Blessings of the Poor

The other day I had the privilege to meet with Lynette Merry, the QLD Advocate Co-ordinator for Compassion, and have a coffee. It was most insightful! We talked about everything and anything, and she shared some thoughts on advocacy and how to express the passions within you in a relatable manner. I was also blessed to receive a book called 'Blessings of the Poor' which I have been making my way through. Many sponsors, such as Darlene Zschech, Steve Grace and Rebecca St James, have had the opportunity to visit their sponsor children and have written little stories about their experiences. David O'Rourke (CEO, Compassion Australia) has compiled these stories to form the book. Here are some excerpts...

'The poor who know Jesus are wonderful ambassadors of what is valuable in God's kingdom. They trust in Jesus because they must; their very existence depends upon his provision.' - David O'Rourke

'Others who visit the heroes of the developing world also receive the blessings of the poor, often in unexpected ways. We go to give to someone we think is worse off and discover our own wretchedness and poverty of soul and spirit. People with nothing have discovered what we have failed to discern with all our worldly wisdom and good intentions. They have a living faith, a faith and hope tested in the injustice of poverty, that cannot, and will not, be quenched by circumstances.' - David O'Rourke

'I have seen children with diseases in their bodies who have a brightness and a joy because they have chosen to embrace joy. Conversely, I have seen people back home with relatively minor sicknesses and illnesses and aches who are feeling sad and asking, 'Why won't God heal me?' - Phil Keaggy

I am convinced that you don't need to pray about, or even think about child sponsorship. You just have to do it. I have two precious sponsor children, and not once have I gone without because of my sponsorship commitments. When you are God's hands and feet on this planet, He will not let you be in want. I honestly believe it is our responsibility as people living in the western world to give out of our abundance. And I am convinced that when carrying out the purposes of God in this world, He will provide for us. He is our all-sufficiency.

I asked myself once why I never thought to sponsor a child years ago. I've concluded it's because I didn't realise it was my duty to do so. I thought it was for those who 'had a calling' to be missionaries or were called to that field of ministry. Little did I know, we are all called to be the influence that is so desperately needed in our world. I realised that I can sacrifice a trip to McDonalds every week. Or a cup of coffee or two. And in doing so, provide a child on a different side of the world opportunity to grow, to learn, to become great men and women of God and to influence their world!

How much can you sacrifice?