My car recently got stolen (1990 Ford Laser). I received a call at 1 a.m. on a Sunday and heard Constable Burgess ask me when and where I last saw my car.

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?

(more…)

I still can’t get over what we’ve experienced in producing Reflections of a Compassion Traveller. Until I turned 10 I lived in a culture that believed the existence of higher powers or gods inhabited carved figurines (plated with gold even) and were to be worshiped.

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? (more…)

So! Did you enjoy day one of Mel’s video journal? If you haven’t already posted a comment, please do–we’d be so encouraged to hear from you!

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: 

(more…)

Have you ever embarked on a new venture, perhaps with a plan, only to realise half way (when you’ve gone beyond the point of no return) that the venture is not unfolding the way you’d envisioned?

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:

(more…)