Hi, my name is Stephan Archer. I joined Compassion a few months ago as the U.S. Communication Specialist. Although I am in the business of communicating from day to day, this is my first attempt at blogging, so bear with me as I try to figure this out.
My calling to Compassion was really a journey that began at home, and it began with two small children — my own.
You see, my wife and I are homeschoolers. Our two girls, ages three and five, are now in preschool and kindergarten. Like other children this age, they have a million questions, most of which I struggle answering.
- Why is God invisible?
- Where does the sun go to bed at night?
- Why are yummy things bad for you and yucky things good for you?
- Why won’t Bambi see his mother again? (Those of you with young children who have a movie collection that teeters heavily towards the cartoon genre will appreciate this question.)
But while our children ask many things, there are many more things they don’t ask that they need to know.
For example, in such a richly blessed country as America, I don’t suppose too many kids learn on their own what it means to be thankful and content. Yet this is so important for children to understand if they are to grow up and be the adults we want them to be.
Thus, like many homeschoolers in search of ideas, my wife and I turned to the internet and started Googling — using words such as “contentment,” “thankfulness,” and “compassion” for those less fortunate.
We came across Compassion’s website and were so moved by what we saw that we immediately decided to sponsor a little girl named Kimberly in Guatemala.
Sponsorship has been nothing short of a wonderful experience for my entire family, as both my girls pray for Kimberly regularly. My oldest even draws pictures for Kimberly and sends encouraging notes with them.
I went one step further and read Wess Stafford’s book, Too Small to Ignore. After reading his book, I was more motivated than ever to be a part of this ministry.
During this time, God led me on a six-month employment-seeking journey as I communicated with various people at Compassion. I was able to examine my own heart and pray for God’s leading.
Now that I’m here at Compassion, I can say with confidence that this ministry is everything it purports to be.
Like any ministry or church body, the day to day things are managed by human beings, and with that, comes challenges. However, everyone here knows that God is ultimately leading this ministry. I’ve never seen a leadership team more dedicated to God’s will than I’ve seen at Compassion.
I’ve enjoyed reading what all of you think and would love to share with you from time to time what’s on my mind. Sometimes, I’ll jump in on your conversations and share my personal thoughts on the matter as well. Either way, I’m looking forward to being blessed by our discussions, and my hope is that you benefit as well.
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Excellent questions your kids ask!!! I agree I am thankful for all the GREAT work Compassion is doing and people like you who are making it happen!!! Thanks!!!
I Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for YOU!!!”
I agree with the comments above — and thanks so much for sharing! Look forward to hearing from you again in the future!
I love hearing or reading others’ Compassion stories. Thanks, Steve, for sharing yours.
I concur with Lindy (#2): You have a beautify family, *including* your sponsored daughter. God bless you!
I ENJOYED READING YOUR BLOG–IT’S A WONDERFUL WAY TO KEEP UP ON YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY. I AM PUTTING YOUR SITE IN MY FAVORITES AND WILL CHECK IN OFTEN TO KEEP UPDATED. ALL IS WELL WITH THE CALIFORNIA GROUP–WE THINK OF YOU OFTEN
WITH LOVE
I have a 5 1/2 year old, a 2 1/2 year old, and a 4 month old. I home school as well…and the questions keep getting better and better!
I know little about Blogs but I enjoyed yours for the breadth of information and experience;eg, Math Olympiad. Even more so for getting to meet real and dear people experiencing and sharing God’s love.
Welcome, Stephan! I’ve been out of town, so am behind on my Compassion blog-reading — but I thought this was a great place to jump back in. What a beautiful family and sponsored child you have — and how exciting to be embarking on this ministry! It’s great for us sponsors to hear that Compassion looks just as good from the inside as it does from the outside. 🙂
I so agree with what you said about the importance of learning contentment, thankfulness and compassion.
There is a TV show I watch that profiles people in heavy amounts of consumer debt, trying to climb out. The people they profile bought, bought, bought a bunch of “things” – searching for some kind of contentment in their lives through homes and “toys” they couldn’t afford. Yet when you see them on this show it’s clear they’ve found no contentment, they have no money, and have exhibited little to no compassion for others in the way their money was spent.
How much better to invest your money in the life of a child, through Compassion!!! For me that’s what brings true contentment — and real rewards.
Anyway, I’m sure we’ll all be praying for you as you undertake your new duties at Compassion! God bless.
Welcome, Stephan!
Welcome, Stephan! I loved your first Blog. Your family is beautiful, and so is your sponsored child. We homeschooled our children, and now our grandchildren are homeschooled. You are in for a LOT of joy! Blessings on you!
How interesting that your first blog was published on the same day AFA published a piece (not news) on the homeschoolers who are so persecuted in Germany that one family already relocated to Tennessee and others are seeking asylum here also!