Why I Love Compassion International

It's been a while since I've blogged for Compassion. It's also been a while since I volunteered for one of their events (both things I am going to have to change this year). But I had an experience this week that I want to share with you.

There are a lot of child-sponsorship organizations out there, but I've gone through Compassion International for over ten years now for a reason: they care about people. They care about the children and families they minister to, certainly, but they also care about their sponsors and partners.

I could tell you about how more than 80% goes directly to the sponsored communities or how they consistently receive the highest ratings from independent charity investigators, but I'm not going to. I have three personal incidences that I want to share with you that emphasize what I passionately support Compassion.

1. Forgiveness

Several years ago, I was between jobs and, due to an error (on my part) saving my debit card on the website, I fell many months behind. Like, hundreds of dollars behind. Thanks to automatic withdrawals, I didn't pay attention to the envelopes coming in. I had no clue until they called asking about it. Making only $50 a week, there was no way I'd be able to pay that back. I was near tears and in shock, and didn't want to have to give up my sponsored child (although I knew they would cover that child's sponsorship until a new sponsor could be found). But then the operator said something amazing. Compassion was going to wipe my debt and give me a fresh start. That started the tears, for sure. The man on the phone was so kind, even though I'm sure he was following a script. I fully believed in that moment that he and Compassion knew life happens and truly forgave the debt. If any organization practices what they preach, it's Compassion.

2. Accountability and Integrity

A few months back I received a letter from Compassion that the community center my child was a part of was being less than honest. They didn't tell the details, just that their standards for distribution and honor were not being followed. They were working with the community leaders and had given them 60 days to show improvement or Compassion would have to pull their support from the area. I received three more letters on the subject, keeping me informed along the way. Fortunately, everything was resolved and support continues in this area of the world.

One of the things I love about Compassion is that they work with local centers that are already making a difference in their communities. They don't come in as the "American Savior", but partner with the local church to empower communities. This incident helped confirm for me that Compassion is serious about how the money they collect is used. More importantly, they give chances. They extend forgiveness. While mistakes were made by leaders in the community, Compassion didn't immediately abandon ship. They worked with the local leaders to resolve the issues for the sake of those in need, and kept the sponsors informed of everything happening.

3. Birthday Wishes

My birthday was this week. I got a call a few days ago that I ignored because I didn't recognize the number. When I finally listened to the message, I found it was someone from the Compassion Advocate Program wishing me a Happy Birthday! I joined the Advocate Program about a year ago, and regrettably haven't done as much as I would've liked for them over the past year. But Compassion cares about people, so I got a personal phone call for my birthday. Does your child sponsorship program do that?

I adore everything that Compassion does for children and families struggling in the world. I passionately support their ministry and will continue to sponsor children through them for as long as I am able. If you would like to support a child through Compassion, click here.

My Journey With Compassion....So Far.

It's not even 11am yet, and I've spent the last 40 minutes or so tearing up on my couch and wondering just how much of a bad idea it would be to empty my savings to go on a Compassion trip. Currently, there is a team of Compassion bloggers in Uganda, touring the centers and meeting the children and families supported by Compassion.

And the stories they are sharing are breaking my heart, then putting it back together. Stories of brokenness, of slavery, of hopelessness. Stories that make you realize that sometimes, doing everything is not enough. But then, then there are stories of hope and restoration. Of what Compassion does in the lives of "the least of these". Of what it's like to meet a child you sponsor. And both ends of the spectrum have me a blubbering mess.

And I want to hop on a plane to go join them. And someday, I will. But now is not my time. But just because I can't get on a plane right now doesn't mean I can't make a difference. I can continue to support the child I sponsor. You can do the same. Compassion's goal is to get 400 children sponsors during this trip. You can click here to see the list of kids in Uganda needing sponsors. As I write this, there are 3386 kids on the site needing someone to give them hope. Will you be that person?

The more I become involved with Compassion, the more I absolutely love the organization. I first heard about Compassion in high school, and have sponsored 4 children (at different times) since then. Through sponsorship, I have had the opportunity to interact with this amazing organization in several ways. At different times over the years, I have seen what happens if a child moves away from a center, what happens if a sponsor can no longer afford to continue, and what happens if you get behind in your payments. Every time, Compassion has responded to the situation with grace and hope for all involved.

Then, about a year ago, I started blogging for Compassion. It is such a pleasure and honor to receive the emails from Bri and the team with an assignment. Over the past few months, I haven't been so great about Compassion blogging. For that, I apologize, and commit to get back at it this year. How can I not blog about something so close to my heart? I love having the opportunity to share what this great organization is doing in the world.

In December, I had my first experience working a Compassion table at a concert. A friend's father is a Child Advocate and invited us along. I never realized that the people working the Compassion table at events aren't employees or regular event staff! I had such a good time that I came home and looked up how to become one of those volunteers. I am now officially a Compassion Child Advocate! In the process, I learned so much more about Compassion and what they do around the world. With everything I learned, my respect for and love of this organization grew.

There are a lot of organizations out there helping children and families. There are others offering child sponsorship. So why do I think Compassion is the best choice?

Five Things I Love About Compassion:

1) Holistic Care. They don't just throw money at the problem and hope it will go away. They partner with the families to meet physical needs as well as spiritual, emotional, and educational needs.

2) Church Partnership. Compassion doesn't set up centers around the world. They partner with local churches, enabling them to be the hands of Christ, as they should be. Rather than start something new, or promote themselves, Compassion relies on the people who know their community best, and then creates a bond between those communities and the sponsors.

3) Life-Long Commitment. They are invested in helping children in every season of life, from providing prenatal care to scholarships and university-level leadership training, through their four different programs.

4) Integrity. They are trustworthy and transparent. Every year they publish their financial reports on their website for anyone to see. They have received the highest ratings from Charity Navigator for over 5 years in a row. Plus, they operate based on the "Four C's" that set them apart from others.

5) Financial Responsibility. Your money goes exactly where they say it will. They are committed to making sure at least 80% of all their money goes to the programs and children they are working with. Usually, they surpass this goal. Last year, nearly 85% of all income went straight to the children.

This has been a long post, so thank you for sticking with it. By now, I hope I've convinced you that Compassion is an amazing organization making a difference in this world one child at a time. And I hope you've been inspired to join forces with them. Whether you decided to sponsor, blog, advocate, or a mix of these opportunities, you will not be disappointed. Your life will be changed in ways you never expected.

Do you sponsor? Did you decide to sponsor after this post? Share in the comments!

Live58

(Look! It's a button for my Freedom Friday series! It still needs a little tweaking, but I'm digging it. Thanks Leah!)

Someone shared an amazing video with me this week and you guys HAVE to watch it. It's called 58: The Film. It's about an hour long, but seriously, go check it out right now. You can see it on Netflix, or on their website. Go watch. I'll wait...

Wasn't that a great film?! I was stunned by how amazing the visuals were, the stories, the hope. I believe this film did a great job of not only painting a picture of what poverty really looks like in the world today, but of giving hope of a better tomorrow.

Some of my favorite parts was anytime Wes Stafford was talking. You can see this man's passion for the poor and orphaned leaking out of him when he speaks. And the whole retelling Bible stories while in the locations they happened was phenomenal. I got chills a few times. Actually, I think I experienced the entire range of human emotion during this film.

I've always loved Isaiah 58, so this film was right up my alley, and I loved every second of it. I hate that people live as shown in the film. I hate that this kind of injustice exists. That my life in the US practically depends on the forced labor of these beautiful people.

But I love the hope Isaiah 58 and this film provide. Because God says it doesn't have to be this way. God says chains can be broken and burdens eased. The oppressed can be set free. The hungry can be fed and the naked clothed. And He says that I can be a part of it! And so can you!

Not only can we be a part of it, but He expects us to. Compassion (i.e. love) should be a part of our DNA. The possible actions to show compassion are even more numerous than the people in need of love. Some ideas:

Sponsor a child with Compassion International. It's only $38 a month to save a child from poverty, illiteracy, trafficking, and more. That's less than ten bucks a week. Let's be honest, most of you spend more than that on coffee.

Fund an Exodus Road operation or investigator to find and rescue girls trapped in brothels. This month Exodus Road and their partners provided the intel for a massive rescue in Mumbai. Eighty-Nine girls are now free from sexual slavery because of the work they're doing. EIGHTY-NINE. Look! How amazing is this?!?! Read the story here.

[Source]

Love someone! This is the easiest and hardest step of all. Who in your neighborhood or city is in danger of going under? Find someone around you who needs love and bring it to them.

For more ideas, check out Live58.org. Then just start looking. Once you decide to open your eyes to the issues in this world, you can't miss them. Poverty and injustice are everywhere. Decide to be a part of the solution and find your place! Together we can see poverty destroyed in our lifetime.

What did you think of the film? What jumped out to you the most? How do you fight injustice?

Not Enough Tears

Welcome to Freedom Friday!

Freedom Friday is the time I share about all things justice, whatever comes up or comes to mind. I know it's been a few weeks, but eventually I'll make this a weekly thing. For now, I'm aiming for at least once a month, hopefully twice.

This week's Freedom Friday comes by way of a friend's newest music video, Not Enough Tears. Take a look:


Ever feel like that? Like there's not enough tears to cry because a situation is so bad? I know I have.

For the child with absentee parents,
The father struggling to provide for his family,
The family with no hope in a two-thirds-world country,
The young girl trapped in a brothel,
The parents watching their child slip away from illness,
The boy forced to be a soldier,
The woman and her children mourning her husband's murder,
The couple unable to have children,
The young man working long hours in a brick factory.

Sometimes the realities of these situations are so overwhelming that our tears seem inadequate. Why isn't the whole world outraged at this? Why am I the only one crying? Doesn't anyone else see these horrific tragedies? How are there not more tears shed for them?

It's at those times all we can do is let go and wait for rain. Wait for relief. Wait for rescue. But at the same time, we need to know that we've been given hearts that break for these situations so that we can take action. Sometimes God sends the rain, the rescue through us.

So cry the tears. Allow the broken heart. Then do something.

Need ideas? Here's 5 ways to take action against slavery from The Exodus Road:

1. Educate Yourself. Take some time to research the issue of modern day slavery. Check out the slavery map on FreetheSlaves.net. It’s a great resources. You may also want to visit CNN’s Freedom Project for resources and current news stories.
2. Write your Congressman. International Justice Mission does a fantastic job lobbying governments to make changes that support freedom. Stop by their site and sign their latest petition. You can visit them by clicking HERE.
3. Buy Fair Trade. Since the majority of slavery involves labor, make an effort (and spend the money) to purchase fair trade items as much as possible. This is a practical way you advocate for the oppressed as a consumer. Consider checking out places like TenThousandVillages.com or Yobel Market to shop for gifts, and take a few minutes to see what your Slavery Footprint is.
4. Socially Share. Commit that every time you see something about slavery or justice, you’ll take the time to share it with your online circle of influence. When you consistently share, you become an advocate for positive social change. Like anti-trafficking organizations on facebook and follow them on twitter– this will help abolition efforts to remain at the forefront of your attention, too. This is a simple, practical, and free way you can actively become an abolitionist.
5. Donate to Freedom Efforts. Find a specific organization that fights trafficking and do research on their efforts, their financials, their methods. When you feel good about their work, start by choosing a specific project that connects with you, like financially supporting prevention efforts in the United States with Love146 or helping a national undercover investigator with The Exodus Road buy a covert camera.

Other worthwhile organizations working against other justice issues:
IJM is combatting injustice by legislation.
Invisible Children seeks to end the atrocities of the LRA's child soldiers.
ONE fights against all areas of poverty.
Compassion provides hope for children and families living in poverty.

Whatever issue(s) stirs your heart, get out there and take action! Uses the tears as fuel to keep you going, and to wash away the hurt in the world.

What breaks your heart and makes you think there's not enough tears to cry? What do you do to end that issue? Please share!

Now, believe it or not, there is good news in the battle against injustice. This video from Bono is a little long, but it's worth watching. Extreme poverty can be ended in our lifetime, and we've seen crazy results over just the past ten years. I don't know about you, but I plan to continue fighting injustice, and to see extreme poverty and issues like slavery eradicated fully in my lifetime!

"We are going to win because the tears that come from our eyes, actually come from our hearts."

Servant Inspiration

Just when I was getting impatient waiting for a new assignment from Compassion, I open my email to find one!

ASSIGNMENT: 

Which Bible Verse Prompts and Guides You to Serve Others?

I read the email and thought about it for nearly a full day before starting this post. Why do I travel to bring hope and help to the hungry? Why do I blog about issues facing the voiceless in the world? Why do I stay up late to talk with a hurting kid or teen? What verse prompts me in my work? How do I choose just one?!

The answer is, I can't. I could probably do a whole series on verses that guides me towards compassion, but I'm narrowing it down to just two today. If you've been following for a while, you might know that I am passionate about all things social justice. Poverty, trafficking, orphans, clean water, health care...all of these things get me fired up. It's been a building awareness and subsequent action as I've grown older. 

My first missions trip was when I was 14 years old. It opened my eyes to the spiritual and financial poverty in the world, to the emotional and physical needs of the people in it. Meeting a fellow kid who's eyes were literally eaten from their skull by a parasite will do that to you. Since that trip, I crave servanthood. I am at my happiest and most fulfilled when I am helping. So where does that come from? What verses keep me going when I feel like giving up?

One simple verse I stumbled upon several years back, I think around my senior year of high school, has motivated me and keeps me remembering what's important.

All that matters is faith in Christ, which shows itself to the world as love. Another verse says they'll know us (Christ followers) by our love. Love for the least of these, love for the unlovable, love for the world. That's it. Faith and Love. Nothing else matters. 

Isaiah frequently inspires me, too, with so much to say about widows, orphans, the oppressed, the slave, but one of my newest favorite verses that I'm claiming for my life is from Psalms

 I absolutely LOVE this verse! It explains exactly why I do what I do. No one should be afraid of other people. No one should be able to abuse and oppress and terrify them.  I am blessed to be free from those things, and believe others should have the same blessing.

Like I said, this subject could be a whole series, but there's the quick version of why I serve. What inspires you as you serve others? Or what holds you back from serving?

Compassion Heads to Peru!

Join me in praying for and following the Compassion Bloggers who will be in Peru this week! Starting tomorrow,  they'll be sharing their adventures and everything that Compassion is doing in Lima. Following their journey is a great way to see this organization at work. Instead of just hearing the great things Compassion is doing from their spokespeople, you can hear it from people just like you and me! You can find all the blogger's information on Compassion's site, or follow my Pinterest Board for links to the blogs!

Thank You Compassioneers!

Well, it's over. And we did it!

Compassion's Blogging Month is over and we beat our goal! The goal was to get 3,108 children sponsored online during September. But we went over that and sponsored 3,159 children! Think about that: 3,159 kids have hope for the future because people like me and you stepped up to make education, health, and hope a reality for them! So from me, and them:
Thank You Sponsors! from Compassion International on Vimeo.

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

If you didn't sponsor a child, you can still save a life! Head over to Compassion's page and check it out! You can also sign up to be a Compassion Blogger here, it's not just a September special event! Together we can change the world for these precious future leaders!

Through the Eyes of a Child

This week's assignment for Compassion's Blog Month is to write from the perspective of a sponsored child. To do this, I'm going to use a dream I had last week. In my dream, I was in (I think) Africa, in a small village, visiting with Compassion (hasn't happened yet...but I'd love it to!) and I was visiting my sponsored child, a little girl with braids in her hair (At this time, I don't sponsor a girl, and have never sponsored a child in Africa....maybe I should?). This dream, this girl, will not leave my mind, so today's post is from her.

"I wake up on my pallet in the corner. It's too early to get up, but I'm too excited to sleep! The only sound in our little house is the flies buzzing around the netting over my bed, and my little brother snoring softly next to me. The sun is just starting to peek through the little window, but the day already promises to be very hot. There's a little breeze blowing the dust around outside. We haven't had much rain this year, and Daddy's worried because we won't have much food to harvest. Everything seems like another normal day, but it's not. Today's they day They come.

I lay in my bed thinking about Her. In the pictures in my Special Box, her skin is as light as the sand on the beach near Gramma's house. She wears big glasses on her eyes and has a big, happy smile. Her letters say she's a nurse, so I know she's smart and kind. The nurses that took care of Mama before she went to Heaven were smart and kind, too. In her letters, she always says I'm special and that she loves me. That makes me feel happy. For my birthday, she sent me new shoes, and a pretty doll. I've kept them nice and clean. Today I'll show her how good I take care of her gifts. And I'll tell her my alphabet, and my numbers, and my Bible verse. I'll show her how much I'm learning, and that I'm a good girl. While Daddy tried to get work yesterday, I cleaned the house so it is perfectly clean. She'll be so proud of me. And she'll know that I am glad she is my sponsor.

I've always lived in this house. Our  village is little, but there's lots of people in it. And lots of kids to play with! No one has much money, but we help each other how we can. When Mama got sick, our neighbors helped me take care of her while Daddy worked to get her medicine. Daddy worked a lot, then, because medicine is expensive. He wasn't home much. I stayed home to take care of Mama and the house, and to look after my brother. But nothing I did helped. Mama got sicker and sicker. Then, Daddy took her to the hospital a far way away. Me and brother went with them, because it was too long for us to stay alone. The hospital smelled funny. And there were lots of sick people. The doctors and nurses put needles in Mama's arm, to give her special medicine, but she still got sicker. I heard the doctor tell Daddy that it was too late, but they could make her comfortable. I didn't know what that meant. The nurses were nice. They always smiled at us, and gave me and my brother little treats. I would sit with Mama and talk to her, and tell her stories, and say I would make sure the house was clean until she was all better. But she didn't get better. One day, I woke up and Mama wasn't in her bed. Daddy was crying and said Jesus took Mama to Heaven. I wanted to go with her, but Daddy said I couldn't. He said Jesus needed Mama in Heaven, and for us to stay here. I cried too. My brother cried for Mama, too, but he didn't understand about Heaven. He's too little.

After Mama went to Heaven, I was in charge of cleaning the house while Daddy looked for work. His boss fired him when Mama went to the hospital, since he couldn't go to work, so he had to find a new job. Sometimes he found work for a day, but sometime he couldn't find anything. We didn't have much food. Sometimes we could only have a little rice at lunchtime, and nothing else all day. Every morning I would walk to the water hole to get water for the day. The water was brown and dirty, but it was the only water for a long long walk. My tummy felt yucky all the time, and hungry. I wished Mama would come back. Sometimes I would see kids walking by our village in their school uniforms, and they looked so happy with their books. I wanted to go with them, but Daddy said we didn't have the money. But She changed that.

One day, some people came to our village. They said they wanted us to have clean water, and healthy food, and to go to school. I wanted that, too, so did Daddy. But he said we couldn't, because we didn't have the money. But They said they could help. They used a big word, "sponsorship". I didn't know what it meant, even Daddy didn't! But They explained that it meant every kid would have a person from America or somewhere send money to pay for all those things. A Sponsor would pay for me to go to school and be healthy! And they would write letters so it would be like a friend, not just charity. Daddy wasn't too sure about it at first, but when the people told him all about it, he said he would do it for us. They took our pictures, and we had to see a doctor.

Soon, I heard that I had a sponsor! A lady from America! I drew a picture to send her, and my Daddy wrote her a letter. I didn't learn to write yet. The other kids started getting letters and pictures from their sponsors, and I kept waiting for one of my own. Finally, it came! I saw her friendly smile and learned her name, and felt so special because of her letter. I told my teacher that I wanted to learn a lot so I could make my Daddy proud, and make Her proud, and be a teacher myself someday. Or maybe a nurse. Or something else. Her help has made me healthy. My tummy isn't sick anymore, because I have good food. They put a water pump in our village, so we have as much clean water as we want. And I'm learning to write for myself. I can almost write a whole letter by myself! Daddy is happy I have a sponsor, too.

And today, I would get to meet Her, for real. Not just in a letter. Finally, Daddy wakes up and we get ready. I dress in my best clothes, with my pretty shoes. Then, we hear the car. They're here!! I run outside and join the other kids waving to the people getting out of the car. And I see her. My Sponsor! I'm so excited I can barely move! She sees me and comes to give me a big hug. She gives hugs like my Mama did, like grown up ladies do. I hug her back and give her a big smile. She talks to me, but the translator is distracted with another kid, so I don't know what she's saying, but I know it's good because she's smiling. She goes in her bag and pulls out a little camera, like they use at school to take our picture sometimes. She pulls me close and we take a picture together. She shows me on the back and it's us! Me and Her, hugging and smiling next to each other. I wish I could keep in in my Special Box. The translator is back. He says She will send me a copy of the picture when she gets home. I am so happy I give Her another hug. Teacher is telling all of the kids to line up so we can show what we've learned. I line up and see Her standing in front of me with her camera. I smile extra big as we say our letters, and numbers, and Bible verses. After, she hugs me and tells me she is so proud.

I look and see something muddy and yucky got in her hair. I show her and she nods. The translator says She has an idea. She asks if I can get a towel, and I ask why. She pulls out a small bottle from her bag. She says it's shampoo, and it smells good, and that we're going to wash our hair under the water pump. I laugh, and I'm excited so I run to get a towel. Daddy is standing at the house, smiling. He laughs and is happy when I tell him about my sponsor and her idea. When I come out of the house, it's gotten windy and there are dark clouds in the sky. She grabs my hand and we start running towards the water pump as big raindrops start to fall from the sky. She tosses the towel and shampoo under a hut, and spins me around and around, dancing in the rain. Together we laugh and smile, and dance in the rain, as it washes away the dust and feeds the ground.

I am so happy today. Today is the best day ever, and all because She came to visit. "

To make a difference in a child's life, please visit Compassion. Our goal is to get sponsors for 3,108 children this month, and we are less that 1,000 away!

Edit: I should probably note that all the details about this girl, her life, and her village are completely made up and from my own mind. Don't shoot me if that's not how it really works :)

It's a Twitter Party!

Are you on Twitter? 

I am, but I'm so bad about going on! I should work on that...but if you're there, join the Compassion team tomorrow for a Twitter Party! No calling in or RSVPing necessary, just log on and follow two of Compassion's bloggers: Amy Lupold Bair (@ResourcefulMom) who is hosting the event, and Shaun Groves (@shaungroves) will be chatting and taking your questions about Compassion's work and the impact bloggers are having! The party gets started at 7pm on Thursday the 20th, so don't miss out! Unfortunately, I'm working, so I'll have to just see what happened after :( 

Also, anyone who asks a question or makes a comment, using the hashtag #CompassionBloggers will be entered to win a prize! Plus, you can learn mroe about how to become a Compassion Blogger yourself. For more info, check out Amy's post here. 

In case you're not sure what's up with all this Compassion talk, let me fill you in! September is Compassion's Blogger Month where bloggers are coming together to break a record: we want to find sponsors for more than 3,108 children this month! We're over halfway there, so please consider joining the network to save children's lives and bring them hope. 

If you're on Twitter follow me @AspiringAshley7 and I'll follow back :)

Pin for Nithish

Meet Nithish. He's the boy I sponsor through Compassion International. He'll be 11 next month and lives in India.  This week's Compassion Blogging Month assignment gives me that chance to win a $100 gift for him! Will you help me?

Here's how. Head over to the Pinterest Board I've dedicated to Sponsorship and repin the one that looks like this:

Every repin gives me an entry to win a gift for Nithish! If you're not signed up for Pinterest, what are you waiting for?! It's fun and free! I'm a tad bit addicted to Pinterest. It lets me find things I find funny, things that entertain me, as well as keep track of things I want to use for craft projects or ministry events. Really, you can do just about anything with Pinterest! And now we can make a difference for our sponsored children! Right up my alley!

Now, if you'd like in on this deal for your own sponsored kid, you can read the official rules here. Also, fun fact: if you sponsor a child this week, not only will you be changing their life forever, but you're entered thirty times to win them a prize! So what are you waiting for? Sponsor a child today! We're halfway through Compassion's Blogging month and there are just over 1,500 children left to make records and change lives! Won't you join the movement?

P.S. If you join the Pinterest challenge, let me know! I'd love to follow you and return the repinning favor :)

God, It's Not Fair

This is post is part of Compassion's Blogging Month

Hi God. It's me. I've been putting this post off all week. This week's Compassion Assignment. One of few the reasons I'm doing it now is because I challenged myself to complete the whole Compassion Blogging Month, and the new assignment comes out tomorrow. I could say that I've been busy; I worked all week. I could say I was tired; I've been exhausted all week. I could say I was distracted. Those are all true, but  I don't think any of those things is the real reason for my delay.

I think the real reason is You. The assignment is to write You a letter about sponsorship. But what on earth do I tell You about it that You don't already know? Praying for the kids is great, but to do that for a whole letter seems like a Wish List of sorts...not that praying for kids is bad. I just want this to be more than "And bless this one and that one and give us this...."

I think one of the main reasons I've struggled is because when I read the assignment, the first sentence in my head was, "But God, it's not fair!" Because it's not.

It's not fair that these innocent, loving, deserving children are without so many basic needs when I and the people I love have so much. I mean, really. I heard today about a woman who's had 12 surgeries to make her breasts a size M. We don't even know what to do with all our money, and there's kids sick, and starving, and homeless all over the world! This issue, as with human trafficking just make me want to scream, "GOD, IT'S NOT FAIR!" while having a tantrum like a two-year-old.

Because it's not fair that I am sitting here with more electronics than I can count. With dozens of outfits in my closet, yet I complained this morning that I have nothing to wear. With so much food in my fridge and cabinets that it goes bad before I can eat it all. With instant access to medicine and treatment for any kind of ailment. With 4 Bibles on my shelf and endless information at my fingertips. With a safe, warm, comfortable place to live and sleep.

Yet, while I'm sitting here, there's a little boy watching his mother waste away from disease. There's a little girl being forced into prostitution. There's a mother mixing dirt into her child's food to help his belly feel full. There's a brother and sister working for their family's income, instead of going to school. There's a young man looking for hope and seeing only darkness. God, it's not fair.

Where's the line that decides who gets abundance and who goes without? What did I ever do to get in the abundance line, while those kids didn't? And if I can't stand it, how do You? When You hear their cries, see them in trouble, how can You not step in and save them from it? I suppose that's why You're God and I'm not. (Which is good, because I would never be able to handle the stress of running the universe!)

Lord, I know You're a just God. I know You work all things for Your good. And I know that this is a fallen world, but that just doesn't seem like a good enough reason for all the injustice around us. The one hope I have in this confusion of unfairness is that I know You have a habit of using the willing to change the world. And I want to help. Sign me up. I want to fix it. I want the world to be fair. It really irks me when people say "you can't save the world" because why can't I? I serve the One who created it, so why can't I save it? Obviously not on my own, but with Him I can...can't I?

Joseph did it. So did Esther. David. Moses. So why not me? True, right now I have no idea how to. I don't have the resources, or the training, or a full vision (yet), but that's never stopped You from using someone! So I start small. I change the way I shop. I change the way I live in and see the world. I sponsor a child. Maybe right now I'm not saving the entire world. But I'm saving the life of Nithish. Because of my sponsorship, he gets healthy food and water, clothes, school supplies, education and more. His life will be different. And maybe he goes on to do something amazing with his life. He uses the opportunities Compassion gave him and the education he receives to change his village. To make it a safe, happy, successful place. And right now I'm using my electronic blessings and social media to take a stand, to use my voice, so maybe a friend will step in to change a child's life, too. Then my World Saving Power has doubled. If it keeps going like that, pretty soon, I will save the world with You!

Is this why You let the world be unfair? To stir us to compassion, to have a passion to change the way things are? To get beyond our own lives and step into the hurt of someone else's? I wish the world was fair. I wish I didn't know the kind of horrors that happen in this world. But, at the same time, I thank You for opening my eyes to them. For giving me that passion to want to see change in the world and for showing me step by step how to make it happen. Lord, for all the tears and sleepless nights I've had (and am sure to continue having) over these issues, I pray that You would show up and show off to eradicate these nightmares from our world. Because without Your presence, it's all for nothing. My actions will only result in making me sick and tired.

But with You....with You, I can save the world.

Feguerson, Byukusenge, Marioly, Selenia

Today is the official start of the Compassion Blogger's Month! Yes, I've written two posts already about this, but this is the official start, since I've officially been given an assignment. And since I have an assignment, I'm giving you one, too.

Your assignment is to check out the Sponsor a Child page over at Compassion's site. As I write this, there are 86 pages of children waiting for sponsors on the main search page, for a total of 1706 children needing to know they're special and loved. Four of them have birthday's today. Wouldn't it be a great birthday present for them to be sponsored?

So here's what I want you to do. Go to the Sponsor a Child page. Look at these precious children. Look at their sometimes sad sometimes smiley faces and see the possibilities. Check out the different ways of sorting the massive list. Sort by age, country, longest waiting, orphaned, special needs, etc. Notice the ones with symbols on their pictures. Some of these children live in places know for exploitation and abuse. Others live in AIDS-affected affected areas. Still others have been waiting for a really long time. Many over six months, some over a year.

Then I want you to do something. Maybe you choose to pray for these kids. Pray for their lives, their families, their eventual sponsors. Maybe you'll choose to pray for yourself, that God would break your heart for what breaks His. That you would see "the least of these" as He sees them. Maybe you can use the page to learn about the different cultures represented by these kids. Maybe you use it as motivation to write your own post about Compassion, or to join the Compassion Bloggers Network. Or, maybe you will decide to sponsor a child of your own! Whatever route you choose, just do something to make an everlasting impact in the lives of these children.

Whatever gifting you have, you can use it to make a difference. Write, blog, vlog, sing, dance, pray, sponsor, visit...the opportunities are endless if you put your mind to it! So go check out the Sponsor a Child page and see what you come up with to change the life of a child!

Let me know what you decide to do! If you blog for Compassion (or fun) too, let me know. I'd love to follow :) 

Wondering about the title of this post? Those are the four children with birthday's today who are waiting for sponsors.

Represent

Last Sunday, I was teaching my kiddos a lesson about "Secret Servants", people who do good without expecting any rewards or recognition, simply because it's what God says is right. The memory verse was one I know I've heard a billion times in my life, but it hit me in a new way:

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:17, NLT)

We're not told to simply do all things for God, but representing God. Just as an ambassador for a country travels the world representing their home country, we represent our true home, the Kingdom of God. The ambassador is seen as typical of what people from that area are like. They are known for making decisions that best benefit their home country. They are the only glimpse of that country some people may see. The same is true for all believers.

In the words of my Pastor from a sermon this week, "You don't work for God, you work with God." God doesn't call us servants, but friends (John15:15). He lets us in on His plan and encourages us to use our gifts with His resources to effect change in our world.

So the question becomes, who are you representing with your words and actions? Would people be surprised to learn you are a Christian based on the 'you' they see everyday? Or do your actions express your passion for Christ?

As I shared last week, this month is Compassion Blog Month! I just keep getting more and more excited about this! Sponsoring a child is such an easy, rewarding way to represent Christ. (Note: This post didn't start as a plot to talk about Compassion. It just happened that way. Sponsorship is obviously not the only way to represent God in your life. It's just one.) For the price of one meal out, you can change the life of a child forever. The money will help send that child to school, provide clothes, healthy food, medical care, and everything needed to help that child grow and thrive! Plus, your sponsorship will open doors for you and your family to connect with another person and family that you may never have met otherwise. There are so many positives, there are really no negatives!

I just bought a birthday present for my Compassion child on their website, and this is what waited on the confirmation page:
Thank You Sponsors! from Compassion International on Vimeo.

How great is that! Made me smile like a dork. So if you're not a sponsor and want to have this kind of impact, head over to Compassion's website to make a difference in the life of a child!

Most of us will have no problem sparing the $38 each month. That's less than $10 a week. A lot of people spend more than that on coffee each week. But maybe you truly don't have it in your budget. Or maybe you're a child or teen yourself, and can't come up with that kind of money. If that's you, I have a suggestion. Find a friend (or two) and sponsor a child together! I even know of several classes that sponsor a child as a group. You all still benefit, and this child now knows that several people love and pray for them! I challenge you to take another look at how you spend your money, and see if you can help one of these children in need.

Compassion

I love Compassion. The organization, not just the idea of compassion (although I like that, too). I've been following a few bloggers who were called Compassion Bloggers. I figured they worked for Compassion or had a special arrangement with them. But it turns out, the only major qualification to be a Compassion Blogger is to have a blog! So I signed up about two weeks ago, and have been patiently awaiting my first assignment. Well, I just got an email declaring September Compassion Blog Month, so this is going to be exciting!

So what is a Compassion Blogger?

A Compassion Blogger is someone who has a heart for the children of the world and for the work Compassion is doing. Their job is to spread the word and raise excitement to end poverty and hunger around the world. They help get sponsors for children in need. Sometimes they even travel with Compassion to witness firsthand what goes on in these countries and to write about it for the rest of us! I'm so excited for this opportunity to write about something I'm passionate about, for an organization I'm passionate about!

I'm also looking forward to this for a personal reason. I have sponsored a few children since I was in high school, but I've always been really bad about writing to them. Especially lately with automatic payments, I barely think about it. I'm hoping that with this reminder to write about Compassion, it will be a reminder and motivation to write to my child and get to know him better.

So what is Blog Month?
Blog month is a month long celebration and challenge. Celebrating the power of many individuals coming together for a cause, and the challenge of getting more than three thousand children sponsors by September 30th. Every week, bloggers will be given a new assignment. So every week you can expect a new post from me about Compassion, poverty, children, puppies.... honestly, I don't know what the assignments are going to be, I just know they will be used to bring knowledge, empowerment, and hope to a dark world. To learn more about Compassion's Blog Month or to sign up, click here.

I'm very excited about this for so many reasons, and I hope you'll join me for the adventure!

Goals: The Beginning

So, I've been following a blog for a few weeks that does something I find kinda cool. She posts goals for each month and each week, then follows up at the end of the month/week on how she did with them. Her's are also broken into segments, like do, be, learn...but I'm not gonna go there yet. So, while I don't promise to keep it up, we're gonna try this whole monthly goals thing. And since we're halfway through the month, it will be a little easier- less pressure. Here are my goals for the rest of the month:

• Read and review one ARC in my pile
• Buy a new, whole-food vitamin
• Plan the whole of Missions Month for kids ministry
• Check my FICO Score
• Get my eating habits back under control
• Clean "The Pile" (you don't wanna know....)
• Decide what to study in my quiet time next
• Get a child from Compassion's Longest Waiting list sponsored

I would love for someone else to sponsor one of those kids and tell me about it, so I could feel better, but I think I may have to make some sacrifices and sponsor one myself. I already have one Compassion Kid, but the fact that some of these kids have been waiting for almost a year for someone to love them breaks my heart. Will you love them? Or do you already sponsor a child? Tell me about them!

So there you have it! My goals for the rest of this month. Now I have to do them, or let down the whole internet. Because, obviously, I'm that popular that the entire internet cares what's happening on my little 'ole blog!