Happy World Water Day!

Happy World Water Day!

Water is essential to life but can also be very dangerous. It is something we need for survival but can be the cause of so many problems. I am ever so grateful that I live in a country where I have access to clean water to drink, wash my hands, bathe....

Consider donating to Compassion International's Water of Life campaign and grant a family in poverty access to clean water!

You can read more about World Water day at Compassion's Blog.

One Meal, One Day.... Are you up for the challenge?

You have the power to literally transform the lives of children in poverty!

One Meal, One Day is a national event with a very simple premise: skip a meal and donate the funds you would have spent to help children suffering from severe food insecurity.

Hunger in Ethiopia is extreme. According to UNICEF, 52% of children in Ethiopia suffer from stunted growth due to malnutrition.

One Meal, One Day raises funds to help Compassion-registered children in Ethiopia whose urgent food needs exceed the capacity of our core programs. 


You can help by going to my fundraising page and donating now!


If you want to learn more about how you can get involved, click here!


Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

Let the children come...

 This was shared with me and I wanted to take the time to share it with you.

Matthew 19:14. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA


This hit me so close to home, being a first grade teacher myself. I just can't imagine what the families of those who were lost feel. I believe and trust in God's authority over all things - including anything that the enemy tries to throw at us. The children were ready now to go to what will be our heavenly home. Though I do not believe in the hype about 12/21/12, I also have no doubt that the end times are coming.

As the day of our Savior's birth draws near, you can help save a young life and get some last minutes gifts taken care of now! Please join me in prayer for all those lost and left behind in Newtown, CT. Consider donating to Compassion International in honor of the 26 lives lost there and the countless other children living in poverty that are lost daily to preventable diseases. I encourage each of you to pray on what and how God wants you to answer His call to bring others the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Compassion International Gift Catalog 2012 

Rescue Babies and Mothers - Child Survival Program 

Sponsor a Child Today - Child Sponsorship Program 

Develop a Future Leader - Leadership Development Program 

Meet Critical Needs - Health & Medical Needs, Educational Needs, and Disaster Reliever & Stability 

Giving Tuesday

Black Friday was days ago, Cyber Monday is behind us.... it is time for Giving Tuesday!

What better way to give than giving the love of Christ! The past 2 years I have gotten my family and friends items from the Compassion Gift Catalog. It is the best because it not only shares Christ's love to the receiver, but the children and families living in poverty too!

What I have done is choose one of the inexpensive gifts and get about 2 dozen of them to give to co-workers and to "add-on" to gifts I've already gotten for that person. Then there are a few of the bigger gifts on the catalog that I get in honor of someone. Last year, I chose a few gifts in honor of my Compassion children that I sponsor!

If you haven't already, check out this years catalog and spread the word to others!

Biblical vs. Political.... I vote for Christ!

It is so hard these past several months to avoid all the political media surrounding our nation. There are issues that I stand with whole-heartedly, while others it is a hit or miss. There is not perfect plan that any politician can offer us. The only one who can offer a perfect plan is Christ Jesus. (Amen to that!!)

One thing I do know in addition to God's perfect plan for us, is His divine appointment in all things. Jesus has authority over heaven and earth, and under the earth. Whatever happens I know God has authority over and will work everything out for His glory. I encourage everyone to be in prayer for our nation's leaders and future leaders.

Speaking of future leaders, I am always in awe of the letters I read from my sponsored children. I often wonder who they will grow up to be because of "divine intervention" from Christ. Thank you Lord for using me to do Your good works.

In the midst of all the political yard signs out there, why not get a yard sign from Compassion? Please visit my former blog-post, Campaigning For Compassion, where you will find a link to the yard sign and many other free resources to add some bibilically correct support to all the politics.

Planting seeds & playing catch up....

 

Wow, it has been such a long time since I have posted last! This has proven to be a very busy, emotional, and God-fearing summer! I hope to get back into the groove as another school year comes close.

Couple of updates, have continued to get my wonderful letters coming in from Nury, Chatchai, and Yamairy. I received birthday "thank yous" from all three of them. If there has one thing that has been consistent this summer, it has been my daily prayers for them, striving to write to them each month, and thanking God that I continue to have the ability to sponsor them.

On the Compassion front, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Joyful Noise concert in June. I was unable to attend the entire event, but I was able to see Mandisa, Peter Fuler, and TobyMac! When I left for the evening, we had between 35-40 sponsored children!



I was also successful in recruiting a new sponsor at my church! I haven't been able to do a Compassion Sunday presentation for the past 2 years. Surprisingly, one of our church members remembered the presentation and came up to me one weekend as said, " I want to sponsor a child through Compassion." Whoo-hoo! That was a "Praise God" moment. It just made me think about the seeds that are planted. God calls us to plant the seeds and to be in prayer. As time goes on, the seed gets water and sun and grows. You never know when God allows something like this to flourish!!

As summer comes to an end, what seeds have you planted? How have you seen how God has been watering the seed you planted?

 

Team Up To Support Compassion

Compassion International and the Minnesota Twins have teamed up for “The Compassion Pitch,” a unique opportunity to join other Compassion supporters at magnificent Target Field to enjoy Major League baseball while raising funds for Compassion’s programs. For this occasion the Twins will be hosting the Seattle Mariners, Monday, Aug. 27. Here is how it works: Between today and July 30, call (800) 33-TWINS, press “0” to speak to an attendant, and mention you are purchasing tickets as a part of the Compassion International promotion for the 7:10 p.m. game on Monday, Aug. 27. For every $25 ticket you purchase, $6 goes to Compassion’s Unsponsored Children’s Fund. A limited number of tickets are available, and if demand exceeds supply, the Twins will provide additional game date options in September. Major credit cards are accepted, and a $5 one-time service fee is added to each order for any number of seats. The tickets will be mailed directly to the person placing the order. This is a great opportunity to show your team support and to tell your friends about Compassion. Consider purchasing extra tickets to treat your pastor, a neighbor or friend and you could use this baseball game as a fun outing for church, family or business. Join us to cheer on your favorite team while supporting a ministry that is close to your heart.

World Malaria Day

World Malaria Day is commemorated every year on 25 April and recognizes global efforts to control malaria. Globally, 3.3 billion people in 106 countries are at risk of malaria. The theme for World Malaria Day 2012 - "Sustain Gains, Save Lives: Invest in Malaria" - marks a decisive juncture in the history of malaria control (http://www.rollbackmalaria.org/worldmalariaday/).
 
Malaria is a preventable, treatable disease, yet a child dies of malaria every 30 seconds. This can happen when malaria is not treated, and cerebral malaria develops in as quickly as two days. Once this happens, a child can slip into a coma and eventually die.

Families in poverty need help dealing with this potentially fatal disease. Many cannot afford insecticide-treated mosquito nets or medical treatment.

You can help by donating to Compassion's Malaria Intervention Fund - also known as the "Bite Back!" campaign.

Compassion intervenes by:

• Providing households at risk with treated mosquito nets
• Educating family members on malaria prevention
• Treating those suffering from malaria, chagas disease and dengue fever

Read more about World Malaria Day here on Compassion International's blog. Join in the fight against malaria and "Bite Back!"

Compassion Sunday - Change the Story

Hope everyone had a wonderful Compassion Sunday! Compassion officially had its Compassion Sunday campaign this past Sunday, April 22, 2012. Although this was specifically set aside for Compassion to recognize, child advocates and sponsors are able to choose a date that works best for their church.

My church, unfortunately has not been able to hold a Compassion Sunday for a second year in a row due to financial troubles. We have been looking to our church members to commit first to the local church before stepping out in a commitment with another Christian organization. Though this saddened me, I was thrilled with Compassion came out with an opportunity to share your Compassion story by creating your own profile page to send via e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter!

This was especially good for me because I still wanted to be able to do something with the Compassion Sunday campaign. Even if you have already had your Compassion Sunday presentation - or you are preparing for one - I highly recommend creating your own profile page to spread the word about child sponsorship even faster and to a great sphere of influence!

Check out my own page here!