The artwork of Tadheus Putra Restaquilla is vibrant, expressive and full of hope. It represents the passion for life that emanates from this 13-year-old from Java, Indonesia. His talent has been nurtured by the Compassion project he attends and encouraged by his sponsor.

  Before Tadheus was sponsored in 2002, he had only the very basic necessities of life in a small village. With a meagre income, there was little money left at the end of each month to buy the art supplies that Tadheus longed to have. In fact, the future was not at all bright for this young man. It is commonplace for the eldest son of a poor family to have to leave primary school and start work to help support the family.

However, through the generosity of a family in Australia, Tadheus was sponsored. With their support he received not just education but also health care, Christian teaching and healthy meals. This eased the burden for Tadheus’ parents, who also have a daughter. Tadheus’ mother is very grateful for the opportunities her son has been given through sponsorship. ‘My prayer is that he will develop his talent fully to the glory of God,” she said.

 In addition to the practical benefits he received at the Compassion programme, Tadheus was encouraged to pursue his talent in art. He wanted to share his passion with his sponsors, and when they saw the vivid colour and design created by a child living in poverty, they knew that he had a special gift. For Tadheus, using his artistic gift and being able to help other children like him is just one way he can live out what God has put in his heart. His own words sum it up best, ‘I’m very happy to serve the Lord with the talent I have.”