Sept 20 2026

Compassion Sunday
Written By Phil Johnston

The heart of a Rust City Group is to care for people and carry the culture of Rust City Church.

You don’t have to follow this guide like a script! Use discernment from the Holy Spirit as you lead your group discussion.

If you notice that someone in your group needs additional care or support that’s beyond your capacity, please let a pastor know.

ICEBREAKER QUESTION OPTION:

What is a favorite autumn activity for you or your family?

Compassion Sunday

SPEAKER: Keewani Cook

Scriptures—

Jer. 29:11-13; Phil. 1:6; Matt. 25:40

Key Takeaways—

Core Theme - From Poverty to Purpose

  • Keewani grew up in the Philippines in extreme poverty, facing hunger and lack of medical care. She shared how her father’s life-changing encounter with the Gospel transformed their family.

  • Through the Compassion program at age seven, Keewani began to understand her identity as a child of God, moving from feeling hopeless to believing in a future.

  • She defied the odds to become a high-achieving student, later working as a Physical Therapist in the United States, proving that her situation did not define her destiny.

  • Keewani and her husband now sponsor six children, emphasizing that God blesses us to be a channel of blessing to others, demonstrating that our resources can impact generations.

Discussion Questions—

  1. How does Keewani's distinction between her "situation" and her "destiny" change the way you view your own current challenges?

  2. How does knowing that God has a specific plan for our lives change our daily outlook?

  3. Why do you think we sometimes struggle to trust God’s provision when we are in a season of waiting or lack?

  4. In what ways can we better listen to the Holy Spirit’s promptings when it comes to being the "hands and feet of Jesus" for those in need - whether in our home, our community or across the globe?

Practical application—

Consider implementing one of the following this week:

Option 1: Meet a Need

Reflect on your own budget - especially the extras we spend money on - and prayerfully commit to sponsoring a child or supporting a mission project this fall or beginning in January.

Option 2: Take Responsibility For What You Know

Keewani's father noted that we are accountable for what we know. List three ways you can act on your faith this week based on the truths you have heard in the Word - either this Sunday or in your private Bible study.

option 3: Pray For Persistence

Like Keewani, choose one area of your life where you feel stuck and commit to praying Jeremiah 29:11 over that situation daily for the next month.

Closing Prayer—

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your unwavering love and for the reminder that nothing is impossible with You. We thank You for the story of Keewani, which testifies to Your goodness and power.

Help us to see our neighbors through Your eyes and give us the courage to be generous with the resources You have entrusted to us. Use us to be a hope for the broken, and may our lives bring glory to You alone.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Phil Johnston
Next

Sept 13 2026