I expect that many of you are aware of the global economic situation. Developed economies around the world are reeling. Food prices around the globe have skyrocketed. Businesses are struggling.
Non-profits are laying people off, cutting back programs and scrambling for donations. The world seems dark.
So, how will we respond?
We will not shrink back in the face of adversity. God has called us to be an advocate for children in poverty, and the children need our voice to ring strong and clear when speaking out on their behalf.
We know that when the rich of the world catch a cold, the poor get pneumonia. When the well-off suffer, the poor die. The world needs light now more than ever.
Nonetheless, economics are a reality.
You, our sponsors and donors around the world, are feeling the financial strain already and will likely feel this for months, if not years, to come. So, what do we expect the impact on Compassion to be?
Truthfully, only God knows. But we know that in the end God will prevail.
We know that He will be faithful to His word and to His promises and so, with God’s help, we will prevail. Things may not go exactly according to our plans, but I am confident that God will continue to allow us to help more and more children in a deeper and more profound way, despite the economic and food crises.
In our Executive Group devotions the other day, my co-worker Laurie shared from Isaiah 42 and I think it was Scripture meant for all of us.
Since we are to be Christ in this world, read the passage below knowing that Compassion is God’s servant:
“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. …He will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. …I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles. …I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” (VS. 1, 4, 6, 16, NIV).
So, be encouraged. We are all in the palm of God’s hand, and as we pray for the children one million children around the world are praying for us.
9 Comments |Add a comment
One million children praying for us… Praise God for that incredible gift!
Our God is bigger than the stock market! He’ll take care of His own…
More Light? Nah. More ‘light switcher-on-ers’. After all, faith without works makes it difficult to see.
Mr. Dahlin, The verse is so encouraging, and the amazing reminder that the children are praying for us is a sweet gift in these troubled times! Thank you!
Thanks for the encouragement. Yes, I feel the financial strain even with working full time and part time. But God could sell the cattle on a thousand hills if he wanted to. Who know what He will do?
I believe it is in Malachi it says that if you bring in the tithe and offerings He will open the floodgates. Compassion is part of this for me. I plan to find a way to continue.
Jesus would feed the children. Now we have to figure out if we will follow His example. I read a book called JUST COURAGE by Gary Haugen. Excellent book. It asks the question if we will be safe or brave. We want both, but often God calls us to be brave and know we are safe in his hands even when we don’t feel safe at the moment.
Sorry for the ramble!
Thank you Mr. Dahlin. By the way, I’ll never forget when you read to us the words, “A person’s a person — no matter how small.”
At the Global Advocate’s Conference in the Dominican Republic last week, Compassion Canada’s Advocate’s Director — Angelina Dieleman — gave us a great illustration. She likened the Advocate’s network to little lights shooting up from the globe (such as at http://www.daylightmap.com). Each time we share Compassion, give a presentation at a church, or even phone a Pastor, another little shaft of light shoots up out of the darkness. Each time a child is sponsored, or accepts the Lord, another light shoots up to the Father. Each one of us, as we do our part in this important ministry, are adding more and more light to a darkened world. This was a great encouragement for us because it’s true, and we should not lose heart as we speak up for children in need.
That is an amazing verse! Another one that helps me remember that God is in control is:
Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Thank you Mr.Dahlin
I love that verse. What an awesome reminder of God’s promise of provision. I have said it before, but it still holds true: We are in the grip of His grace. It’s strong; it’s constant; and it is secure. Even now, we must remember to rest in this truth. We must continue to allow God to be God and to be obedient no matter what He calles us to endure.
Thank you Mr. Dahlin for your leadership. It is a privilege to serve with you.