Be the Hero

Can you be a hero today?  Would you let your mouse lead you to a new, great, big role that promises to change at least one life, not to mention yours....forever???

Sunday, April 21, 2012 is a critical day in the ministry of Compassion International.  Dubbed Compassion Sunday, this is our chance to Change the Story for over 20,000 children who are in desperate poverty around the globe.  So today's post is dedicated to those children. Real children who need our help.  And to their families who are no doubt eagerly waiting for news that their lives have been changed.  That they have the means to escape a life without hope or opportunity while hearing the powerful message of Jesus' love. 

On my blog I've shared the wonderful stories of the precious girls we sponsor and consider part of our family.  Pascaline lives in Rwanda and Elibie in Burkina Faso. 

Today I want to introduce you to a new girl named Bethlehem and share her incredible sponsorship story.   It is one that touches my heart and reminds me that there is more than one way to become a sponsor...

Isn't Bethelehem so cute?  This little girl was sponsored by my parents to honor the life of Hannah, the granddaughter of their friends, their former pastor and his wife.  Hannah went to live with Jesus on Easter Sunday last year.  A letter my mom wrote to Hannah's parents will be read at her memorial service this week.  And because it really captures the amazing way God used several lives to transform Bethelehem's, I asked Mom if I could share it here: 

To Hannah's Family, 

When I heard that your family had begun to sponsor a child through Compassion International and that it had delighted your precious Hannah, I committed in my heart to find a child for us to sponsor.  We want you to know that because Hannah lived as a sweet and wonderful Christian girl who is now living with Jesus, Bethelehem who lives in poverty in Ethiopia has a new family and will be assured constantly that she matters, to us and to Jesus.  She had been on the waiting list for a sponsor for approximately six months. 

I believe that one day Hannah and Bethelehem will see each other in Heaven.  When Bethelehem is a little older,  we surely want her to know about Hannah and how we were directed toward the sponsorship because of Hannah,  

We have prayed for you and your family and will continue to do so.  We have not borne what you are going through, but as parents, and as fellow Believers, we grieve with you.  We wanted you to know that this is just one of the many ways in which Hannah touched lives. 

Sincerely, 

Maureen and Jim

Just this week Maureen and Jim received the first of many letters from their sponsored child.  She told them about her best friends, favorite color and holiday. 

 

She's a little spunky sprite like my Teagan! Plus, she seems just as obsessed with cats. In addition to her request for a picture of my parents she asked if they could include one of the cat they hopefully own! 

We also talked about how many children in Compassion's programs are newly able to attend school as most countries charge fees and require uniforms that parents in poverty can't afford. We are not sure what her situation was prior to her sponsorship but are delighted that in this letter Bethelehem tells my parents that her family is so happy she gets to go to school now! 

Wanted: A Few Good Heroes

It is easy to be a hero today.  Sponsorship costs $38 a month, the price of a meal out on the town.  But to families like Pascaline's that make $5 a month it means the world. Is there someone you would like to honor?  Would you like to teach your children the gift of compassion?  Perhaps find a child who shares their birthday?  The possibilities for sponsorship are endless.  

Whatever your situation today, I pray God will prompt you to feel a true connection with one of these children. I can promise the relationship will bless your life as much as theirs! Have a great Sunday, everyone!

In Jesus' Name, 

Michelle