Move With Compassion: A 7-Day Advent DevotionalНамуна

See: Poornima’s story

Poornima should have been filled with excitement as she prepared to welcome her second child into the world. But the joy of her pregnancy was shattered when she received news that her husband had passed away, drowning at sea.

That was two years ago. Since then, Poornima has had to fight to keep a positive mindset as a single mother to one-year-old Levon and six-year-old Niyon. The pain of her loss isn’t helped by the frequent high fevers that her younger son Levon gets, which causes him to have fits. But amid her struggles, her Compassion Center has stepped in to provide relief and support.

“In the toughest times, the center has been there for me. They always support me and tell me that I can get through, even when I don’t see it,” says Poornima.

Poornima deals with the tricky balance of Levon’s need for constant medical care, along with dropping off and picking up her elder son Niyon from school. Because of this, finding a job to support her and her boys has been very difficult—but the Compassion Center knew she would need an income, not only to provide for her children but also for her own confidence in a future without her husband.

At the Compassion Center, Poornima and other mothers like her are taught how to make candles that they can then sell to shops. Now, Poornima can make 70-100 candles each day, all while being at home taking care of her children. The Compassion Center also supports her son’s medical expenses, along with providing food packs and emotional support.

“If this center was not there, I wouldn’t have the income I am getting now. I am here because of the love and care given to me by the staff. They always call and check up on me, and I know they are always there for me,” says Poornima.

Through the constant support they have received, Poornima and her sons have seen Christ’s love break into their greatest times of grief and need. Christ has been faithful to meet Poornima in her deepest sorrows with compassion.

Poornima supports her children by selling her homemade candles.

Feel: Jesus’ heart

When Jesus saw people in pain, His heart led Him to grieve alongside them.

Move: Your action

When Poornima lost her husband, she found friends at the Compassion Center who gave her the emotional support she needed to keep going during her grieving. Look at the people in your life that you have invested in—friends and family. Who could you give a shoulder to lean on in this season?

Reach out to a loved one who is struggling and be present, whether that be through an encouraging word, through prayer, or by spending time with them.