The Gift of Sponsorship
Dear Calvary Family,
This Christmas season, we have been talking about the Gift of Compassion seen throughout God's Word, especially in the Incarnation and story of Christ's birth. We have also been sharing about an opportunity to sponsor children in extreme poverty through Compassion International.
I had the opportunity to travel to Guatemala last January to see Compassion’s ministry in action and to ask questions. We spent time with Guatemalan pastors, local leaders, country leaders and the CEO of Compassion International, Jimmy Mellado. I personally was able to meet the little boy that I sponsor as well - Franklin! He is the sweetest little guy. It was not just an experience of being deeply moved, but also a time that significantly assured me of my trust in this organization.
I know that a lot of people are feeling nervous about committing to donate money right now, but I want to encourage you to cultivate your heart of compassion through taking specific actions and especially being willing to respond to things that you weren’t totally planning on beforehand.
I think that when we can respond with generosity and compassion, we are able to see God gently and lovingly pry open our tightened fists that are gripping on to control and self-reliance. He wants us to respond in trust and faith in Him as we see His provision for us while we join Him in providing for others.
Here’s the plan: We are attempting to sponsor 250 children in a similar region of Guatemala near the city of Antigua. You commit to giving $38 per month and to write letters regularly to your child. Then we will have the possibility, in the future, to visit our Compassion kids in Guatemala as a big group from Calvary.
Go to calvarylife.org/compassion to see the names and photos of children that you can sponsor. Just click there and it will take you through the process of getting all set up. Thank you for prayerfully considering doing this in a year where everything is uncertain and child sponsorships have been way down.
Check out this video for a little more inspiration.
Also, most people don’t think it’s the best strategy to talk about giving money away to people in other countries while we are having our own giving shortages of up to 14% ($250,000 behind through last week), but honestly this is just how Calvary Church rolls. We give our focus toward others above and beyond ourselves because we know God is able to provide for our needs. That's why nearly 25% of our annual budget extends outward to bless others and share the good news of Jesus through our Reach Ministries. This doesn’t mean our own needs aren’t significant and giving to things like Compassion should be above and beyond our regular tithes and offerings. Find out ways you can partner with us this December and give to help make a difference locally and globally at calvarylife.org/give
May the Lord bless you and keep you,
Eric Wakeling