Sponsorship in Six Words
It’s said that Ernest Hemingway once wrote a story in just six words.
For sale: baby shoes, never worn.
And called it his best work.
In the spirit of Hemingway’s brevity, and maybe with little help from the Holy Spirit, can you sum up your sponsorship experience in six words?
Here’s what we came up with.
Thought I gave. But I received. – Tim Glenn
Now poverty isn’t just a word. – Becky Tschamler
Random pick doesn’t seem random anymore. – Chris Giovagnoni
Black smiling eyes. World beyond myself. – Amber Van Schooneveld
They focus up. I’m distracted down. – Meredith Dunn
My child shows me Him. – Brianne Mullins
Abundant life for kids in poverty. – David Dahlin
Letter-Writing Ideas
One-on-one sponsorship is set up to give each of us the opportunity to shepherd and encourage the children of our world. We need to be there for our kids. We parents know how quickly our children grow up. Well, the kids you sponsor grow up just as fast! Don’t waste the opportunity to connect with them — to know them.
Word of Thanks
A word of thanks to everyone who shared their one word for 2009.
A copy of the 2009 Compassion calendar is being sent to:
- Daryl G. Short, whose word for 2009 is innocence.
- Jolanda, whose word is action.
- Holly Spiotti, who received the word Emmanuel.
- Evelyn, who had on her heart the word nurture.
- Gin, who chose dedication.
Best Post of 2008
Do you have one? A favorite? A blog post that meant something special to you?
We’re interested to know if what we like is even remotely similar to what you like.
And if you’re not much into leaving comments on blog posts, this is a great opportunity to work on that New Year’s Resolution we know you made. You know, the one about becoming a blog extrovert. 🙂
Happy New Year!
New Year Reflections for 2009
Happy New Year! We hope as you celebrate the beginning of 2009 you take time to reflect on the grand blessings and immense grace of the Lord . . . and prayerfully consider what the year ahead may have in store.
Here are a few of our highlights from 2008. In fact, they might be some of yours too; after 
all we could not have reached any of them without you!
- We registered our one millionth child.
- We opened the first Compassion child development center in Togo.
- Compassion Tanzania registered its 50,000 child.
Of course, a year can be marked with trials as well. But through these trials the Lord is faithful to refine us as gold.
Many children and families already struggling to buy food have been, and are still, greatly affected by the Global Food Crisis. Although, with the guidance of God and your heart much has been accomplished:
- 79,016 children have been able to receive immediate food relief because of your Global Food Crisis (GFC) donations.
- In the Dominican Republic your GFC donations provided food certificates to 775 Child Survival Program participants. The main recipients being mothers and infants.
- In Honduras your donations created productive micro projects such as poultry and fish production farms, to fight the crisis long term.
- In Ethiopia, GFC donations helped provide therapeutic supplements, staple food grains and medication to nearly 11,000 families.
Thank you so much for your commitment to children in poverty this past year. They truly are blessed by your passion and faith.
In all things we can be confident that no matter where the Lord takes us, what situations He brings us into, or what blessings He has in store we will honor Him and be filled with His love.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” – Proverbs 16:3, NIV
Christmas Angels
Merry Christmas!
On this day we hope you feel the presence of our Savior as we celebrate His grand love and His perfect will to move us closer to Himself.
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”
Matthew 1:23, NASB
Also, we thought you might like to see some children in Colombia celebrating the birth of Jesus. These photos were taken at a child development center Christmas party by Edwin Mendivelso, Compassion Colombia field communications specialist.
Take a look at these angels!
If I Could Spend Christmas
If I could spend Christmas with my sponsored child . . .
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Compassion child attend school at Compassion’s child development center?
Amazement
My sponsored child amazes me . . .
The World Needs Light Now More Than Ever
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.
Do Things Differently
If Compassion did one thing differently, I think it should be . . .
Do You Love Your Sponsored Child?
Do you love your sponsored child? Really love your child?
We already know I’m an emotionally disconnected person, so help me out here.
Explain to me how you know that what you feel for your sponsored child is actually love.
Come on y’all. I want to know what love is. Sing it.
