides clothing, school supplies, hygiene items, food, and even medical support to children and their families. Camps, home visits, and a variety of weekly activities are also part of the program.

In a community facing economic hardship and ongoing emigration, a place like Kids Club is essential. It offers stability, teaches children about God’s love, and helps them grow into confident, capable young people who can positively impact their surroundings.

Over the years, the seeds planted in these children’s lives have borne remarkable fruit. Many who once attended the Kids Club have now graduated and serve faithfully in the church and in the center itself. They are leading Bible lessons, helping with events, and caring for the next generation—continuing the cycle of love, faith, and service that shaped their own lives.

Keep reading for a story that highlights the long-term impact these centers are making.

Liana – A Place That Became Family

Q: What ages did you attend the school?
Liana: I started attending our Kids Club when I was very young. I don’t remember exactly how old I was—maybe around 7 or 8 years old—because it feels like I’ve known it forever.

Q: What’s your favorite memory from school?
Liana: One special day was all about Spain, and our pastor Trino made delicious spaghetti with sauce. I still remember that amazing taste—it was the best I had ever tried!

We also had these awesome camps, and I truly cherish every memory from those days. Another great memory is worship classes in a small apartment—it was so much fun, and we still sing that song together in our Kids Club.

Q: Who was the most impactful person for you at school?
Liana: I don’t really have just one leader who influenced me the most. Instead, every leader I’ve had has left a special impact on me. From each of them, I’ve learned something valuable and taken the best parts of their example.

What stands out to me the most is that I saw Jesus reflected in all of them—their kindness, patience, and love showed me what it truly means to follow Him. Their example has inspired me to grow in my faith and to serve others with the same heart.

Q: How did the school impact your faith?
Liana: That place truly shaped who I am. I honestly can’t imagine my life if I hadn’t gone there. That’s where I first learned about Jesus and experienced His love firsthand.

I saw how close He really is and discovered a way to communicate with Him personally. I understood that He’s not far away, but right here with me. That experience didn’t just shape my faith—it shaped me as a person.

Q: How did the school prepare you for serving?
Liana: This place showed me what it truly means to serve and how to reflect Jesus in every step I take.

As I grew up here, I not only learned what serving children looks like, but I also experienced it firsthand. I saw many examples—some were wonderful, and others were things I didn’t like as a child. Now, as a grown-up, I avoid focusing on what I disliked and instead hold on to what is positive and meaningful.

Q: Where or how do you serve now?
Liana: I serve in the kids’ ministry, which is really close to my heart. I love working with the children and helping them grow.

Besides that, I also assist during Sunday services and help out with the media team. Sometimes, as needed, I step in to support other ministries as well—but working with kids will always be my favorite.

Q: Why do you serve?
Liana: I serve to grow closer to Jesus and deepen my faith. I truly believe that those who serve are blessed even more than those they serve.

Through my involvement in ministry, I see myself growing in faith and taking important steps in my spiritual journey. Serving also gives me the opportunity to share God’s love, show who He is, and help others know Him better—because that’s what He has called us to do.

This story taken from the latest issue of NCM Magazine—click here to keep reading and hear from two more young adults who once attended the Kids Club and now serve as leaders, continuing the cycle of support they received.

children and youth

From the Magazine

Holistic Child Development

2025 Christmas Project: Annabella's Story

aheckman — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 11:07:00 +0000

2025 Christmas Project: Annabella's Story aheckman Wed, 12/24/2025 - 11:07

2025 Christmas Project: Annabella's Story

The 2025 NCM Christmas Project will provide hope for children in Jordan and Lebanon through Nazarene schools that provide more than just education—they offer a chance to grow, heal, and thrive.

In Jordan, although 97% of elementary-aged children are enrolled in school, dropout rates remain a concern as students grow older—especially among those from low-income families or those who are refugees. In Lebanon, a variety of barriers to education surround refugee children who are often denied enrollment in traditional schools due to discrimination, language barriers, and financial hardship. At the same time, the country’s ongoing economic crisis and persistent security threats affect nearly all students, making it nearly impossible for many families to afford tuition and uniform fees.

To meet these needs, Nazarene schools in the Middle East serve students from kindergarten through high school—many of whom are refugees from Syria and Iraq, displaced by war and violence. The schools offer an affordable, quality education alongside spiritual care that includes daily scripture reading, prayer, and weekly chapel services, creating a place where learning and faith go hand in hand.

The local community, including nearby Nazarene churches, plays a key role in supporting the school community, offering prayer, emotional care, and a chance to grow in faith. Often, teens enrolled in the schools become regular church youth group attenders due to the connection to the school. Some families of students also receive food vouchers, psychological support, medical care, and other wholistic assistance through local churches.

When you give to the 2025 NCM Christmas Project, you’ll open doors for children from across the Middle East to receive an education, build lasting relationships, access healthcare, and grow in faith. Your generosity makes it possible for these children to experience God’s love and care, giving them the hope of a brighter, stronger future.

Will you help unbox hope and give the gift of learning this Christmas?
Learn more and give today.

ANNABELLA'S STORY

2025 Christmas Project: Lina's Story

aheckman — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:25:00 +0000

2025 Christmas Project: Lina's Story aheckman Wed, 12/17/2025 - 17:25

2025 Christmas Project: Lina's Story

December 17, 2025 - Hiba Haddad

The 2025 NCM Christmas Project will provide hope for children in Jordan and Lebanon through Nazarene schools that provide more than just education—they offer a chance to grow, heal, and thrive.

Will you help unbox hope and give the gift of learning this Christmas?
Learn more and give today.

LINA’S STORY

Lina* is an 8-year-old student in 3rd grade at a Nazarene school in Jordan. She lives with her parents and one younger sister in a small home. When Lina first began attending the school, her parents were facing difficulties in their relationship, which deeply affected her.

Lina often came to school wearing unclean clothes, sometimes without having brushed her hair, and she frequently seemed sad and withdrawn. Despite these challenges, her teachers surrounded her with love and care. They brushed her hair, helped her feel comfortable, and encouraged her every day.

Slowly, Lina began to feel safe and supported at school. She started smiling more, participating in class, and enjoying time with her teachers and classmates. Today, Lina is thriving. She is an excellent student who loves her teachers deeply. When asked who her best friend in the class is, Lina quickly answers, “My teacher!”

Inspired by the care she received, Lina has begun helping other students in her class—sharing the same kindness and support that was shown to her. She dreams of continuing to grow, learning as much as she can, and always spreading love and care to others.

*Names are changed for protection.

2025 Christmas Project: Rami's Story

aheckman — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:54:15 +0000

2025 Christmas Project: Rami's Story aheckman Wed, 12/10/2025 - 17:54

2025 Christmas Project: Rami's Story

The 2025 NCM Christmas Project will provide hope for children in Jordan and Lebanon through Nazarene schools that provide more than just education—they offer a chance to grow, heal, and thrive.

Will you help unbox hope and give the gift of learning this Christmas?
Learn more and give today.

RAMI’S STORY

Rami* is a 15-year-old student in 9th grade who has attended the Nazarene school for nine years. He lives with his parents and two siblings in a modest home, and his family has always valued education and faith as foundations for a better future.

When Rami first joined the school, he struggled academically and often lost motivation. Studying felt difficult and he sometimes doubted his ability to improve. But over time, with the constant encouragement of his teachers and the support of his classmates, Rami began to change. The positive atmosphere at the school helped him believe in himself and work harder each day.

Through patience, guidance, and dedication, Rami transformed into a diligent and confident student. He now participates actively in lessons, helps others, and shows great progress in all subjects. His teachers describe Rami as polite, hardworking, and a role model for his peers.

“When I was younger, I didn’t believe I could be good at school,” said Rami. “But my teachers at the Nazarene school kept believing in me. They always told me I could do it—and now I know they were right.”

Rami says the school feels like a second home—a place where he feels loved, supported, and inspired to reach his goals. His story shows how the ministry of Nazarene schools in the Middle East continues to change lives by giving students hope, confidence, and the chance to succeed.

*Names are changed for protection.

2025 Christmas Project: Amira's Story

aheckman — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:09:49 +0000

2025 Christmas Project: Amira's Story aheckman Wed, 12/03/2025 - 17:09

2025 Christmas Project: Amira's Story

December 3, 2025 ~ Lara Mdanat

The 2025 NCM Christmas Project will provide hope for children in Jordan and Lebanon through Nazarene schools that provide more than just education—they offer a chance to grow, heal, and thrive.

Will you help unbox hope and give the gift of learning this Christmas?
Learn more and give today.

AMIRA’S STORY

Amira* is a 14-year-old student enrolled in a Nazarene school in Jordan and is a member of this year’s 8th-grade class. Amira came to the school eight years ago. She lives with her parents and two brothers in a modest home. Her family faces financial challenges, but they always encourage her to do her best in school.

When Amira was younger, she struggled academically and often felt discouraged. However, with the support and motivation from her teachers and family, she began to believe in herself and work harder. Her teachers noticed her improvement and praised her for her effort and persistence.

Amira now feels more confident and enjoys learning.

“I used to be afraid of making mistakes,” she shares. “My teachers taught me that trying is the most important thing. Now I love studying, especially English.”

The encouragement she received has made a big difference in her life. Amira hopes to continue improving and dreams of becoming a teacher one day so she can inspire other students in the same way her teachers inspired her.

*Children's names are changed for protection.

Where Families Flourish: The Tapestry of Little Lamb’s Compassionate Ministry Center

aheckman — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 18:22:05 +0000

Where Families Flourish: The Tapestry of Little Lamb’s Compassionate Ministry Center aheckman Thu, 10/16/2025 - 18:22

Where Families Flourish: The Tapestry of Little Lamb’s Compassionate Ministry Center

OCTOBER 16, 2025 ~ REV. DAWN M. RAMIREZ

“What do you do there?”
“Is there really that much need?”
“Who is welcome?”

These are the questions most often asked about Little Lamb’s Compassionate Ministry Center (LLCMC). As Executive Director, I have answered these questions countless times over the last 21 years, and I will continue to answer them wherever and whenever they are asked.

My first answer is always to invite folks to come experience us in person in Flint, Michigan.

Little Lamb's Compassionate Ministry Center in Flint, MI.

When a visit is not feasible, I offer the following:

We are a Nazarene Compassionate Ministry Center in Flint, Michigan, USA, where we serve in and throughout the surrounding community. Flint was once known as the birthplace of General Motors. Now, the name is synonymous with lead-contaminated drinking water and a cover-up of the crisis that followed. Flint is also home to vibrant and diverse cultures, important movements of racial reconciliation, and countless stories of hope.

For twenty-one years, LLCMC has been working toward our vision of a community without margins where families flourish. We do this by walking alongside families with children and offering hope by providing barrier-free resources. Barrier-free means no hoops to jump through—no documentation, zip code, or referrals required. Currently, we serve approximately 140 different families each month, including more than 300 children. Resources available at the center include everything from diapers and wipes to clothing and safe sleep items. For parents, we offer maternity clothes, bottles, formula, nursing items, and bags of groceries from our food pantry, all at no cost to the family. Each month, we connect, pray, laugh, and cry with moms, dads, abuelas, and tías, providing them with the resources they need to care for their families.

Rev. Dawn M. Ramirez, Center Director

Before the vision and mission statements, the buildings and the bags of baby bottles, LLCMC was an idea written on a napkin—an idea planted in the hearts of several women in Flint based on this understanding:

“Compassion has no limit; for the love of God has been poured into our hearts by His Spirit dwelling in each one of us, calling us to a life of devotion and inviting us to bloom in the garden where He has planted and directing us to radiate the beauty and spread the fragrance of His Providence."
– St. Francis de Sales (1567–1622)

Little Lamb’s CMC began in 2004 in a small room as an outreach ministry of a local Nazarene church. We moved into a separate church-owned building on the property seven years later. In 2017, LLCMC became a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and received status on the USA/Canada Region of the Church of the Nazarene as an official Nazarene Compassionate Ministry Center.

Over time, we realized the lack of mass transit was often a barrier for families to reach resources. We needed the ability to serve families when they could not come to us, and we launched a mobile unit to bring supplies directly to communities in need. Unfortunately, that vehicle was lost to a fire. In time, we created a second mobile unit, which became a key connection to families during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. Today, families can come to us—or we can go to them.

I know the Holy Spirit has guided us through every stage of this ministry, and we can testify to God's providence working through His people's provisions. In our most recent iteration, LLCMC became a property owner. In 2024, we purchased a building, doubling our space again, centralizing our location, and gaining access to a city bus route for the very first time.

Volunteers serving at the center.

As director, I have begun to see LLCMC as a tapestry, where many threads woven together form a picture. Our threads include weekly and one-day volunteers, churches, local agencies, small business owners who support us with collection drives, and donors.

Other threads are the families we serve. Their backgrounds are diverse—they speak English, Spanish, Farsi, and a variety of African dialects. Sometimes, a family’s season of need is brief. Other times, we walk with a family for years. Often, they return and become a part of the volunteer staff or a board member. Regardless of the length of time spent together, each family leaves an indelible mark on our staff and volunteers. Each family changes us for the better by inspiring curiosity, cultural empathy, and a deeper compassion that honors every person’s dignity—even when that means simply sitting with others in their pain. Truly, we are better together.

Flyer for a recent donation drive at LLCMC

The Master weaves these threads together, creating an image. The why of what we do and who we are is found within this image. If you turn the tapestry over to view the back side, you can trace the individual threads. Like life, it is messy. The front is where the individual threads disappear, and the image is revealed. For us, the tapestry of Little Lamb’s CMC is an image of ushering in the kingdom of heaven, now, in Flint, Michigan.

Prominently displayed at LLCMC are these words:

“Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours.”
– Teresa of Avila (1515–1582)

If you have questions about the work and ministry of the Little Lamb’s Compassionate Ministry Center, my invitation is the same: Come and see what God is doing here in Flint.

Rev. Dawn M. Ramirez is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene, where she serves as Executive Director of a Nazarene Compassionate Ministry Center in Flint, MI, and provides pulpit supply for the Eastern Michigan District. She and her husband, Dr. Benjamin Ramirez, are parents to three adult sons, two daughters-in-law, two teenage grandsons, and a variety of grand dogs and cats.

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Equipping Children, Transforming Families: Holistic Care in Nepal

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Two Mothers, One Story of Hope: The Impact of Child Sponsorship

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A Future Full of Hope for Cameroon's Children

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Faith that Does Not Falter

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Growing Together

Liana – A Place That Became Family

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2025 Christmas Project: Annabella's Story

ANNABELLA'S STORY

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2025 Christmas Project: Lina's Story

LINA’S STORY

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2025 Christmas Project: Rami's Story

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2025 Christmas Project: Amira's Story

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Where Families Flourish: The Tapestry of Little Lamb’s Compassionate Ministry Center

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