Happy New Year!

As you reflect back upon the blessings and trials of the past year and pray about what the Lord has in store for you in 2012, we want to thank you so much for your commitment to children in poverty.

The children are truly are blessed by your passion and faith.

Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.

See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.

Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

– Isaiah 60:1-3 (NIV)

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Mirrors are excellent tools. I use one every day. Looking into a mirror is often one of my first actions of the day.

With mirrors I see details about myself I otherwise would not know exist.

For our physical well-being mirrors are important. Without them, who knows what we would look like?

But physical mirrors are not the only type of mirrors. There are spiritual mirrors we encounter as well. And they are all around us.

We may not always see them, but they exist and can show us a great deal about our spiritual condition.

Spiritual mirrors are not normal mirrors. They are not a tangible piece of formed glass hanging on a wall. Spiritual mirrors are people, experiences, challenges, tragedies, etc. that show us our spiritual maturity.

Spiritual mirrors often appear unexpectedly but reflect God to us forever. Without spiritual mirrors we cannot experience God fully.

When I was a newlywed, 23-year old seminary student, my wife and I were introduced to Compassion at a Michael W. Smith concert.

During a break we ventured to a table that was covered with spiritual mirrors. The pictures of the children needing sponsors invaded our hearts.

My wife and I picked up one picture after another, looking at the children and reading about their lives.

Although we had gone to in the concert to praise our God, He showed us more of who He is. And we were compelled to act.

“The righteous person knows the rights of the poor, but the wicked one does not understand these concerns.” — Proverbs 29:7 (HSCB)

The actions that blossom from our time spent looking in spiritual mirrors are so very important. They are important because through them we become a divine reflection of our God.

When we experience more of Him and we follow through with what we know honors Him we become like a mirror; we reflect His love, His mercy, and His truth to others.

Being a divine reflection brings glory and honor to our Savior.

Receiving letters from our sponsored child and seeing how he has grown is a tremendous blessing. Getting updates on his progress in school is encouraging. Understanding the environment he lives in is eye opening.

But sponsoring a child is not about us and it’s not about the children. It’s about God.

How has God used your child sponsorship experience to make you a divine reflection of Him?

What is keeping you from reflecting Christ more in your life?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Guy Burke is a husband and a father of two and has been a Compassion sponsor for eight years. He serves as Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church in Greenville, MS, and likes to share his teachings at www.ardorministries.com.

If you’re interested in writing a guest blog post, we are happy to consider publishing it. Read our guest blog post guidelines.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Last November I married Brett. I wish you could meet him. His heart for orphans and troubled youth is inspiring. When he asks questions, he genuinely cares about your answer. Being married to my best friend is one of my most cherished gifts.

However, he takes up a lot of time. Marriage takes up a lot of time.

A lot of my time used to go toward running, watching documentaries, or discussing the latest reality TV show. Now much of my time is invested in learning about my husband and how to love him well.

For instance, did you know men usually leave their socks on the floor, even though the hamper is only inches away? Or that it’s not fair to just assume your husband wants to watch a romantic comedy?

I still want to save the world, but before I do, I need to figure out what to make for dinner.

Before marriage, I never worried about cooking. In fact, I used the oven in my small apartment for extra storage space for my shoe collection! I knew how to budget for myself: money for food (that didn’t need to be cooked in said shoe-storage oven), my Compassion children, rent, and the occasional new pair of shoes. Now, I need to think about what is best for us as a couple.

You know what I realize as I begin to think about what’s best for us as a couple? I am really selfish.

Marriage feels like someone is holding up a mirror toward my face constantly reflecting who I really am.

When I look into that mirror, am I seeing someone who reflects God’s heart?

I know that God’s heart is for the poor. The widowed and the orphan. Are Brett and I making decisions to reflect that love?

Are you and your family reflecting God’s heart through your choices?

In only a few short months, marriage is helping me see more clearly that my time and my money are not my own. How can the lessons of marriage develop into a mind-set that is constantly more selfless?

I realize that the lessons are just beginning for me and Brett. I pray that as we learn and become more gracious with each other and the process, our hearts will become more Christlike and even more concerned with the matters of His heart.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

But for 50 Filipino children it was the year they were registered into God’s Special Gift Student Centre, run in partnership with Abkasa Baptist Church in Bacolod City, the Philippines.

More than two decades on, some of those students reflect on how their registration in the Compassion child development centre transformed their lives.

• Click on the image below to view a slideshow of the students’ reflections.

Download the electronic magazine article (pdf) containing this feature.

Upload your photos to our Flickr group.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

It was meant to be sitting on the street next to my block of units. It was found abandoned in a ditch at a neighbouring suburb – hot wired, head lights on, and engine running.

I felt violated. It had been broken into the weekend before. I thought they’d taken what they wanted and would leave it alone. Not so.

This experience brings to life for me that the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.

No, I’m not surprised that the Enemy hates me. But I’m ever more conscious of his sentiments towards me in the midst of the “inconveniences” he’s caused … (something I refer to it as “the effects of evil entering into the hearts of men”).

Thankfully, Jesus has provided a way out for all of us:

“I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” –John 10:10b (The Message)

In light of my current situation, I find it especially challenging to hear stories like the family that can’t afford to buy a front door. (I have limited life experience and a finite mind.)

Even though I work at Compassion and even though I’ve visited Compassion children in their homes, these stories catch me off-guard every time. I have questions running through my mind:

• What does it feel like to be unable to afford what’s typically considered a basic means of security and protection in our culture?
• Do more things get stolen from this family because they’re unable to provide for themselves?
• Do they ever feel safe living in a trouble area without a door?

My stolen car situation is a far cry from what families like Bidduet’s go through each day. (And yes, I’m learning to be content in every situation I find myself in.) Nevertheless, through these circumstances I’ve been confronted by my neediness and my poverty. Not abject poverty, no – but the fact that I’m poor in spirit and in need of God to deliver me from trouble and oppression.

Recognising my poverty has helped me to seek His eternal gift of Salvation, and an even more intimate relationship with Him, the only thing in life that has eternal value.

When I found my car broken into, my first reaction was “at least they can’t take away my Salvation.” I’m so glad that Jesus’ sacrifice has become a “truer reality” for me now through the recognition of my own poverty.

I also realise the more I’m stripped of my belongings, the more needs I have, and the more I look to Him for my needs and allow Him to be my supply in every way “according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Our Lord knows our need more than we do. He knows the needs of families like Bidduet’s. He’s been filling that gap through His ministry, Compassion … And I pray that He would be the eternal sustenance for these precious children and their families.

I’ve been “closely” following Mel’s video journals from India. Day four is her final video journal (blog). I thank Mel for bringing to life for me how Jesus never gives up on us, especially children in poverty. He pursues and loves each one of them with an everlasting love. We can always trust Him to take care of the little ones. So, thank you, Mel, for sharing these stories, and for assuring me of the ministry of Compassion!

Take four!

Mel Carswell in India – Day Four

Reflections of a Compassion Traveller has been a series of reflective journals featuring field experiences of Compassion employees and supporters. We hope you have enjoyed the mini-series “Mel Carswell in India.” Stay tuned for more like this in the future!

- Irene

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Now that I’ve come to know the Lord, I realise how heartbreaking it must be for Him to see His creation turn to other gods. I also realise just how loving, patient and faithful He is to have pursued me in spite of my past disobedience.

I find it difficult to imagine myself living in a world where I would be publicly persecuted for believing in or proclaiming the Truth. Paul states in Romans 8:38-39 that nothing would separate us from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ our Lord. I wholeheartedly believe that.

But it does make me wonder … If I knew Christ, only to enter into circumstances which threaten my expression of faith, would I shake hands with the convenient half-truths, the counterfeits, the prince of the power of the air? Would I be a Daniel?

As Mel shared in the day two post, religious violence is very real in some parts of the world. It’s obvious enough that Satan is at work to confine the development of the innocent children – our future generations. But let that threat not stop us from reaching out. Instead, I pray that it would spark in us an urgency to intercede for these unforgettable little lives and the churches in these endangered areas.

Mel’s day three experience in Kolkata brings to mind various forms of poverty. These street kids would not only have been materially poor, they would’ve grown up with a smorgasbord of gods demanding their reverence and even worship. How on earth would and could a child sift through a mass of religious traditions, the so-called “culture” in their society, to find transparent truth, and be set free?

Still, I find comfort in knowing that shining lights like Mother Teresa’s Home for the Dying have been a refuge for those walking through the valley of the shadow of death. God promises that we would not need to fear any evil even in the darkest hour, but to walk “through” it. There is hope in receiving His comfort.

He is the Light of the world.

Take three!

Mel Carswell in India – Day Three

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Now, in putting together day two of the video journal we encountered some obstacles. Alas! We almost weren’t able to show it to you! But anyway … God is good. We’ve salvaged what we could. And the stories can still come alive, to some extent.

Mel will explain the situation to you from the bottom of her heart: 

“While in India, we met some pretty amazing children — and Compassion staff for that matter. We heard some impressive stories, plenty that had the tears flowing (it’s a weird thing to cry in front of your colleagues — not the sort of thing we’ve done in previous jobs!).

“Anyway, back to the stories … it’s so sad that we cannot share them with you, but there is good reason.

“Last year in this part of the world, religious violence flared to a tragic point where innocent civilians died and our own Compassion-assisted children were caught up in it; some witnessing things they should never have seen.

“Christians around the world face persecution every day. Persecution that we in Australia and the U.S. (and many other places too — you are just our main readers of this blog!) could never imagine — even in our nightmares.

“We closed some of our child development centres for a time (it’s always the kids who suffer from our decisions, isn’t it?) and requested police protection when a Hindu leader died (they worried about retaliation towards them).

“And while things have settled down and our centres are back open again, there’s still the potential for more trouble.

“Our wings have been clipped, and it shows in this video blog, which we edited at the eleventh hour to take out one of the most beautiful stories of a little girl that you could ever hear, to ensure it wouldn’t cause any trouble abroad.

“And of course, that’s the last thing we want to do, stop the life-changing work of Compassion so we could tell you one more story.

“Check out this great quote from Mark Hanlon, Senior Vice President for Compassion International’s USA Group, in response to the violence last year: ‘Compassion’s greatest tool in the fight against poverty and its effects is an active, educated and engaged church that seeks to partner with us to change the lives of children and families. When the church is moved to action, the enormity of its power is felt throughout the world and that power is desperately needed right now for the children of India.’

“We couldn’t agree more, and they still need it.

“If only we could tell you the stories, you’d be encouraged and so would we. But let your imaginations run wild, we beg you, because in these desperate places, a light is shining — brightly.”

And now it’s time for take two!

Mel Carswell in India — Day Two

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

After all, in the words of wise King Solomon: “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21, NIV). With this wise impartation, I can be assured that I’ll do what I can, according to His purposes. And the rest is in His hands.

In other words, I’m learning to make the most of any situation. After all, God’s plan might just be, well … much better.  So, this is what happened with MY plan. And it began like this:

Chelsea Rule, Compassion Australia’s Partner Artists Coordinator, decided to join the

Compassion field exposure tour after a mission trip in Hyderabad in Jan. 09.

How about we add some salt to that? Her cousin and videographer Caleb Irwin (who also went to Hyderabad with Chelsea) also joined the Compassion team to help record their trip.

Between Chelsea, Caleb and I, we planned to develop a stunning video blog series featuring Chelsea Rule, and it was to be called ‘Chelsea Rule Diaries’.

But that didn’t happen. God had other plans.

To throw some spice into the mix, Mel Carswell, the Supporter Communications Specialist at Compassion Australia, was also on the trip. If I were to describe her role in two words, it is to ‘tell stories’. (And you’ll see that she’s awfully good at it.)

In Feb. 09, Mel visited Compassion in India with some Compassion staff members, donors, artists and other partners. Some would call it a “high-profile” trip. I kid you not – people like Australia’s female TV Week Queen of Pop (1974–75) Debra Byrne were on it!

But it’s no secret that we didn’t end up with Chelsea Rule Diaries, is it?

So let’s fast forward to a bit of a reflection by the narrator of the video you’re about to see – Mel Carswell. (Poor Mel, she never wanted the spotlight, but she stepped up to the plate, and you really ought to congratulate her.) And here’s Mel:

“If Irene had of asked me to be her blogger before we left, I probably would have let out a little smile and carefully provided a better idea that would mean someone else was in front of the camera and I was, in my usual spot, behind it. But flight changes, schedule changes and an extra 25 hours in a bus that no-one expected (the developing world is like that!), we arrived at me attempting to be a video blog extraordinaire.”

Can you piece together what might’ve happened? (Come on, use your imagination!) Oh, and Mel had other thoughts that really back up my point, aka – unexpected outcomes are absolutely normal when we journey towards God’s purposes …

“No matter how organised you want to be. You can have meeting after meeting after meeting before you go, but in the developing world, our working ways simply don’t translate.

“What seems fine on paper over here doesn’t always work out over there. You just can’t factor in the impact of stopping every five minutes for a herd of sheep to pass or arriving to a child’s home to find that they are a teeny bit shy. They’ll talk to you, but the minute that big camera bag comes out, you can see them breaking into a sweat.

“Alas, Irene’s romantic idea of a video blog through the villages of India didn’t quite come off as it had so eloquently evolved in her head. But 100 takes later, a slight slip into what I think was feces, and too many laughs to count, here are some stories that grabbed our hearts. I hope they do the same to you.”

And here it is: Reflections of a Compassion Traveller – the video journal …

Take one! 

Mel Carswell in India – Day One

- Irene Kao

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Take a look at some of these popular New Year’s resolutions for 2009:

• In 2009, I resolve to eat better.
• In 2009, I resolve to keep my home in better shape.
• In 2009, I resolve to take better care of my body.
• In 2009, I resolve to be better about what I spend my money on.
• In 2009, I resolve to look for a new job.

Any of those look familiar?

Now, go back and read those resolutions again … but this time, from the perspective of a person living in poverty.

Imagine a little boy in Kenya who resolves to eat better because he’s tired of going to bed hungry. Imagine a single mother in Peru who resolves to keep her 6’x6’ shack clean. I’ve seen families that sweep their dirt floors just to try to keep their humble homes presentable.

Imagine a little girl in India who wants to take control of her own body instead of falling prey to the men who abuse it. Imagine the family that scrapes together spare change to eat today. Imagine the father who is desperately searching for a job so he can give his children an education and a shot at life.

This year, I urge you to resolve to do something about global poverty. Get involved. 

Here’s a list of suggested, revised New Year’s resolutions for you:

• In 2009, I resolve to go on a mission trip.
• In 2009, I resolve to help my church start a food pantry — or donate to an existing one on a regular basis.
• In 2009, I resolve to pray for children trapped in poverty.
• In 2009, I resolve to support a ministry that cares for the poor.
• In 2009, I resolve to think beyond myself and truly make a difference in the life of a child living in poverty.

And let’s try to make these New Year’s resolutions last.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

On behalf of my sponsored child, I resolve . . .

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates