Tag Archives: Advocate’s Network

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A Great Website

My favorite website by far is Compassion International, and it has a new look — make sure you check it out!  Let me show you several reasons why it’s a great website:

Best of all — you can Sponsor a Child!  Being involved in the lives of children in need has had the most profound impact on our family.  It has opened our eyes to the conditions and needs of families around the world.  I can’t imagine life without theses precious students in our lives!
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A Sacred Moment

JimmySo many of us have been touched by this video of Jimmy Wambua meeting his sponsor.  If you haven’t seen it, you should take a few minutes to view it — the part with Jimmy begins at 3:45.  You can view it by clicking here:

Catalyst 2009 Compassion Moment

I want to tell you more of the story, because I had an opportunity to talk to Jimmy about this.

I asked him how it came about that his sponsor chose him.  He said that the sponsor (in Canada) had gone to a church where an Advocate was sharing about Compassion International.  He walked up to the table afterwards and looked across over 50 child packets, and his eyes rested on Jimmy.  Something in his eyes seemed to say, “I want to live.  But I don’t know how.”  Then he chose to sponsor him.

At this point in our conversation, Jimmy said to me, “It was at the same time I was roaming the streets eating from dumpsters hoping someone would stop and rescue me from the situation.  God, in a still voice, must have heard my voice and sent for help in Canada.”

I truly believe this is what happened.  God was behind it, and it is a “miracle story.”  Jimmy has since completed not only prep school but also a college degree in Compassion’s Leadership Development Program.  He was then chosen for Compassion’s Moody Scholar program, which allows him to attend Moody Bible Institute for a Master’s degree.  He will then return to his country of Kenya, with his God-given vision of helping youth, identifying leaders, directing them to God, giving them the support and training they need, and literally bringing change to his country.  I’m so pleased to have met this really fine young man.  Thank you, dear sponsor, for making that decision to support Jimmy.

If you would like to sponsor a child, please contact me or go to this website; your life will be forever changed, and another child will begin his journey to whatever purpose and potential God has planned for his/her life. Also, if you let me know, I’ll notify Jimmy so he can be encouraged that his witness has brought more children the help they need.

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Are You Ready to Join Us?

 

Child Advocates Jane and Juli at Conference

Child Advocates Jane and Juli at Conference

I was asked to write a post for the Compassion Blog today — you can read it right here.  

I would love nothing more than for you to sponsor a child (if you haven’t already) and then to join us in the Advocate’s Network!  It’s the most amazing group of people!  Let me direct you to some of the great posts the Advocate’s are writing as they speak up for children in poverty.  

Andrea — Andrea’s Children of Compassion

Dave — Jesus + Compassion

Jane — Called and Chosen 

Jill — Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Judith — My Compassion Experience

Kirk — Who, Me?  

Vicki  — Passions of the Soul

Also , here are some interviews of some of fellow Advocates:

Interview with Jane 

Interviews with Compassion Dave here and here

Interview with Jill

Interview with Juli

Feel free to ask any of us if you have any questions about the Advocate’s Network.  I love the fact that Compassion does not tell us where to share Compassion or when; all the activities are self-generated.  It’s completely a matter between you and God.  It’s the best ministry I’ve ever been involved in — changing the lives of children and connecting sponsors and children!  

Join us today!

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Exciting News!

I received some very exciting news yesterday!  Junior is returning to his project in the Dominican Republic!  I shared with you earlier about Junior’s tearful decision to leave his project, which left me quite concerned, since he had about three years left to complete his education.  I had the opportunity to speak with Junior’s Project Director and with the Project Facilitator for his area as well when I visited his country in October.  

It was really quite an amazing story.  I don’t want to go into personal details about Junior’s reason for leaving the project, but the fact that God brought his Project Facilitator to the Global Advocate’s Conference gave me hope.  When I found out he was present, I introduced myself to him.  He listened to my concerns about Junior and said he would follow up.  A day later, while I was visiting with Mindy and her sponsored children, a man tapped me on the shoulder (out of the clear blue) and introduced himself as Junior’s Project Director.  I was amazed!  I have no idea how he found me, as no one was there to introduce us, but we found a quiet place to sit and visit about my concerns.  He also promised to do all he could to work out a solution to the problems.  

julijrWell, one of these men e-mailed me yesterday to let me know that Junior has agreed to return to his project.  Not only that, he has accepted Jesus as his Savior!  This precious man has also promised to see that Junior has follow-up counseling and discipleship about his decision to accept Christ.  Junior is being placed in a technical school where he will learn skills that will make it possible for him to be financially independent as he enters adulthood.  Remember Compassion’s Outcomes for each student?  These are joyfully coming together for Junior this very week, because a Sponsor and a Project Director are not willing to “give up” on Junior.  I’m so happy for him, and can’t wait to get the next letter he writes.

All these matters have proved to me, again, that Compassion really does take their commitment to the child and to the sponsor seriously.  I’m so glad to partner with an organization that believes in the dignity of the poor, and that treats each child, not as a number or a face, but as a person, dearly loved by God.  I’ve seen this time and again in all my years as a Compassion Advocate and Sponsor.  The careful attention to detail and to the needs of each individual child is amazing.  Thank you, Compassion International.  Hope Lives!  Check out other stories about Hope at this site — great new stories here!

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Satanic Strategy 101

WE HAVE MANY ENEMIES

If you want to hurt someone deeply, hurt their children.  That is what Satan is doing around the world – attacking our greatest potential, our greatest achievement, our greatest goldmine – the children.  If they can feel rejected, abandoned, ignored, or worthless, they will not be able to achieve the purpose for which God created them.  Mike Hinckfoot, who oversees Ministry Integration and Innovation at Compassion International, said “Poverty is the most complex, cruel problem in the world today.”  He explained that there’s corruption in government, lack of interest in the needs of children and a lack of resources.  Compassion partners with local churches in third-world countries.  We don’t start churches or send missionaries out; we come alongside churches to provide support, accountability and resources. 

 Another speaker – Patrick McDonald, of an excellent ministry called “VIVA,” said “Children at risk are the very call of the Great Commission.”  If you can change the heart of a child — give him education, good health, social skills, economic support and the teachings of Christ — then you can change a whole community.  No wonder Satan is attacking the weakest members of society – the children – through malnutrition, malaria, abuse and neglect.  100 million children are living on the streets; 130 million have no access to school.  A child dies every 30 seconds from malaria alone.  The challenges are huge.  

 Compassion is on the front lines of this war against poverty.  Wess Stafford, President of Compassion International, spoke in our meetings twice today.  He likened the Advocate’s Network to a group of volunteers flying into enemy territory.  He also pointed out that as we worshipped together today – along with several partner countries represented here – we were holding back the hordes of hell, for the hosts of Heaven rejoice when even one child accepts Christ as Savior.  Last year, 154,000+ children accepted Christ, and that doesn’t include their siblings, parents, and extended family that also come as well. 

We attended workshops that explain the ministry of Compassion – how it works, where the funds go, and how we can open the eyes of others to the needs of the poor.  We have four core programs:

Child Development Sponsorship Program (CDSP) – This is the one-to one relationship between child and sponsor.  The goal is developing, discipling and equipping children for life…through the local church, and the outcome will affect the child’s spiritual, social/emotional, physical and economic needs. 

Child Survival Program (CSP) – Emily Kagiri, Director of this program in Kenya, said that it is a call to action to save the lives of expectant mothers and their babies.  They promote healthy communities and families.  The goal is rescuing, nurturing and discipling both the mother/care-giver and the child.  She said that what we say to these mothers is, “Shake off those chains that want to kill your baby!”  These are chains of low self-esteem, of malnutrition and health issues that are preventable.  All the mothers need is education and support, and that child can live to be a benefit to society.

Leadership Development Program (LDP) – Educating, training and discipling servant leaders is the goal.  They work with 12 Biblical leadership principles to develop godly servant leaders.  These are students that have excelled academically and have potential to be powerful Christian leaders in their communities.  They can be sponsored through University studies. 

Complementary Interventions (CIV) – This program completes all of the ones above.  Without these, the children will not succeed.  These involve disaster relief, AIDS and malaria intervention, the provision of Bibles to all children, infrastructure development, water projects, parental education, non-formal education such as Vo-Tech Schools, medical assistance and many other types of support.

In order to rescue children from enemy ground, Compassion is committed to the following core principles; we are:

  • Christ-centered
  • Child-focused
  • Church-based
  • Committed to Integrity

As Child Advocates all around the world, we will continue to speak up for children who have no voice of their own.  We continue to speak up as the Bible commands:

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.  Proverbs 31:8 (NIV)

 

 

 

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Blogging Live from the Dominican Republic

Hey, guess what? In one week, I will be traveling to the Dominican Republic for Compassion’s first Global Advocate’s Conference! Two of us will be writing posts on a new website while we’re there — Compassion Dave and myself. The dates of the trip are October 5-11, but we will also be posting some stories before we go. I’m sure you will not want to miss out on the news from this great country!

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I’ll Steal You Away

What happens when we’re sad and discouraged, and we cry out to God?  I think His desire is to “steal us away” to a quiet place where He can speak words of encouragement, hope and provision, but unfortunately we don’t always follow that lead.

This Wordle is based on a song by Cisco & Ripplefx called I Hear You.  I love this song!  I first heard it at a Compassion International Advocate’s Conference, where this group ministered so mightily to us in praise and worship!  These are wonderful young musicians who not only want to praise the Lord with their music, but also to speak up for children in poverty!  They represent Compassion’s ministry of Child Sponsorship.

Here is the Wordle based on their song, I Hear You [please click to enlarge the image below]:

The powerful words of the chorus are as follows:

I hear you.  I feel you I know your pain; I see you trembling again.  I feel you, I hear you crying again; I see the teardrop rolling down your face.  So tonight I’ll stel you away.

I realize this song may be about those He is calling home to Heaven, but I think there is a “stealing away” by His Spirit that can happen to us on an earthly, but spiritual level as well.  This is crucial in our walk with Jesus.

Sometimes I need to let Him steal me away from the cares, worries, and busy-ness of this life.  I often feel Him calling me away to the mountains, to a city park or even just to a turn-out along the highway.  When I’m willing to spend this time with Him, He speaks to me through the Bible, through nature or just quietly in my spirit.  He speaks words of encouragement, comfort, guidance, forgiveness, healing or insight — in fact, whatever it is that I need at the moment.  Here is one of my favorite places to spend a day with the Lord —  the Big Horn Mountains, which are only five minutes away from our town:

Ok, so I know what you’re thinking — I set this up.  Actually — yes, I did — I went to the top of our street and asked the deer to pose for this photo!  lol

It just goes to prove — you never know what God has in store for you when you allow Him to “Steal You Away!”  Surely you have mountains, beaches, woods, farmlands, lakes or city parks where you can connect with God as well.  Not that it has to happen in nature, but it sure helps me to leave the ordinary and get away with my lover — my God — in special times of need.

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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?

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!

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We’ve Got it all Wrong — Names

We’ve got it all wrong.  Why do we refer to Daniel by his Israelite name, and his friends — Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego by their Babylonian names?   I just read the meanings of these names in a devotional recently (Days of Praise, from the Institute for Creation Research, August 8).  Daniel is a Hebrew name that means “God is my Judge.”  The Babylonians attempted to assign the name “Belteshazzar” to him, which gives credit to one of their false gods — “favored by Bell.”  Fortunately, that name didn’t “stick” for Daniel, and every child in VBS and Sunday School hears the glorious stories of Daniel, not of “Belteshazzar.”  So why don’t we do the same with the three friends?  Here is the meaning of their names:

  • Hananiah (“Beloved of the Lord”) was changed to Shadrach (“Illumined by Rak,” the god of the sun)
  • Mishael (“Who is as God?”) became Meshach (“who is like Shak,” the Babylonian Venus)
  • Azariah (“The Lord is my help”) became Abednego (“Servant of Nego,” the god of fire)

It doesn’t make sense to me.  Why do we focus on the godless names?

It made me think about our own names, and about insecurities regarding what others think of us.  Our worth is not dependent on what others call us, or think of us, but on what God calls us.  He has even given us new names of love.  “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.  To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna.  I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.”  Revelation 2:17

These “new names” surely reflect how God sees us, and what potential He has placed in each of us.  When our sins are forgiven, He sees us through grace and acceptance, so these names must indeed be very special and meaningful for each of us.

I am reminded of precious Michelle Tolentino, a formerly sponsored Compassion child.  She grew up believing she was not attractive, not important, not loved.  Then, through the letters of her sponsor, she began to see the love of Christ, and she began to believe and understand how very much God loves her.  She gave an excellent testimony when she visited this country the first time, and I’d like to share it with you on this special day of worship. Please listen to this beautiful young woman’s testimony of love, compassion, support and friendship.

Michelle has a very fruitful ministry of theater and drama today, but her worth and value isn’t tied up in what she is doing for Christ.  Her worth and value is tied up in Christ and what He is doing in and through her.  It is all about Him, not about us.  If you look at the Hebrew names above, you will see that He placed His name inside each of their names.  I think the special names He has for each of us will have His name connected with them in some way, too.  Won’t it be special when we hear Him call us by our new names?  Then we will know how He sees us, and how He’s been thinking about us from the very beginning.

I use the name “Compassion Juli” at times to reveal the fact that I’m a Child Advocate for Compassion International.  When our oldest son saw my blog, He said, “I get it now — your middle name really is ‘Compassion!'”  This was so special for me to hear, because I never realized he’d thought of me this way.

Wouldn’t you like to sponsor a child in the same way Michelle was loved and supported? You can do so today, by clicking this link. Sponsoring children through Compassion International gives them an opportunity to reach their full potential, to learn of God’s love for them, and to contribute to their society in the ways God intended for them to be a blessing.

Whatever name you have called yourself through the years, remember — God sees you in a completely different way. He loves you; He calls you by a new name, not by any name or reputation that has been given you by this world.

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A Baker’s Dozen for Compassion Dave

I’m very pleased to post an interview with a friend of mine from the Advocate’s Network.  Perhaps you have heard of “Compassion Dave” — his blog is a popular website–Jesus and Compassion–and very worth reading every day.  He’s been a strong and effective Child Advocate for Compassion International for several years, and I just wanted to find out what makes him tick, so to speak.  There are three things I really admire about Dave —

  • His love for Jesus and absolute reliance upon Him — He doesn’t try to do this ministry in his own strength
  • His passion for the children — He is always speaking up for the poor, not just occasionally
  • His eagerness to worship and to learn — At conferences, he sits right up front, completely focused on what the Lord has to say to him

Here are Dave’s answers to my questions, which ended up being a baker’s dozen — and by the way, his real name is Dave Wells!

Here’s Dave with one of their sponsored kids: Allison Juan-Dominican Republic

1.  How long have you been a member of the Advocate’s Network for
Compassion International, and how did you get involved?

In 1998 my family and I went to our first Creation Festival.  Long story short, my two boys (who were 11 years old at the time) answered an altar-call and gave their hearts to Jesus Christ.  My wife and I decided to commemorate the event by getting them each their own Compassion child to sponsor.  Since then we have been adding sponsorships (on average) once a year or so (but not all with Compassion International).  About seven years ago I signed up to become an Advocate because I wanted to do more and I felt the Lord guiding me in this direction.

2.  Obviously, you don’t know how many thousands of children have been
sponsored through concerts and festivals you have worked, but about
how many children have been sponsored through your individual
activities as a Child Advocate?

About 700

3.  What is the most rewarding aspect of Child Advocacy?

When I am serving the Lord (with Compassion) it is the closest I have ever come to true worship.  That’s not to say I don’t enjoy traditional church worship, it’s just that I feel closest when I am in God’s service.

4.  How many children do you sponsor, and where are they?

Well they are not all sponsored through Compassion, but here is the list:

1. Allison Juan – Dominican Republic – Compassion
2. Panlaojua – Thailand – Compassion
3. Pedro – Columbia – Compassion
4. Luis –Dominican Republic – Compassion
5. Matius – LDP student — Indonesia – Compassion
6. Adin – LDP student — Guatemala – Compassion
7. Asue – Thailand – Compassion
8. Monica – Bolivia – Compassion
9. Ange Lusson – Haiti – Daysprings Ministries
10. Lokesh – India – New Hope Ministries
11. Pastor “J” – India – New Hope Ministries
12. Pastor Sampson – India – Gospel for Asia
13. Pastor Prem – India – no ministry affiliation

5.  Have you visited any of your children?  If so, what were the most
memorable moments?

When I visited the Dominican Republic a couple of years ago with Compassion, I was not Allison Juan’s sponsor, but was able to meet and sponsor him during my visit.  I was able to meet his entire family, visit his home, church, and school, and see how the Compassion program works firsthand.
This is Allison Juan’s house.  His mom ‘does’ hair beneath the awning in order to support the family.

6.  Do you have a favorite scripture regarding the poor?

There are so many, so my favorite is really just my ‘latest’ favorite from Ezekiel 16:49…Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

7.  What other types of ministries are you involved in at your church
and in your community?

Well I am sad to say my pastor has not yet allowed me to do a Compassion Sunday at my church.  I only bring it up because there might be other advocates who are struggling with the same issue.  The good news is that the Lord has opened up other opportunities to share Compassion.  I am also an assistant youth leader at my friend’s church.

I am an Area Coordinator with Compassion (as a volunteer) which means I manage a small team of like-minded advocates and I spend a lot of time trying to find opportunities to present the Compassion ministry, whether it be at a church or Christian function like a concert, coffeehouse, or Bible study.

8.  In signing up sponsors, is there any moment that stands out above
the others?

Several years ago a young foreign exchange student named Krisztina sponsored a child.  She visited the Compassion table several times during a week-long Christian music festival, each time with another round of questions.  I confess, there was a point I was becoming a little annoyed, because I didn’t think she actually wanted to sponsor, but just see how many questions she could ask.

On the final day of the event she sponsored a child…And then disappeared.  About an hour later she returned to tell me she just got off the phone with her mother (in Budapest, Hungary).

Krisztina then told me why she was so hesitant to sponsor a child.  She feared her mother, whom she supported with her meager wages of about $125 a month, would be mad if she found out she wanted to take approximately one quarter of those earnings to sponsor a child.

I started to cry.  Krisztina and her mother very well could have benefited from being sponsored themselves, but she chose to open her hand to a child in more need than herself.

By the way, her mother was elated by her decision to sponsor a child.

9.  What event has most impacted your effectiveness as an Advocate?

There are too many to list, but a recent one was at a Shaun Groves concert at Old Bridge Calvary Chapel, in Old Bridge, NJ.  It wasn’t a huge deal-I was just so overwhelmed by Shaun’s plea for the Compassion children.  I have witnessed a lot of Compassion presentations and although I don’t want to set a precedent of grading (presentations), his was the best I ever heard.  Suffice it to say, “You had to be there.”

A few months later while reading a Shaun Grove’s blog, he wrote something that has stuck with me ever since.  He said (in regards to seeking sponsors for our Compassion children)…

“I am done softening the ask.”

And so am I.  Oh I haven’t abandoned love, but that love is now well-seasoned with Holy-Ghost boldness.

10.  What process to you go through in order to get opportunities to
speak in churches?

First and foremost, I am in prayer and in the Word because I want the Lord to be directing my steps and not my flesh (although of course that still happens from time-to-time)

When I find myself behind a Compassion table, I seek not only sponsors, but pastors (and other such empowered folks), for the sole reason of building a relationship so that I might be allowed to come to their church and present the ministry.

I spend a lot of time on the computer as well and try to make contacts and maintain contacts through emails, MySpace, and blogging about Compassion.  Online I can search for Christian events and church addresses, and then send out my requests to attend whatever function they are hosting.

I suppose the bottom line is that I try to keep my eyes and ears open wherever I find myself, and then being prepared to ‘pounce’ when the opportunity presents itself.

11.  Is there anything from your past that gave you a particular heart
for the poor?  Why are you so passionate about Child Advocacy?

I went to India on a mission trip, not with Compassion International, but with a native missionary who just happened to be a formerly sponsored Compassion child.  That story is long, but in the end, the Lord broke my heart in India for the least of these.

12.  What do you like most about Compassion International?

The T-Shirts

13.  Is there anything else you’d like to say?

I touched on it earlier, but the most critical aspect of being involved with any Christian ministry is how closely you are walking with your Lord and Savior.  Our relationship with Jesus Christ must be the most important relationship we have.   Then, we must trust Jesus to prioritize the rest of lives.

I like to tell my advocates that Compassion is not the most important thing, Jesus is.  I trust my Lord to guide each advocate in the appropriate amount of time they need to be spending in this (or any) ministry.  The last thing I want is for someone to put a gazillion hours into the ministry because I (seem) to.  Heaven forbid!  Unless God builds the house, our labor is in vain!

Listen to the Lord and He will prepare a schedule that suits His needs and in turn blesses you.  The only factor that remains is our obedience.  We can be as close to Jesus as we want, heck, we can be sitting on His shoulders, but if we are not going to obey what He says, then what’s the point?


This isn’t a picture of me, but my good friend Barry.  I just wanted to include it because it is one of my favorite pictures.  I took the picture as Barry said goodbye to his sponsored child and his mom (in Ecuador).

Allow God to work through you. Now is the time to sponsor a child.