31 Days of Giving

It has been a rather transformational year for me. A couple of books I read, along with the wonderful world of blogging have changed the way I look at life. First I read The Hole In Our Gospel by Richard Stearns, and then I read Too Small To Ignore by Wes Stafford . You see the problem with suddenly being able to really SEE, is that you can't un-see. As a result I have become a Compassion International sponsor and advocate.


I now SEE how richly blessed I am. One of my fellow Our Compassion members, Kit B., shared with us this Giving Calendar to help keep the true spirit of Christmas.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/household-items-kit.htm

This December my family is going to keep the focus of Christmas more on giving than receiving. Each household will keep their own Blessings Jar. On New Years day my two little grandsons, age 7 and 4 will get to go through the Gifts of Compassion catalog and help decide which gift or gifts we will send to others. I am hoping this will be fun for the little ones and will help the adults keep "things" in perspective....

December Giving Calendar 

Give hope to those in poverty by supporting disaster relief and response programs as well as development projects

Amount to give	Reasons to give Amounts are in U.S. dollars and cents
_______ 1	You are blessed if you own a Bible. One-third of the world does not even have access to one. Give $1 for each Bible in your home.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/give-gods-word.htm

_______ 2

Almost half the world's population -- three billion people -- live on less than $2 a day. Are you by God's grace part of the other half? If so, give your $2 with a thankful heart.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/feed-babies-for-survival.htm

_______ 3

The first Sunday in December pray for the work and staff of Compassion International or the charity of your choice

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/protecting-children-at-risk.htm

_______ 4

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead, and a comfortable place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world. Give 25¢ for every bed in your home.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/blanket-and-tarp.htm

_______ 5

Over 30% of the world's population, two billion people, cannot read. Give $1 for the blessing of reading.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/school-supplies.htm

_______ 6

As of the year 2000, nine million children in Africa had been orphaned because of AIDS. Give 50¢ for each of your parents who are still alive.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/skilled-birth-attendants.htm

_______ 7

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish some place, you are among the top eight percent of the world's wealthy. Give your spare change so others can live.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/garden-seeds.htm

_______ 8

Jesus said "I am the light." Give 5¢ for every lightbulb in your home.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/computer-labs.htm

_______ 9

24,000 people die every day from hunger-related causes. Give $1 if you ate today.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/african-drought-survival.htm

_______ 10

Recently, hundreds of thousands of people lost their homes in the floods in Mozambique. Give 10¢ for every year you have safely lived in your home.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/vacation-camp.htm

_______ 11

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Almost 75% of the population of Haiti has no access to safe water. Give 25¢ for each faucet in

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/safe-water-for-life.htm

_______ 12	More than 418 million people have died of hunger and poor sanitation in the past 50 years. This is nearly three times the number of people who have died in all the wars of the past 100 years. Give $1 for the gift of life.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/vaccinations.htm

_______ 13

Pray for Compassion Child Survival Programs around our world.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/newborn-survival.htm

_______ 14

Imagine what it would be life if there were no facilities in your home. Give 25¢ for every bathroom in your home.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/safe-and-sanitary-bathrooms.htm

_______ 15

One-third of the developing world's population lives on less than $1 per day. Give $1 if you have a job.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/small-business-launch-for-moms.htm

_______ 16

130 million children alive today will not receive an elementary education. Give 25¢ for each high school graduate and 50¢ for each college graduate in your family.

_______ 17

Did you attend church this week without threat of persecution, torture, or death? Thank God, and give $1 so that others might have the same privilege.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/mosquito-nets.htm

_______ 18

Pray that God will help His people to develop compassion as a lifestyle.

_______ 19

Recently, over 50,000 people lost everything in mud slides in Venezuela. Give $1 if you have never had to experience losing everything you own.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/building-materials.htm

_______ 20

For many in the developing world, walking is their only form of transportation. Give 10¢ for each person coming to visit this Christmas season.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/volleyball-courts.htm

_______ 21

Throughout Asia, an estimated 525 million undernourished people struggle to meet basic daily nutritional needs. Give 50¢ for every trip you've made to the grocery store this past week.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/food-baskets-for-survival.htm

_______ 22

For some people in Russia it takes six months to save enough money for a coat. Give 25¢ for every coat in your house.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/eye-exams-and-glasses.htm

_______ 23

Most people in the developing world have to work every day just to survive. Give 50¢ for every day you have off from work for this holiday season.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/soccer-balls.htm

_______ 24

Give 10¢ for every gift under the tree, and 25¢ if it has your name on it.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/support-young-artists.htm

_______ 25

We each have so many blessings. Praise God with a thankful heart for the best gift of all, His Son.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/dental-care.htm

_______ 26

880 million people lack access to adequate health care services. Give 25¢ for each container of medicine in your medicine cabinet.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/medical-checkups-and-more.htm

_______ 27

Every day in the developing world 30, 500 children die from preventable diseases. Give 25¢ for every healthy child in your family.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/survive-to-age-five.htm

_______ 28

Warm, soft carpets are so nice on a winter day! Many have only a dirt floor. Give 10¢ for each carpeted room in your home.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/pigs.htm

_______ 29

In Honduras, a country of six million, less than 3% of the people have their own telephone. Give 50¢ for each phone in your home.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/chickens.htm

_______ 30

Many people must go barefoot. Give 10¢ for every pair of shoes you own.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/goats.htm

_______ 31

Pray that God will reveal to you how you can show compassion to your friends, neighbors, and world in the coming year.

http://www.compassion.com/catalog/cows.htm

Even if you don't use the 31 Days as part of your family devotions, please consider giving a gift of love to those less fortunate this holiday season. Even in these tough times, we are so abundantly blessed. You might even want to consider sponsoring a child, it will be the best gift you can ever give or receive!

Tuesday's Child 07/12/2011

I love watching the video interviews with Leadership Development alumni; Richmond Wandera, Michelle Tolentino, Tony Morales, Jimmy Wambua Hearing them describe in their own words their stories of how Compassion reached out to them and helped break the cycle of poverty never fails to move me. Here are some children/young people who are excelling in school that are waiting for sponsors. Maybe one of them is a future Tony, Michelle, Jimmy or Tony....

Eleni, 19, Ethiopia

Eleni lives with her grandfather and her grandmother. At home, duties include making beds, helping in the kitchen and running errands. Her grandfather is not employed and her grandmother maintains the home.
Running and playing group games are Eleni's favorite activities. In vocational training her performance is above average and she also regularly attends church activities and Vacation Bible School.
Most adults in Kara Kore are unemployed but some work as day laborers and earn the equivalent of $15 per month. This community needs schools, scholastic materials and employment opportunities.

Geisiane, 12, Brazil

In her home, Geisiane helps by running errands. She lives with her grandfather and her mother. Her grandfather is sometimes employed as a laborer and her mother maintains the home.
For fun, Geisiane enjoys singing, playing house and playing with dolls. She attends Bible class regularly and is in middle school where her performance is above average.

Most adults in Conjunto Prefeito Jose Walter work as carpenters, mechanics or teachers and earn the equivalent of $257 per month. This community needs secondary schools, vocational training and employment opportunities.

Tailleson, 11, Haiti

In his home, Tailleson helps by carrying water, gathering firewood and buying or selling in the market. He lives with his father and his mother. His father is sometimes employed as a farmer and his mother is sometimes employed as a farmer. There are 3 children in the family.
Playing with cars, singing and playing with marbles are Tailleson's favorite activities. In primary school his performance is above average and he also regularly attends church activities and Bible class.

Most adults in Bainet are unemployed but some work as street venders and earn the equivalent of $43 per month. This community needs proper sanitation, qualified teachers, scholastic materials and employment opportunities.

Franck-obert, 8, Haiti

In his home, Franck-obert helps by making beds. He lives with his father and his mother. His father is sometimes employed as a farmer and his mother maintains the home. There are 4 children in the family.
For fun, Franck-obert enjoys soccer and bicycling. He attends church activities and camp regularly and is in primary school where his performance is above average.

Most adults in Gressier are unemployed but some work as subsistence farmers and earn the equivalent of $52 per month. This community needs schools, vocational training centers and employment opportunities.

Stephany, 6, Nicaragua

Stephany lives with her father and her mother. Her father is employed as a laborer and her mother maintains the home. Stephany works at home running errands. There are 2 children in the family.
For fun, Stephany enjoys playing with dolls and playing ball games. She attends church activities regularly and is in primary school where her performance is above average.

Most adults in Villa Nueva are unemployed but some work in domestic services and earn the equivalent of $68 per month. This community has drinking water and electricity but needs schools, employment opportunities and improved housing.

Rolando, 8, Ecuador

Rolando lives with his father and his mother. At home, duties include making beds, running errands and cleaning. His father is sometimes employed as a laborer and his mother maintains the home. There are 5 children in the family.
Playing with cars, art and playing ball games are Rolando's favorite activities. In kindergarten his performance is above average and he also regularly attends church activities.

Most adults in Cooperativa Urbanor are unemployed but some work in factories or domestic service and earn the equivalent of $150 per month. This community needs food, clothing, an improved sewer system and sports facilities.

Jose, 10, Nicaragua

Jose lives with his father and his mother. His father is employed and his mother is employed. Jose works at home running errands and cleaning.
As part of Compassion's ministry, Jose participates in church activities and Bible class. He is also in primary school where his performance is above average. Soccer and art are his favorite activities.

Most adults work in factories and earn the equivalent of $79 per month. 

This community needs vocational training centers, libraries and employment opportunities.

Tuesday's Child 7/5/2011

Some special people waiting for someone special!

I don't know if any of you are familiar with Chip Ingram, of Living on the Edge, and r12. I listen to mp3's of his Bible Studies on my way back and forth to work. Since I have a 90 minute commute, that a lot of listening. Today he talked about praying the way Jesus taught. We are to come before God with importunity. Webster's defines importunity as a shameless, unsuitable, urgent, demanding request to trouble or annoy someone with persistence. Now here's what I want you to get, what Jesus wanted his disciples to see was that the God of the universe is kind, He's loving, He's compassionate, He never says no.

How many of us have had our children repeatedly saying, Mom, Mom, Mom, come play, come read. Persistence pays off. Please continue to come before God in prayer with importunity on behalf of children in poverty. 

Proverbs 31:8-9

New International Version (NIV)

8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,

for the rights of all who are destitute.

9 Speak up and judge fairly;

defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Nathaly, age 11, Bolivia

Nathaly lives with her father. She is responsible for carrying water, making beds and cleaning. Her father is sometimes employed as a laborer. There are 7 children in the family.
Rolling a hoop, singing and playing house are Nathaly's favorite activities. In primary school her performance is average and she also regularly attends Vacation Bible School.
Many, many people over on Our Compassion have been watching and praying over her for a long time. This motherless little girl has a lot of responsibilities I am sure in her family, and pray for dad who is trying to hold the family together.

Sally, age 8, Kenya
Sally lives with her grandmother. Her grandmother is sometimes employed as a farmer. Sally works at home helping in the kitchen and cleaning. There are 15 children in the family.
For fun, Sally enjoys playing ball games. She attends church activities and choir regularly and is in primary school where her performance is average.
Most adults in Nyahera are unemployed but some work as day laborers and earn the equivalent of $20 per month.
What an example of a grandmother's love, opening her home to 15 grandchildren. I can't imagine trying to feed 16 people on roughly $1.50 a day. This whole family needs our prayers, especially this dear grandma!

Dagan, age 7, Togo

Dagan lives with her mother. She is responsible for helping in the kitchen. Her mother is sometimes employed. There are 3 children in the family. For fun, Dagan enjoys singing, hide-and-seek and playing group games. She attends church activities and Bible class regularly and is in primary school where her performance is average. Dagan, age 7, Togo

Dagan is on the Canadian site, but her sponsorship will automatically transfer to the US site. I have a heart for single Mom's. Dagan has been waiting 306 days for a sponsor.

Martin, age 7, Burkina Faso
Martin lives with his foster father and his foster mother. His duties at home include washing clothes and running errands. His foster father is sometimes employed and his foster mother is sometimes employed as a seller in the market.
For fun, Martin enjoys soccer, playing with marbles and hide-and-seek. He attends church activities and Bible class regularly and is in primary school where his performance is average.
 Most adults in Kilwin Sector 21 are unemployed but some work in subsistence farming and earn the equivalent of $40 per month. This community needs schools.
Martin is cared for by foster parents. This is a special opportunity to be family to a child who desperately needs to know that there is someone who believes in him and will love him no matter what.

Manuel, age 4, Nicaragua
Manuel lives with his father and his mother. He is responsible for running errands. His father is employed as a laborer and his mother maintains the home. There are 5 children in the family.
Manuel is not attending school because he is too young. Playing with cars, running and playing group games are his favorite activities. He also attends church activities regularly.
Most adults in Francisco Meza are unemployed but some work in factories and earn the equivalent of $73 per month. This community needs vocational training, schools, libraries, employment opportunities and alcohol abuse prevention programs.
Ok, I admit it, this little guy has stolen my heart because of his curly hair! I have a son and a grandson with curls and I can't resist them!

Sunny, age 8, India
Sunny lives with his brother and his mother. His duties at home include making beds. His brother is sometimes employed as a laborer and his mother maintains the home.
Sunny is not presently attending school. Playing with friends is his favorite activity. He also attends church activities regularly.
Sunny is blind. Please pray for him and be assured that your sponsorship helps him to live a fulfilled life
 Most adults work in domestic services and earn the equivalent of $30 per month. This community needs compulsory elementary education for children and vocational training.
This smiley young man is facing many challenges, but I love that he appears to maintain a "sunny" outlook through it all!

Husen, age 14, Ethiopia

Husen lives with his father and his mother. His father is sometimes employed as a farmer and his mother is sometimes employed as a farmer. Husen works at home carrying water, gathering firewood and caring for animals. There are 7 children in the family.
As part of Compassion's ministry, Husen participates in church activities and Bible class. He is also in primary school where his performance is above average. Soccer and running are his favorite activities.
Most adults in Shashemene work as subsistence farmers and earn the equivalent of $8 per month.


Seven children in the family, probably living on about $8/month. I feel bad because the older kids seem to go unnoticed. This young man shows great promise, doing above average in school. A future LDP'er perhaps? A Richmond Wandera in the making for Ethiopia.........?


Ps 103:8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious

Tuesday's Child

Tuesday's Child

Monday's child is fair of face,

Tuesday's child is full of grace,

Wednesday's child is full of woe,

Thursday's child has far to go,

Friday's child is loving and giving,

Saturday's child works hard for his living,

And the child that's born on the Sabbath day

is bonny, blithe, good and gay.

I am going to start a new series HERE, called Tuesday's child. Hopefully I will be a little more consistent than I normally am :) No promises on which day this will actually appear either, though I will shoot for Tuesdays, for obvious reasons, except for this time, because I really want to find these kids sponsors. I am going to feature seven kids each week that are in need of Compassion sponsors, and a little bit about how you can change the world, one child at a time. HERE we go....

Fica, age 17, from Haiti

Fica, age 17, lives with her father and her mother. She is responsible for carrying water, gathering firewood and sewing. Her father is not employed and her mother maintains the home. There are 6 children in the family.

For fun, Fica enjoys playing jacks, swimming and singing. She attends church activities, Bible class and Vacation Bible School regularly and is in high school where her performance is above average.

I am just blown away by this young lady's poise in this picture. I am hoping she finds a sponsor that will encourage her to pursue her college education through Compassion's Leadership Development Program.

Whisley Snipes, age 11, from the Philippines

Whisley Snipe lives with his father and his mother. His father is sometimes employed as a laborer and his mother is sometimes employed. Whisley Snipe works at home carrying water, caring for children and making beds. There are 4 children in the family.

For fun, Whisley Snipe enjoys playing a musical instrument, basketball and playing with cars. He attends Vacation Bible School and camp regularly and is in primary school where his performance is average.

I have to admit, his name just cracks me up, and look at that smile!!!

Define, age 6, from Uganda

Define lives with her father and her mother. She is responsible for carrying water, gathering firewood and teaching others. Her father is sometimes employed as a teacher and her mother is sometimes employed as a laborer.

For fun, Define enjoys ping pong, singing and telling stories. She attends church activities regularly and is in kindergarten where her performance is average.

This family lives on an average of $3/month...... enough said!

Rubyni, age 12, from India

Your sponsored young woman, Rubyni, lives in the Vidva Ratna Villa Girls Home. Her duties include carrying water, buying or selling in the market and cleaning.

Singing, art and jumping rope are Rubyni's favorite activities. In middle school her performance is average and she also regularly attends church activities and Bible class.

This beautiful girl is without family, can you be the one who makes her feel loved?

Fidele, age 11, from Togo

Fidele, lives with her brother and her sister. She is responsible for carrying water, washing clothes and helping in the kitchen. Her brother is sometimes employed and her sister is sometimes employed. There are 4 children in the family.

For fun, Fidele enjoys singing. She attends church activities and Bible class regularly and is in primary school where her performance is average.

One of my sweethearts from Togo, can't imagine her older brother and sister trying to hold the family together after the death of their parents.

Fabio, age 4, from Peru

Fabio, lives with his grandmother. He is responsible for making beds and running errands. His grandmother is sometimes employed.

As part of Compassion's ministry, Fabio participates in church activities. He is also in kindergarten where his performance is average. Playing with cars and playing group games are his favorite activities.

I just love this little guy, and his grandmother for taking him in! He is adorable, might he live up to his namesake??

Emanus, age 7, from Haiti

Emanus, lives with his father and his mother. His duties at home include helping in the kitchen. There are 5 children in the family. His father is sometimes employed as a farmer and his mother is sometimes employed as a farmer.

For fun, Emanus enjoys soccer, singing and bicycling. He attends church activities regularly and is in primary school where his performance is average.

Don't adjust your computer screen, and yes I can count. It just didn't seem right to post one twin without the other. It would be awesome if they were sponsored by the same person, family, or workplace!

Emanes, age 7, from Haiti

Emanès, from Haiti, lives with his father and his mother. At home, duties include helping in the kitchen. His father is sometimes employed as a farmer and his mother is sometimes employed as a farmer. There are 5 children in the family.

As part of Compassion's ministry, Emanès participates in church activities. He is also in primary school where his performance is average. Soccer, singing and bicycling are his favorite 

(From the Compassion website)
A New Beginning

When you sponsor a child with Compassion, you change a child’s life — forever! Your activities.
support changes every aspect of your sponsored child’s life. Children in Compassion’s program have the opportunity to thrive spiritually, economically, socially and physically. Compassion is committed to helping children in desperate need grow into fulfilled, Christian adults.

When you sponsor a child with Compassion, you help shatter the cycle of poverty. You change the world — one child at a time. Compassion’s long-term holistic approach, along with your encouraging letters, will give your child hope and a new beginning.

What could be closer to God’s heart? Sponsor a child today!

You can release a child from poverty in Jesus’ name.

More than 22,000 children younger than 5 die from poverty-related causes that often are preventable and treatable. You can help turn these numbers around. Your $38 monthly sponsorship helps provide your child with life-changing benefits that include:

nutritious snacks or meals

educational opportunities

health and hygiene training

medical checkups

the caring embrace of a local church

the message of God’s love through Jesus Christ.

Sponsor now! Be the answer to a child’s prayer.

Your life changes too.

You will be so blessed over the years as you build a relationship with your child through letters, photos and prayers. And Compassion can even help you visit your child in his or her country. The relationship between a sponsor and a child is powerful and unique. You will be inspired and encouraged for years to come!

Please be sure to check back and let me know if you are an answer to prayer and sponsor a child. If none of these children are the one for you, please check the Compassion website, as of right now there are 2505 children waiting for sponsors.

Blessings!