Kenya — Beautiful Children
Mark Pellingra brought some great photos back from a Sponsor Tour to Kenya recently. I just had to share some of these with you. Aren’t they beautiful?
If you’d like to sponsor one of the precious little ones, please click below:
Who Will I Trust?
We have a choice every day to trust in ourselves, or to trust in God. Many events and circumstances cross our path each day to cause us to trust in fate, will-power or mankind, but we must always keep our trust focused on God alone.
I’ve been in Alaska the last few days with our son, Chris. We were able to fly here for free because of the flying privileges he has as a commercial pilot, but it means that we must depend on stand-by seats being available. He has an extra advantage over me, because he can fly on any airline, in the cockpit if necessary. My options are greatly limited. I was not able to get on overbooked flights last night or this morning, even though we were praying for an opening.
But here is the key — this morning, while I was waiting in a huge line at the ticket counter, I opened my Palm to read my day’s devotion from John Piper’s book, Taste and See. This is what he said: “Use Means, but Don’t Trust in Means; Trust in God. A Lesson from George Mueller’s Life and Teaching. This sounds so simple. In principle it is. But in practice we sinners are wired to trust in means, not God. Over and over I devise plans, and then find my initial enthusiasm rise or fall as the plan seems smart or not. This is trust in plans, not trust in God. There is no doubt God wants us to use means to get his work done. But just as clearly he wants us not to trust in these means. ‘The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.’ (Proverbs 21:31) Therefore, our confidence should not be in the horse, but in the Lord. ‘Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7).” [From the book Taste and See, John Piper, #122].
This was all I needed to boost my trust for the day — I stood there praising Him silently and smiling to myself. I know this day will be all right, as I trust Him rather than my own plans and schemes. I then went to the gate and found out the flight was overbooked and there was no seat for me. But John Piper had also said we need not be anxious when plans fail, and I walked out of the airport with a smile on my face and returned to my motel to see if I could have the room back until noon (which they graciously allowed me to do).
Now I was pleased to have time to sleep a bit, read my other devotions and check mail. Guess what my daily Bible reading said. “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths...[this] land is filled with silver and gold, and there is no end to their treasures…filled with horses, and there is no end to their chariots.” (Isaiah 2:7). I wrote in my Bible beside this verse, “Other things people trust in” (i.e. horses and chariots), and He boosted my trust up another notch.
I read a devotion from the Institute for Creation Research (8/29) and it said, “God even cares about the artistic details of each snowflake, the inner structure and workings of each humble pine needle, and the edible seeds needed by desert-dwelling songbirds,” and I thought of all the marvelous creatures we’d just seen here in Alaska. He cares! He’s taking care of me! And my trust was boosted up again.
Then I read a chapter from David Roper’s book “Out of the Ordinary.” He quoted Martin Luther: “With [God's] left hand he governs the world through the ordinances of the world. And now he has suddenly removed his left hand, and we are committed with an unparalleled immediacy and exclusiveness to God’s right hand. Now we have to reach out for this right hand of God and let it be the pillow on which we rest, the watcher at our bed, the guide on our dark and uncertain path, and our staff in the valley of the shadow.” Then he [David Roper] spoke of “venturing into uncharted territory, moving from the known to the unknown…and of Moses’ loneliness when God distanced Himself from His people (Exodus 33:1-16). But God spoke: “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:11) “God did not promise, at least on this occasion, that He would accompany Israel on her journey or that she would reach her destination…He only promised to be with His servant and make Him a center of peace in the midst of the confusion and uncertainty of his day.” (David Roper, pg. 27) God had boosted my confidence and trust once again. He’s with me; I have nothing to fear. Then I laid down on this wonderful bed (in a motel) that he provided and took a short nap.
When I awoke and began to check mail and blogs, I came across this post by Brad Ruggles, and the blessings (and trust-boosting) continued! Icing on the cake — the last text message from Chris before he boarded his flight said, “Praying for you.” What more can a mom ask for? God has everything under control.
I have since discovered that there’s a flight leaving at 2pm (rather than the 11:30pm flight I’d planned to try tonight) to San Francisco, and on to Denver and Wyoming — and — believe it or not, the flights “are wide open” in seat availability! Isn’t our God amazing?
He gives us so many opportunities to trust Him, and so often we run to our own schemes, fears and anxieties instead. I’m so thankful He boosted my trust in Him today! And how was the trip? Awesome! Take a look below at God’s amazing creation!
Yes, that last one was a wolf! He has surprises for us around every bend, as we delight and trust in Him. And I’m off to the airport to see what God has in store for the rest of this day as He walks with me! See Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 of this story for more adventures on the way home!
Beijing Olympics Wordle
It seems only appropriate to post a Wordle related to the Olympics this week. It represents some of the athletes and personalities that have been my favorites this year, although I really didn’t see a very large percentage of the games. I’m sure there are many other heroes and stars out there that I’ve missed. Who are your favorites?
P.S. It’s a little late to add his name, but I’d like to name Bryan Clay as well, because of his emphasis on the importance of family. A great athlete, too!
Bolivia — Not Just Statistics Any More
What do giggles sound like in Bolivia, what makes a mother cry and what do the Compassion Projects look like? Child Advocate Savannah Blanchard got to visit her sponsored child there recently, and I asked if I could interview her. She agreed, and here are the results:
1. I understand you recently went on a Sponsor Tour with Compassion
International. When did you go, and what country did you visit? Have
you been on one of these trips before?
This was my first time to ever go on a Compassion Advocate Tour. My trip this past July was to Bolivia. We traveled to 3 different cities in Bolivia such as Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, and La Paz.
2. Were you afraid of anything about the trip before going, and if
so, what, and were these fears realized?
I think I was a little concerned at first because of the politics and such and I was scared of getting sick! Everything went smoothly though! I knew that I could trust my life with Compassion’s Organization!
3. Tell us about the child you went to visit.
The little girl I went to visit was one of my sponsor kids that was turning four while I was there. Her name is Zulma and she lives with her mother and father and her 3 older brothers. The family lived in a three bedroom home and mud brick walls. They were not wealthy at all and the mom and dad were sometimes employed and so were the sons.
4. What new things did you learn about your child that you did not
know through letters?
I learned SO MANY things from Zulma and her mother that I would have never learned without meeting her! You have to be face to face with the child to actually get the full on experience of sponsoring a child! Zulma was very outgoing in person and loved to be loved on! You could tell she was a “Mommy’s Girl.” I came to see how appreciative Zulma’s whole family was about the sponsorship of their daughter which brought tears to the mother’s eyes! Seeing Zulma and her mother eat the food they had cooked for us the day at the project was unbelievable.. It’s like they had never eaten that much before or been served that… Zulma had never had a Coca-Cola in her life! She was so excited to see that bottle heading her way! I am just glad to know that I am giving Zulma the physical and emotional needs that she was needing.
5. Please tell us about the various projects you got to visit — what did you do at each of the projects?
We went to many projects when we were in all the different cities! It was neat to see all the different cultures in all of them! How they ate, prayed, played, and acted! Some of the projects the kids were shy at first and some of them you got attacked right when you got! At each project we would get there and go into the chapel and all the kids would come in! We were a really welcoming and warm-hearted group so we split up all over the chapel so we could sit with the kids! Some of them would come up to you and sit by you and not say a word but just smile and some of them would come up and grab your hair on your arms and just look at your skin… They loved to take pictures too! That was probably my favorite thing was taking silly pictures with them and seeing how they got so excited to see themselves! After we had our ceremony we would sing a little bit and go around to the class rooms and spend about 15 minutes in each one with the kids play games give out candy, etc. We then would all go eat lunch with the kids and play around and leave.. I think this was probably one of the hardest things was to leave the projects. I struggled so much with it because I would find one kid at each project and connect with her or him and then have to leave them behind. I actually had one or two girls follow me onto the bus and not want to get off fighting and screaming and carrying on which made it only harder and harder. I do have to say the projects and how they had everything planned out was amazing!
6. Did you visit the country office? If so, what did you enjoy most
about your visit with the office staff?
We did visit the country office on the day before last! It was a 3 floor building and very sophisticated! All the workers there were so sweet and all they could do was smile because they were so amazed we were there! My favorite thing there was the mail room! Seeing all the mail going into the slots and how they printed the letters and such was awesome because I always wondered how that worked!
7. What did you learn about Compassion’s ministry that you did not
know before?
I learned that Compassion has the children have a life plan when they become a certain age and that they will get the children AND families medical care, physiological help, and dental work.
7. Did you do any of the typical tourist activities, such as shopping
or dining out? If so, what and where?
Yes! We did a lot of shopping and dining out was pretty much every day! It was really good food, I was surprised that in Bolivia they don’t eat spicy food really at all… Just in some parts! It all depended on the culture! And the shopping, well was very cheap! You could buy anything for under ten dollars! LOVED IT!
8. What is the most memorable moment for you on the trip, and what
was specifically memorable about it?
The most memorable moment on the trip was just seeing everyone on the trip meet their kids. I met my little girl on the last day so I kind of knew what to expect.. But, some of the people on my trip had been sponsoring their kids for long long long periods of time and watched them grow up which was amazing! It was so emotional and so real at the same time! I think I cried practically the whole trip.
9. Did you experience any culture shock or funny moments related to
travel in a foreign country? If so, what?
Yes, I definitely experienced a culture shock! It was alot different than home and I missed home alot while I was there but I was there because God put me there to realize many things! One of the funniest moments on the trip was right when we got into La Paz we were on the bus and we see random animals on the side of the road like ostriches, bulls, pigs, ducks, and they were just all walking along like they owned the place and they were all getting along!
10. In what ways do you feel changed by this experience? What did
you bring back with you that you never want to forget?
I felt changed when I got back in so many ways! I realized how fortunate I really am and how much I waste that shouldn’t be wasted! I will never forget to pray about Bolivia and the poverty that lies there.
11. Did you meet Leadership Development Students, and if so, what was
your impression of this ministry?
I loved the LDP students! They were such good role models for the kids in the CSP to look up to! They were all doing great things in their life when they had all come from living off the streets and having illnesses. My impression of this ministry was speechless!
12. Did you visit a Child Survival Program? What did you learn about
it?
We did not get to visit a Child Survival Program but I am hoping to in Tanzania!
13. Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
The one last thing I would like to share with you Juli is that when you go to a third world country like Bolivia, you come home and the statistics you see and hear are not just statistics anymore. Such as, 30,000 kids die each year of HIV/AIDS. It’s not just 30,000 anymore.. It’s one child, with hopes, dreams, ambitions, faces, and personalities of their own, and duh! A LOT of love for their life! Saving children’s lives, ONE child at a time as Compassion says.
Here is a picture of some of the kids with Mark Pellingra in Bolivia — he was on the same trip with Savannah.
Bolivia
Thank you Savannah! I hope someone will make the decision TODAY to sponsor a child in need. If you like, I will even make a special request for a child from Bolivia, if you’d like. Just drop me a line or click here.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse — A Wordle with a Solution
In light of what happened to us this weekend, I thought I would create a Wordle about drug and alcohol abuse. What is the solution to this very prevalent problem in our world? Jesus. Only Jesus. He can fill every void, heal every heart, forgive every sin, change every life. Watch Him fill, heal, forgive and change the lives of those you are concerned about — as you pray, trust and allow Him to do the things only He can do.
We Know Where They Live — We Know Where They Sleep
My friend, Mindy, and I just attended the Willow Creek Leadership Summit in Billings, MT, to volunteer at the Compassion International table. Several children were sponsored and some people asked specifically about the Leadership Development Program. Michelle Tolentino’s testimony had a huge impact on several people. We enjoyed listening to the speakers throughout the two days, and gained some real good principles for life.
When the conference was over, we left to look at another large church and found it to be open. We saw an ambulance outside, and wondered if someone was hurt. Then, since it didn’t look too serious, we went on into the church to have a look around. Teenagers were coming to and from the ambulance carrying containers, holding doors for us, and being friendly. When we left, I happened to notice what the ambulance said on the side. Take a look below.
I said to the kids, “This is so cool! Can I take photos?” They agreed, and then I asked the magic question: “What are you going to do? What are you using it for?” I figured it was for fun youth outings, object lessons, camps, etc. I never expected the answer they gave – “Oh, we’re going out to take food and supplies to homeless people. We know where they live. We know how to find them. We know where they sleep.”
We were stunned. “Are you kidding?” I said. “That is what we’re all about — We’re Compassion Advocates, and we’re all about helping children in poverty!” One of the girls said, “Oh! Compassion International? I just sponsored a child through Compassion a week ago, and I have a question for you. How do I send in my payment?” This precious young girl was not only helping the poor in her own town, but also abroad. What a beautiful example!
Well, well. God had engineered this meeting at the exact right moment — she had a question I could answer. But greater than that was the example these kids were to us. We were so touched by their service, that when they took off quickly (you could almost hear the siren wailing and see the lights blinking as they literally peeled out of the parking lot to help others in need) we could only sit in the car and cry. Once we started to compose ourselves, we had the thought that we should’ve asked to go with them, or at least to have been “ambulance chasers.” How blessed it would’ve been to watch this outpouring of love in action. We actually went out looking for them, but could not find them. They were with the poor and needy. We know where they live. We know how to find them. We know where they sleep. As it turns out, these kids go out at least two times/week for three hours each time. There was a street dance in town that night, but they weren’t at the street dance; they were being channels of love to others in need. 
This was a great example of leadership, one that will stay with us forever. One fact that God brought to our mind is that adults are often willing to send money, but young adults go to the need itself. I’m so glad God arranged for us to come across this example of Servant Leadership. Would you like to follow their lead?
- Sponsor a child in need
- Visit the homeless
- Visit a child in a third world country
- Provide food for the hungry
- Take medical supplies to those in need
- Support teens that are ministering to the needy
- Participate in local food kitchens and shelters
- Support Compassion’s Leadership Development Program
- See the needs of the poor as an emergency that cannot be delayed
When I got home, I found this “EMT” outreach online, and they even have a great video showing their ministry. Check it out — but better have a kleenex handy!
Horton Hears a Who — Wordle
I am a huge fan of Dr. Seuss’s books. One of my favorites is “Horton Hears a Who,” so here is my Wordle based on this wonderful book.
I’ll never forget how touched I was by the reading of this book by David Dahlin at a Compassion International Advocate’s Conference. The point of the book is obvious, perhaps, but do we really live by its message? Do we really believe the smallest persons in the world are important enough to listen to? Do we treat children with respect and honor? Do we recognize their potential and value?
My favorite part of the Olympics opening ceremonies was watching little Lin Hao walk around the stadium with 7’6″ Yao Ming, the basketball star. 
This little 9-year-old was tiny in size, but huge in courage and leadership. When the May 12 earthquake struck his Chinese Sichuan Province, he not only survived the rubble, but went back to rescue two of his classmates. Why? He responded that since he was a hall monitor, it was his responsibility to help the others. Lin Hao apparently also encouraged fellow students to sing songs to help keep up their spirits while awaiting rescue. This went on for at least 2 hours, and once rescued, he went right back into the rubble to rescue others, although he suffered several injuries. Sadly, 20 of his classmates died, and it was estimated over 70,000 were dead or missing and 5 million or more left homeless.
Apparently, Lin Hao almost missed the opening ceremonies, because officials didn’t realize he was authorized to go into the arena. Why? Because he is small, and they didn’t think he was important? In truth, we need this kind of role model–we need his courage, integrity and lack of fear. As Seuss says, “A person’s a person. No matter how small.”
This is the kind of student Compassion International seeks to support through the Leadership Development Program–those with high academic, spiritual and leadership potential. My own sponsored child, Siriporn, was accepted to this program. As her sponsor for several years I did, indeed, recognize this potential in her well before she started her university studies. What if she had not been given the opportunity to reach her potential? What if she had remained in poverty, in hunger, uneducated and without Christ? I’m so thankful Compassion is working to maximize the opportunities of these small bundles of potential. Why not sponsor a child today, or support a student from the Leadership Development Program? You never know how far-reaching your support may reach.
Sponsor Visits and Wordles
There was a lot of discussion this week on the Compassion Blog about sponsor tours and visits with children. So I thought I would entitle this Wordle “Sponsor Visits.” This visit relates to a trip that a friend and I took to the Dominican Republic this past January. It was truly a life-changing experience for both of us, and if you take a close look at the Wordle, you’ll see why. I have also blogged about the trip, so make sure you check out this story about Mindy and Oscar. Click on the image to make it larger.
“Sponsor Visits” by Juli Jarvis 
I have some other good Wordles this week as well. Here is one by David Ker called “Cyber-Psalms 1-27.” This is a reference to the “Cyber-Psalms” he has been writing every week — check them out at here — they’re wonderful!
“Cyber-Psalms 1-27″ by David Ker
Finally, I have another great Wordle from Alyssa of Plans for Hope. This represents the Passion World Tour.
“Passion World Tour” by Alyssa
Please send me Wordles for next week! Click the link on the right for instructions!
Happy Wordling!
The Fashion Fast — Shall We Follow Suit?
I came across the most amazing blog this week — The Fashion Fast. This came by way of a friend of a relative, so it wasn’t something I stumbled upon. I do want to say that although I support her idea of fasting from spending money on fashion, I don’t intend to support her financially. I have no idea what she intends to do with the money she collects, or which charity she will be giving to. I think all financial contributions should be checked with Charity Navigator and other accountability organizations. This is why I support Compassion International whole-heartedly — I agree with their mission, focus and integrity. I know they are in line with what I believe.
With that said, I was tremendously intrigued by this woman’s plan to “Fashion Fast” for a whole year (Imagine that! A whole week or month would be a challenge for some) . She even set up a list of rules. We should all follow her lead. What impressed me most is that she works for a fashion magazine in New York, and yet she has felt the desire to pull away from striving to attain more clothing. What tickled me was the fact that she held a “Last Supper” (of shopping) before the fast began. You can view the clothes she bought on her blog.
Here are some of the clothes I bought while in Kansas City last week.
Actually, one of these is something Chris, our son, bought. Both of us were convinced to buy things because they were on sale. Would we ever see these items again? Would we even care if we didn’t? How could we have used our money more wisely? How about sponsoring another child in need? (30,000 children die every day from preventable causes). How about buying mosquito nets to protect families from malaria? (Every 30 seconds, a child dies from malaria alone). How about donating to the Global Food Crisis? (Four children die from hunger every 30 seconds).
I think one of the reasons I often don’t feel “guilty” about buying more stuff, is because I’ve already given to each of these worthy causes. But why not give more? Why not live as Wess Stafford says — on “enough?” Why do we think we need to have more than enough? I think for me, it is the sales that catch my attention–something looks good and I don’t think I’ll ever see it again at this price, so I feel I should buy it.
What are you buying that is “more than enough?”
Have you given to these worthy causes listed above? If not, why not? If so, why not again?
How can we train ourselves to be more careful in our spending habits?
Does anyone want to take up her lead and join the cause by sponsoring a child right now?
Lord, forgive me for buying “more than enough” for myself. Give me enough compassion and self-sacrifice to put others’ needs ahead of my own wants.
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen; to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter–when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” Isaiah 58:6-7
Sheep Fold