Think of Me...a Letter from Rwanda

To wrap up Compassion International's month long campaign we've been challenged to write from our sponsored child's perspective.

Here's my letter from Pascaline, a young girl from Rwanda living within the ghostly shadow of horrific events that rocked her country just a few years ago...

Dear Brian and Michelle, 

Think of me....

My parents worry about the rebels rebuilding in nearby Congo. What will our future hold here? Will we have to relive the tragedy that still haunt our parent's dreams? How can my generation change the story? 

I'm just a little girl and sometimes life seems so harsh. We've no electricity. No running water. When you sponsored me, I borrowed the dress you saw me in so I could have a nice picture. 

My shoes, yes, you noticed they were torn but they were the only ones I had to wear in this mountainous region. At the time, I couldn't manage a smile and you were drawn to that. You wanted to give me a reason...

Think of me... 

Since your sponsorship, life has gotten better. We have a new roof on our house! Jesus delivered a cow that provides milk and an additional source of income. And we received a potato crop that also helps us so much. 

Think of me...

I get to go to school now. We learn of Jesus and his love for us which I share with my family. I have a great time with my friends and also get health check ups and vaccines. 

Think of me...

When they deliver letters to the children in my development center my heart beats faster. Will I get a letter from you today? I love sending you drawings I've made. But it really makes me feel special to get your words...to know you think of me. To see the artwork from Teagan and Isla, the stickers and Bible coloring pages. 

I don't feel invisible anymore. I believe God made me special. That He is with me in this place. He's providing a future through you, through Compassion International. Never stop thinking of me, of my friends. We are a world away but we need you. Please promise me you'll try. 

In Jesus' Name, 

Pascaline

BE THE HERO

Let God use you and your family to change the lives of these precious children forever. Our goal is to gain sponsorship for 3,100 children. For $38, the price of a dinner out once a month, you can provide food, clothing, healthcare, Christian education and so much more...a future. 

Visit Compassion International’s Sponsor a Child page. Pray over which child speaks to your heart. Perhaps they share a birthday with your child? Maybe they live in a country where AIDS is rampant? Or perhaps they are in an area you’ve always wanted to learn more about? Ask God to help you make a commitment as a family to change this child’s life.

In Jesus' Name, 

Michelle

Closing the Gap

Today I am blogging for Compassion International and my post is dedicated to children around the world who are surrounded by devastating poverty.  Poverty that tells them they are not special, that they can't escape its clutches and no one cares....

Dear God, 

I remember all those years ago. 

It was Christmas. 

Our hearts broken by another miscarriage. 

We thought we needed to turn our attention from ourselves to others who were in need. That perhaps through your love we could bless someone. But the blessings? They were all ours...

Sponsoring Pascaline in Rwanda, and now Elibie in Burkina Faso, has been the most incredible experience. As a mom it encourages me and fills my heart to partner with the girl's parents to help bring them out of desperate poverty...to give them hope for a better future. 

I love how Compassion International focuses one child at a time 

to ensure they can thrive spiritually, economically, socially and physically. By doing this they reach their potential and are released them from the poverty that has trapped their families for generations. 

Now you have blessed us with two biological girls of our own. And as a family we pray for our Compassion girls several times a day. We conserve water and food as we want to honor what you have blessed us with and while remembering children around the globe who don't have enough. 

My girls love getting letters from their sisters half the world away. Their cousin Kade helps as we make art work for them, send stickers, coloring pages and share bible verses. We have pictures up on our refrigerator of the girls and their families. We've made photo albums of letters we've received where they share their daily lives with us. 

Our families will forever be connected, thanks to Compassion International. I so look forward to the day when we will meet in person. 

This week my three year old Teagan asked me to make her a map that would take her to Pascaline's house. Isn't that wonderful? 

Thank you for being that map, God. For closing the gap of thousands of miles to bring these precious children into our homes and lives in a very real, personal way. 

But there are so many more out there that need the love and compassion of a sponsor! We pray for them today, God. 

They need us .

We pray you will touch the hearts of anyone reading today and let them know that for the cost of one meal out a month ($38), they can make a tremendous impact on these children and the people around them. 

In Jesus' Name I Pray, 

Michelle

Will you join us in sponsoring a child? And if you are a Compassion Blogger please link up your post during this month long season at Linking Up for Compassion.

Blessings, Michelle 

Linking Up for Compassion

All month long bloggers from around the world are blogging about Compassion International. A Compassion Blogger is someone using his or her blog to change the world for children in poverty. Our goal with this campaign is to spread awareness about these children and help 3,108 find sponsors. 

If you are a blogger and would like to join us click here on Compassion Bloggers. 

Ok, are you ready for some inspiration? Check out the following posts to see what these bloggers have to say about these precious children and the way Compassion is changing their lives forever!