I have a strong conviction that one of my jobs, as a parent,
is to model and emphasize the principle of loving others
and having a spirit of empathy for those in difficult circumstances.
But how can they learn that when they live in the land of plenty?
When they don't know anyone in our circles who struggle
with living in a cycle of poverty?
Most children in American culture have no idea how to survive on the street.
Most know exactly where their next meal is coming from.
Most have appropriate clothing for the season they are living in.
Most have access to education.
Most can read early in childhood.
Most have access to medical care.
Most live where water is clean and available and indoors.
Most live in peaceful neighborhoods where criminals are not
preying on them and where parents fear their children will be snatched
and used as slaves in a variety of criminal lifestyles.
Most have an opportunity to hear somewhere that Jesus loves them.
But American children are in the minority
when eyed through a global comparison.
American children live lives of comfort, ease, privilege,
and prosperity when compared to 3rd world countries.
What should our response be, as Christians, to the worldwide result
of the curse of sin?
People are starving and we know the Bread of Life.
We have had that knawing internal thirst quenched by the Living Water.
We sit at the table in the presence of The Light of the World
while millions grope in darkness all around us!!
Do we love comfort more than we love Christ?
How can we get involved?
How can we tangibly point others to the place they can find Bread?
I first became aware of the Compassion International organization through
my favorite author, Ann Voskamp.
She is a global advocate for sponsoring children in
hopeless living situations, and has sponsored many children as well
as traveled to meet these children.
When I saw recently that the Compassion Experience was going to be
just down the road from our house, I wanted to check it out!
It was an awesome, free experience for my children (for me too!)
to get to walk through very realistic home settings
of children in other countries who struggle to survive.
In 20 minutes, it gave my children a glimpse
into how comfortable they really live,
but also the incredible transformation that happens to the future
of these children when they meet Jesus!!
We did not feel pressure to have to sponsor a child through this organization,
but there were definitely clear opportunities to do so.
We did leave so grateful that Jesus makes a difference.
You clearly understood that hearing about the Lord and responding
to His invitation to receive Him as Lord was not a lottery ticket nor
an instant escape to a better life.
But He offers peace, opportunities, hope, better choices,
and a brighter future.
I was so glad we had this experience together as a family!
Learn more about Compassion International
here.
