I'm a Star Trek fan because I love the fact that in the Star Trek universe, the people of Earth have finally united and have worked together to eliminate poverty and disease. I know, it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling, too. Although I love the idea of eliminating poverty, I realize that I've never done anything to work toward that objective because it seemed so daunting...until now.
Last year, my husband and I decided to step up and step out in faith and sponsor two children through Compassion International: a little girl in Kenya and a little girl in Bolivia. A month after sponsoring these two girls, we decided to sponsor one more: a girl in Indonesia. I've always been skeptical about child sponsorship programs, but last year Wess Stafford, the president of Compassion International, spoke at our church. It was a moving speech. I had checked out Compassion before and they are highly rated at Charity Navigator. That's important to me. I realized that I could go on being skeptical - doing nothing to alleviate poverty - or, I could step out in faith to make a difference, if only in the life of one person. Eight months later, I haven't regretted it. I write to the girls in Kenya and Indonesia since I signed up to sponsor them; my husband writes to the girl in Bolivia since he sponsored her. It has been an eye-opening and joyful experience. The photo above is of some artwork that my little girl in Indonesia was able to send to me.
I encourage you to find your own way of sharing your time, talent, and treasure. Perhaps, like me, you are intrigued but skeptical of sponsoring a child. I totally understand. Head on over to Charity Navigator and do some research. I firmly believe that when we give of ourselves and share with others, we receive so much more in return. Remember: you can't take it with you.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." ~Matthew 6:19-21
Thank you for sharing that, Claudia. I've wanted to sponsor a child for eons but the "rip off" factor always held me back. Good to know there really are trustworthy organizations out there. Love you sister girl.....
ReplyDeleteIt's taken me years to finally decide to sponsor a child. Some programs, like Compassion International, sponsor children directly. Other programs contribute money to a child's community. Just be aware of the difference and decide if you want to do individual sponsorship or community development. And be sure to check out the charity's rating at Charity Navigator.
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