Around the globe there are many “little ones” who follow Christ, yet who are easily oppressed, powerless and defenseless. It is within our ability to care for them in tangible ways, extending simple offerings to meet needs and ease suffering. The promised reward for doing this is not an obligation, but a free gift from God for our obedience and service.
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” — Matthew 10:42, NIV
For the children we serve, the children you sponsor, what is the “cup of cold water” Jesus wants you to give?
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We have been sponsoring several children for 2 years. One, Asha, from Tanzania, is VERY special to my heart. When I saw her photo, I knew I had to help this tiny little one. I wanted to reach through the photo and pick her up and hold her!
Recently, I received a photo of her…so much taller, so much happier, so much more confident! And she is telling me thank you for a tiny amount I sent for her birthday gift. In her first photo, it looks as if she is about to burst into tears. In the most recent photo – she has her head up…and she looks as if she could walk right through the photo and give me a hug!
In her maturing, she asked me to pray for the flooding in Tanzania in January. Asha is learning to think about prayers in a larger realm.
She writes me quite often, to thank me for the letters, and little things I send – post cards from our trip – photos we take of birds and such – stickers and little sticker books. They all write me to say thank you.
Another that has been special is Daniel, from Uganda. Each year we send a family gift amount at Christmas. Last year, Daniel’s family was able to buy a goat!!! The photo of his family with the goat was a joyous and precious gift! This year, the photo came with TWO goats! Last year’s goat is doing well – and they now have another from the family gift!
Last year’s goat lost her first kid, but is doing well. Daniel asks me to pray that the goats will find grass to eat. This thing about the goat has elevated the single mother into another status in the community. Not only can I see the physical changes in Daniel, and his little sister Robina, but I can see the relief on his mother’s face.
One day, I was checking on orphans needing sponsored, and I found two young men from Ethiopia…18 years old. We sponsored both of them immediately.
They both turned 20 last year…and this year they turn 21, and are due to graduate next June(2011). One has called me his mother. They both have started working much harder in their school work…and now have hopes for future vocational training. They don’t say too much…they are young men, after all. But what they do say, like Yerdachew asking to have a letter sent to me to say thank you…though he was very busy with his examines…I know they appreciate the love we have shared with them.
We have four others in hispanic speaking countries…and they love to laugh at my Spanish…it’s all fun!
While I am enjoying seeing my Compassion Kids grow up…I know that touching their hearts has changed me.
Some really cute shoes for a teen girl, something to give a new baby sister, a goat, the ability to have home provided for so a young man can get an education…..these things are HUGE in these children’s lives. And it took so little out of mine.
Giving a cup of water, I have been filled.
the greatest is… the gift of love,hope,response letter to your sponsor child.Share your love to him/her that you care through prayers,encouragement and tell them that God loves them very much.
A cup of prayers, continued financial support, and words to encourage them and to let them know that God and I love them.
Obedience to the Bible 😉
Love, prayers and the knowledge that someone far away thinks they are wonderful!!
love & resources
Love and faith.
Hope.
Leon’s mother died. Some needs, only God can meet, but I hope and pray constantly that somehow we can provide at least a little bit of the mother’s tender loving care that a growing child needs.