Thanx Kristen. I believe that is exactly the sentiment we (as advocates for children living in poverty) need to convey when we are sharing about the Compassion ministry. Standing up before a congregation, citing statistics and sharing experiences is only the tip of the iceberg…There is a need to present these suffering children ‘as if’ they were our very own.

What if that was my daughter’s picture in that packet I was holding up.

However, there is a risk involved with this type of involvement that many folks are not willing to take on and that is a shame. While Jesus did say His yoke was easy and His burden was light, let us be mindful that although ‘easy and light,’ there is still a yoke and burden to bear. Let’s not make tears (and such) heavier than they really are.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

When I began sponsoring my fourth child, who was 13 yrs., at the time, I also arranged for a birthday gift, as hers was coming up in a couple of months. Her letter of thanks was incredible and humbling: I had sent $25; she tithed on it, bought a pair of shoes, a bed, and spent the rest on food for the family.

Later, I sent a family gift that paid for her school uniform (in some countries, the rule is, no uniform, no school), a piece of land, and food for the family. I realize the parcel of land might be quite small, but it is hers, and I’m sure the family is making good use of it to grow crops for themselves, or feed the hen they bought with another gift.

Would I have known to buy any of those things for them? Uh-uh.

Kees