Poverty is a global problem.
But what can one person do to counteract poverty? Why even try?
Even though my husband worked hard, including many “outside jobs”, to keep food on the table, we struggled. Pay day was simply “cover bills” day. Sometimes there was more month and money, if you know what I mean.
When our children entered school age, we learned about a child advocacy program through Compassion International. They have a big why—releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
We heard about the struggle these parents had daily to feed their children. We certainly were never impoverished, but we could relate to the struggle to provide for the basic needs of our children. But, living paycheck to paycheck we thought we couldn’t help.
Then one day I heard Wess Stafford, Compassion’s president at the time, say that the opposite of poverty isn’t wealth…it is enough.
We may not have had as much as we wanted, but we had enough. These children didn’t have enough. This was a perfect opportunity to teach our children, and ourselves, to live with an abundance mindset.
Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
Compassion’s big why changed our world. Out of our enough, we could partner with one child’s parents. We could give what we had.
Here’s why my husband and I choose to partner with Compassion International instead of some other child help organization:
- Their holistic approach. Compassion focuses on the entire child and their environment by providing physical, social, economic and spiritual care. While every child receives spiritual training, as they say, every child receives “assistance irrespective of caste, creed, class or religion.”
- Their financial integrity. Compassion is committed to investing 80% of every dollar into the children’s care. For as long as we have partnered with Compassion, they have exceeded this percentage
- Their commitment to work through the indigenous church. The local church is best equipped to meet the holistic needs of the children in their area. Compassion recognizes the stability provided through the local church and their people. Who best to bring the good news of Jesus to their villages?
- Their photos reflect the dignity of each person. We’ve all seen the photos of children in poverty, with swollen bellies, flies all over their faces, and sadness. When we first saw photographs on Compassion’s materials we were amazed. All their photographs portray the dignity of each person. We were drawn to their faces, their smiles, their eyes.
- Their focus on being the hands and feet of Jesus. Compassion’s purpose is summed up in their slogan: “Releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name.” The focus is doing what Jesus would do for those who are marginalized and even forgotten.
Our world is bigger today because we have sponsored children all over the world. We learn about their country and environment. We learn about their traditions.
We love to receive their letters and pictures. We consider it a privilege to pray for them and to partner with their families. One day, we pray we will get to meet “our children.”
And we have more than enough for our needs.
Would you consider releasing a child from poverty in Jesus’ name? Let your enough provide them with enough. Simply click the picture below to learn more.
Now that’s a big why.
Live your legacy today,
Kirsten D. Samuel
Aftershock Recovery Coach
8-week Program, Custom-paced Coaching, Remote or In-person Sessions
