international compassion

Since you can obviously see the title before reading the contents of this post, let me steer your opinion back. Yes, I know there are people in the United States who are very much in need, but they're not nearly as needy as the rest of the world. Let me explain.

In addition to preaching about the path to heaven, as I wrote about yesterday, my Pastor preached Sunday about how rich Americans are. Not to steal his sermon, but just to share with you ... Americans are the richest people in the world - "richer than nearly 70% of other people in the world."

You're not as rich as your neighbor, but you're probably richer than your parents, who are richer than their parents. The girl you work with drives a nicer car than you do, but hey, at least you have transportation. Oh. You take advantage of public transportation, you say? Then you no doubt have shoes on your feet so you can walk in the cold to the bus stop. Consider the people in other countries who don't have shoes. The ones who have no job to walk to or a bus coming along to take them anywhere. The ones who have no means of providing for their family because where they live, there is no money to be had.

We can't save the world, but we can each save a life.

James and I sponsor a child through Compassion International. His name is Daniel, he is three, and he lives in Ecuador. He is the most precious child - a sweet innocent face and the darkest hair. I have never met this angel, but I feel love for him. Looking at his sweet face melts me. I know that my meager monthly contribution is helping him and his family, and that's perhaps why my heart is so tender for him.

Daniel spends his days among Compassion workers, most likely in a church, where he hears Bible stories, learns about Jesus and plays to his heart's content while his mother works. She is an only parent and his grandmother lives with them. Daniel's pastor and teacher have written to me on his behalf, and I long for the day when he will learn to read and write on his own. Having a connection with a child the same age as my youngest makes him so much more real to me. If there were a way for me to visit him in Ecuador, I'd be on the plane in a second. To snuggle that sweet baby boy would be as wonderful as scooping up and loving my own.

There are many more children in need of someone to care. It's not all about the financial gift you can give them, but the relationship. We don't always know which of our words are going to stick with someone, making an impression that we couldn't have foreseen. God willing, the letters that are read to Daniel, crafted by my hand, will sink into his heart and he will feel loved. I encourage you to learn more about Compassion and see if your heart is led to help.

About Compassion
Make a Donation (included are special projects for AIDS, Malaria, Disaster Relief, Medical Assistance and more)

Help a Child

Praying for children in need,

Gettin' Her Groove Back: 3/60

daniel's smile

Today we "adopted" a child. Daniel is 3 - not quite three months older than my Jackson - and from Ecuador. His smile is infectious and I am anxious to receive our packet all about him.

Daniel is a Compassion child and there are many more children just like him who are in need. While he does have the support of his mother and grandmother, Daniel does not have a father figure at home, and the earnings in Ecuador are meager.

You may be asking yourself why we chose to sponsor a child when our pennies are already being pinched. The answer is simple. Our life as Christians is about doing for others, especially the less fortunate. Who better to receive the blessings of healthcare, education, food and clothing than a child?

Being a sponsor is easy and you can choose your own child. Search by gender, age, country, and even birthdate to pick a child in need. The cost is $38/month. That's several days' worth of venti fresh-brewed Starbucks. I think giving up your coffee in exchange for a better life for a child is do-able.

For a real glimpse of Compassion children, read Ann Voskamp's blog about her recent trip to Guatemala where she was able to visit the child she sponsors. This was all it took for me.

Loving children for Jesus,

Help a Child