Philippines: Never wonder again if your participation matters

As you look at the face of this child, you're seeing the face of an entire generation. Left to die, barely breathing, Michael was found by our team in the slums of Baseco, Philippines. Baseco is home to over 70,000 people living in extreme poverty.

This photo communicates more than words can articulate. And it speaks of more than the life of one four-year-old. It screams of a multitude of starving stomachs and starving souls, trapped in a world with no clean water, no medical care and no escape from devastating poverty. Baseco is rife with disease, destitution and unsanitary living conditions.

Yet, in the heart of this hell on earth, a handful of faithful Christian workers are laboring to make life better. And lives like Michael's are being miraculously revived. When he was picked up from the stairs and brought back to consciousness, it was clear Michael had never known love. Writhing in fear and covered in filth, the boy's first instinct was to run and hide. But the persistent love and attentiveness of the ministry team here eventually won Michael's trust.

Today, Michael and over sixty other children are being cared for and ministered to five days a week at one of two feeding centers in Baseco. As the photos reveal, life for Michael is much different today.

World Challenge's feeding ministry, Please Pass the Bread, supplies these feeding centers with a steady flow of clean water and nutritious food. We also help local Christian workers bring God's love to hungry children and their families. At times our efforts in Baseco can seem dwarfed by the immense need in the community. Yet one by one, lives are being rescued and changed – and the impact is profound and lasting.

We have told you Michael's story to thank you for your support. We at World Challenge have pledged never to plead for finances. We know that if we are doing God's work his way, he will provide. The Holy Spirit is the one who moves hearts to respond. On behalf of Michael and every child he represents, thank you. Your help is making a difference!