What Next?
REST IN HIM
One of the great paradoxes of the Christian walk is that the way to work with Jesus and bear fruit in His name is to rest in Him. It is all about Him, not about us. We have returned to Miami and are heading out into the world in every direction. We cannot do this work in our own strength or effort. We get our marching orders from our head, Jesus Christ, and work only through His effort within us. No enemy can prevail against us — not hunger, persecution, disease or death.
Angelina, the Canadian Compassion Advocate’s Director, encouraged us with an illustration of light. She said that she pictures a little shaft of light ascending to the Father each time a child is sponsored, encouraged or supported in word or prayer. Similarly, each time we phone a Pastor to request an opportunity to share Compassion in his church, a little shaft of light bursts forth from that location. When we share with others about our experiences as sponsors, another shaft of light bursts through the darkness. We are bringing light to the world through our obedience to speak up on behalf of little ones who have no voice of their own. Ministering to children is strategic to fulfilling the Great Commission. But how do we do this? Not by our own efforts, strategies and schemes. Only by His Spirit.
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4 (NIV)
This is what I mean when I say “rest.” As Child Advocates, we often feel we must make lists of churches to call, plan our goals for the year and try new methods of getting the needs of the poor before God’s people. This is true and right; but we cannot trust any of these efforts. We must “rest” as we work; we must lean upon the Lord and walk with Him daily; we must be alert to the opportunities the Spirit places around us. We must join Him in His work; not expect Him to join us in ours.
Thank you for all you do for children in need, Martin. I’m sticking with Compassion International, because it is the only child sponsorship agency that:
1. Partners with the local church
2. Shares Christ with each and every child
3. Is committed to the child throughout their entire education, including University studies, if the child qualifies for higher education
I have been involved in Child sponsorship for over 28 years through World Vision and Missionary Ventures Canada. I have also made about 15 mssion trips to mainly Central American countries.
Freely Give is an idea I had recently to raise money by getting commissions from major stores, airlines etc. when people buy through our site.
At the moment we sponsor 7 kids and hope to add a new one every two weeks !! Why not give it a look !
Zach — That’s great news! You’re going to LOVE being a part of the Advocate’s Network! And that means we will meet each other at a conference one of these days!
Amazing thoughts there Juli!
I will be joining you and so many other people soon as a Compassion advocate very soon. I hope that I can remember your thought to rest. I need it soo often.
Zach
Thanks Juli–seeing all those kids brings me right back to the DR (and we have only been gone for 24 hours). I had one DR child packet with me on the trip and I just gave to a friend at church this morning and told him to pray every day and let me know his decision next Sunday–no sermon about Compassion, just gave him the child and told him to pray over for the next 7 days.