Christians from 11 fellowships united in worship at a Songs of Praise evening, held on Saturday, to celebrate the work of Compassion UK. The event took place at Deer Park Baptist Church, Tenby, and was led by Rev. Peter Richmond.

The evening opened with the rousing hymn 'Thine Be the Glory', led by John Harrison on the organ. Amongst the hymns of praise, the Rev. Peter Richmond introduced the work of Compassion, showing how children in desperate need across the globe are rescued from poverty and pain as a result of Compassion's child sponsorship scheme.

"Every three seconds a child dies from poverty- related causes. It takes just a moment to change a child's life forever. By supporting Compassion and sponsoring a child, you can reach out to those in desperate need and provide them with the skills and opportunities to break free from poverty and build a bright future," said Peter Richmond, reflecting the heart of Compassion's work with children.

Compassion work across the globe through their child sponsorship scheme, responding to children's physical and spiritual needs. The charity, once supported by UK relief and development agency Tearfund, is now an independent agency which encourages close relationships between sponsors and individual children, working with the local church.

The evening continued with Hesed Christian Fellowship's performance of 'Oh Lord, you are my God' and Peter Richmond introduced Margaret Banfield. Margaret joined Compassion by sponsoring a girl from Uganda, who has a difficult family background of loss, sickness and poverty.

"We look at our children, so well clothed, with healthy food and excellent education, and we give thanks. Yet, some children have no food or clean water; decent education or clothes would be a luxury," said Margaret.

"I now know that at least one child has been spared from this life of poverty. I receive four letters per year from my child, who is now in school, receiving Bible teaching, has nutritious food and decent health care, and it's all because of Compassion's work."

The Cold Inn Choir then performed a lovely version of 'Wonder of Wonders', and this was followed by a video showing how the work of Compassion has changed lives.

During a short interval, people were encouraged to consider sponsoring one of the six children who had been specially chosen for the evening:

"You would be adopting responsibility for these children. You may feel that you can't change the world, but you can change the world for one," said Peter Richmond.

The evening continued with John Harrison's stirring rendition of 'Trumpet Voluntary' by Jeremiah Clarke which explored the range of the pipe organ.

After more songs of praise, Patrick Ovenden gave a moving performance of a song by Adrian Snell that reflected the heart of Compassion's cause: the Father's love to a child.

Paddy had been 'quietly' learning the soprano saxophone since Christmas and used it in public for the first time during this song, the church echoes adding to its distinctive tone.

Jackie Rhodda then sang a solo, 'Behold the Man' by Jimmy Owens. Accompanied by Paddy on keyboard, Jackie sang with a sweet, powerful voice and hit all the high notes perfectly.

The evening concluded with a very moving film, showing a Compassion sponsor meeting their adopted child in Bolivia. The sponsor wept as he saw the vast poverty and pain in the family. He prayed for the child as he held him in his arms; he had given that child hope and as a result of the sponsorship programme, the young boy could look to a brighter future.

Thanks were expressed to all who were involved in the evening and the final hymn was 'O for a thousand songs to sing'.

As a result of the evening, three new children were sponsored. Donations on the night amounted to £189.90.

If you would like to hear more about the work of Compassion or Tearfund, please visit http://www.compassionuk.org">www.compassionuk.org and http://www.tearfund.org">www.tearfund.org