I remember the day that the Compassion Experience landed on our church campus. After the service we walked through as a family and couldn’t help but be moved by the personal stories of extreme poverty and Compassion International’s dedication to release them from poverty as they simultaneously share the love of Jesus!
My young daughters were drawn to the picture of little girl in Tanzania by the name of Julieth. They asked, “Can we sponsor her, Mama? Can we, please?” And of course, I said yes. At the same time, my husband holding his own packet from El Salvador of a little boy sporting white tennis shoes by the name of Jaime. When I asked him why he picked Jaime he said, “Because it says here that he’s fatherless and I’d like to speak life into him.”
After months of correspondence with both Julieth and Jaime, I received an invitation to visit El Salvador with Compassion. Knowing I would be able to meet Jaime face to face, the decision to go was easy. And I’m so glad that I did, because not only did I get to spend a wonderful day with Jaime, but I also learned more about Compassion and how they truly invest in the children that we sponsor, caring for their physical as well as spiritual needs.
To me the fact that Compassion is first and foremost Christ-centered is a game changer. There are several non-profits that do good deeds, but Compassion takes it to the next level by sharing the good news of Jesus in a culturally relevant, unconditional way.
I witnessed first hand the impact that Compassion has on the life of a child (read here for more information on my trip to El Salvador). But equally as important, I saw the impact that giving to others in need had on MY life. I had no idea how much investing in Julieth and Jaime’s lives would change me as a Christ-follower. Jesus said that we are to be a light to other people. We are called to live so that when others see the good things that we do, they will want to praise our Father in heaven (see Matthew 5:16). What better way to let your light shine to the uttermost parts of the world than by releasing a child from poverty in the name of Jesus!
I am clearly passionate about the work that Compassion International does and I would love for you to join me. You can do this by sponsoring a child of your own for only $38 per month. I am also qualified to speak to groups on behalf of Compassion International and would welcome the opportunity to introduce you to the full Compassion experience.
Your willingness to SHINE YOUR LIGHT on a child in poverty will have a lasting impact for generations to come. Now that’s what I call Reflecting Light!
I’m so glad you focused on this ministry. I volunteered with Compassion at Temple in Ruston today & of course, I sponsored a child, a precious girl from Ecudor. Thank you again.
Geralyn, I am so thankful for your beautiful, light-filled heart. Your sponsored child will have such a blessing in you and your prayers.
Thank you! (and I do know how to spell Ecuador! Oops!)