Originally Posted By Barbara M.I think someone mentioned a while back that some churches might be worried that people would use their tithing money to support this cause. Well, would that actually be so awful? Let’s see……something new for our church or……..releasing a child from poverty?……….Hummmm.

Barbara, yes, I think the fear of losing tithe monies is very real for many pastors/church leaders. And I don’t think it’s as neat and clean as “something new for our church” vs. releasing a child from poverty, especially in this economy. Even during the boom years, that was a real concern for many churches.

I really believe that, if every Christian tithed faithfully, churches would not have financial problems. But that is too far from the reality. I’ve never known a church in which every Christian/family returned a full tithe to the Lord, through the church. And the admonition is to “bring all the tithes into the storehouse,” which I’ve always understood to be the church where one worships. Many churches have trouble meeting payroll and most of the ones I have ever known were forced to pay their staff less than they could earn in secular jobs. Yet, “the laborer is worthy of his hire.”

So I am in sympathy with pastors and tell them that there are so many different ways to partner with Compassion, and very few need to touch the church budget. I also tell them we’re more interested in engaging the hearts of their people than in being a line-item in the budget.

Don’t think I have been innocent of lapsing into judgment against churches and church leaders who seem so untouched by the plight of the children. But God has brought me a long way, and I’m confident He will finish what He started!

Sara, did you attend the 2007 Advocates Conference in NY? I will never forget Wess’s making the point that our job is to keep putting one foot in front of the other, in the direction that God has set for us. That helped me, for a while, until I got down, again.

Lisa–thanks for sharing that angle, too!

Mary, I used to ask pastors (on first contact) if I could do a Compassion Sunday in their church. Then I heard someone translate that through a pastor’s ears: “I want your pulpit, your time and your money.” Great door-slammer! ) If you do become an advocate, know that terrific training is available in all aspects of Compassion’s ministry. Take advantage of such training, so that you’ll have a good grasp of the various ways a church can partner with Compassion. Then, when you have an opportunity to talk with a pastor, you can say, “We have these ways…; which avenue do you think would be most feasible for your church, and of greater interest?”

Kees–Move to Florida? Is that near Nineveh?? It would take a clear call of God to get me there! )

Britt and Chuck, thanks for your words and encouragement! I remember, too, a friend of mine pointing out, one time, that many seeds must be planted to grow a flower.

I hear the call on me to plant some more seeds!! God bless every one of you!

Hmmm…this sounds familiar – I too thought the same thing. I was disappointed, and began to think I “heard” God’s calling me to be a child advocate all wrong.

I read a book called “The Simple Path” by Mother Teresa and one quote has stuck with me-

“We are not called to be successful, we are called to be faithful.”

After I read that, I felt the huge weight off my shoulders. Isn’t it amazing how God speaks to us?!

Great post!!!!

I think back to my first introduction to Compassion when I was 18 years old. It was at a Christian concert. The lead singer who spoke that night was fantastic, but I wasn’t in a position to be a sponsor at that point in my life and I didn’t sign up — and who knows, he may have gone home feeling discouraged that he didn’t reach more people.

But the reality is I NEVER forgot his presentation — and years later when I was in a position to start contributing to an organization, Compassion International was the FIRST place I went to.

That musician planted the seed. He played an important role in teaching me about the problems faced by children in poverty. So whatever feelings he had about his presentation and its effectiveness that night — the reality is it had a powerful impact and a long reach.