Comments on: Give a Gift, Not Guilt

By: Clarice Seipp

Clarice Seipp — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:23:19 +0000

I so Agree with you Shelly

By: Jan V.

Jan V. — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 22:02:28 +0000

My husband pastors a small gospel-preaching church resulting in a small income. We currently sponsor four beautiful children not because we can afford to, but because we can’t afford not to. Over the years, the Lord has allowed us to “adopt” nine precious children. Although some have graduated and left the program, we look forward to spending eternity with them. Thank you, Compassion, and to God be the glory!

By: Steven N

Steven N — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:39:51 +0000

Remember that Jesus is the “Bread” that people need. By sponsoring these children that is MOST important. We “will always have the poor amongst us”, not only the poor in riches, but the poor in Spirit, the poor body, the poor in love ……

Blessings
S

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 04:42:58 +0000

I once had someone tell me what a great thing I was doing and that I was a hero. At the time, i only sponsored one child. I said that I have the easy part… I write the letters, I pray and I send the check. My child is the actual hero. He has to live the life.

By: Monica Koors

Monica Koors — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:23:06 +0000

Eight years ago my sister told me about the children of Compassion and God put it on my heart to sponsor a child. I thought I would be blessing her but I can’t tell you how much of a blessing her precious heart has been to me. While my children were wanting a third pair of black shoes, she was so gracious and thankful for the new brass bucket her family had received to carry the water to their hut without it leaking out. It was so heartwarming to hear how Jesus had made all the difference in her life. I am so thankful that God led me to Compassion, I have been so very blessed! monica

By: Ellie Campisano

Ellie Campisano — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:47:20 +0000

Hi Amber,
Thanks for sharing your reflections about Wendy Kopp’s presentation at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. It was a fantastic conference overall, and we’re glad you found Wendy’s thoughts on the importance of service so valuable. We are so excited about continuing to grow our movement, and want leaders to join us. If you, or someone you know, is interested in learning more or joining our movement, please visit http://www.teachforamerica.org/jointhemovement.

Thanks,
Ellie Campisano
Recruitment Coordinator, Faith Community Relations Team

By: Kees Boer

Kees Boer — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 16:30:33 +0000

Hi, Heather,

Don’t give up on him. I remember about 6 years ago, trying to convince a pastor that it wasn’t our responsibility to help the poor. Also, I spoke with a person about 1/2 year ago and talked with him about sponsoring a child with Compassion. His response was that it wasn’t our responsibility, but it was the responsibility of the government of that particular country. Today, he sponsors someone for a month and I think he has already written 4 or 5 letters!

Kees

By: Shelly Quigg

Shelly Quigg — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 15:04:57 +0000

Heather,

I’m sorry about your experience with the Christian man, but I am sorry to say that I understand his attitude. There was a time when I felt similar things. I am ashamed to admit it, but for years I heard of AIDS/HIV in Africa and how millions were going to die from it. I thought that maybe their deaths were for the best, because there was no hope for their lives anyway. I would think that with fewer people, there would be more food and resources available. When I sponsored my first child, I chose a child from Latin America. They looked more “like me” and didn’t have that whole AIDS mess to deal with. This was, of course, BEFORE God placed His love in my heart for the children there. Now I realize the worth of each child/person in Africa. After learning the personal stories of Ugandan children from the bloggers in February, I started sponsoring a child there as well. God loves each of them and so should I. Their lives are no less meaningful than mine. Our excess resources should be used to help those in poverty. My help may not save lives, although I hope it does.
As Amber wrote in her book Hope Lives, “…my service can’t be contingent upon ‘success’. It can’t be contingent upon me getting anything in return for my service. Of course I will receive a benefit -in serving others, my soul will probably be changed far more than any I serve- but my payoff can never be the motivation. Jesus gave everything but it didn’t always ‘pay off’. Many turn their backs on his grace. But he still gives and loves. I want to love as Christ loved, unconditionally. I want to show Christ’s mercy, not make a spiritual investment or deal.”

I pray that God will soften this man’s heart as he has mine.

Shelly

By: Heather

Heather — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 07:32:45 +0000

I love this post! It hits the nail on the head so to speak. I feel for you Shelly because Ive run into the same thing.This well to do older Christian retired man always talks to me about Africa and the poverty there.Ive told him of Compassion and even mentioned WorldVision 4 good measure. His response was shocking.He said tht the people there were all going to die anyway so why help..I also mentioned Ethos Bottled water and how they built wells in Ethiopia with some of their profits and he said Why should we help Ethiopia? Theyll never be able to do anything for us.I about cried! Such a cold heart!Ive met athiests more caring.

By: Kees Boer

Kees Boer — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 18:51:30 +0000

Hi, Ken,

I feel the same way. I would feel it would be a bigger sacrifice to not sponsor the children than to sponsonr them. It’s actually not a sacrifice at all. Just like a father doesn’t think how burdensome it is to sacrifice for his children.

Kees