I recently gave my first presentation as an Advocate for Compassion International. The church I was visiting had the sermon based upon Compassion’s ministry and allowed me a 20-minute presentation. I was so excited for this opportunity that I could hardly sleep the night before.

The morning of my presentation, I woke to overflowing toilets. I decided this would not slow me down, so I hopped into the shower. Just as I lathered shampoo into my hair, sewage started bubbling up from the drain. I had to get out mid-bath, covered in soap. I made the best of it, styling my soapy hair.

My husband stayed home from church to wait for the plumber, meanwhile using the Shop-Vac to keep the sewage from flooding the floors.

I had bought a special dress for the event. I knew I had the right size because the size was clearly labeled on the hanger. I put on my dress to realize the hanger was for my size but the dress was three sizes too large. I gathered up the fabric, pulled it together, and gave it an “emergency hem” with safety pins.

As I exited my car at the church, I realize that I had selected two different shoes. Both were black sandals but one heel was higher than the other.

I marched into the church with blow-dried suds in my hair, bi-level shoes, and a pinned-up dress — pretending to have my act together.

I was not letting a few inconveniences get in the way of children being sponsored.

After all, my toilet may have been temporarily out of order, but most of these children don’t even have a toilet. I may have had sudsy hair, but at least I have shampoo and safe water to clean it. I may have worn a huge dress, but I can go buy one in the right size. And I have the luxury of having so many shoes that I can’t even tell them apart.

God was with me through the presentation. The words flowed freely from my lips as if I’d never been afraid of speaking publicly. I was confident throughout the presentation.

And after all of that, no one sponsored a  child that day – but a seed was planted for God to grow.

I dealt with plenty of inconveniences that morning, but I’m confident that God used them for His purpose.

I learned an important lesson on Compassion Sunday. That this day wasn’t about my hair, my dress, my shoes, my plumbing, or about me at all.

It was all about Jesus.

It was about children who need Jesus. I realize that I live with so many luxuries and so much comfort that these children will probably never experience. I realized that a lot of my “needs” are actually luxuries.

God used this day to show me that I am so blessed to have temporary inconveniences. It’s time to re-evaluate my life and my expenses to see how I can do more.

I will be an advocate for these children wherever I am invited, whether many children get sponsored or none do, because it really is all about Jesus.

This is how I will serve God, and how I will make Compassion available to others who want to serve Him through this ministry.

I am delighted to know that what I am doing for these children through Compassion I am also doing for Jesus.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Beverly Yearwood became a sponsor in 2011 and an Advocate in 2012. She sponsors two children and is a correspondent sponsor for three more. She lives with her family in Vicksburg, Miss.

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Children are perceived as powerless. But Jesus’ childhood incident gives us a new way to look at children.

Jesus stayed behind in the temple. Though He was only a child, Jesus listened and even questioned the religious teachers in the temple. While His parents searched for their lost son, He searched His heart’s desire, which was to get busy in His Father’s business.

The parents showed unawareness about their child, for they traveled almost a day before realizing that their son was not with them.

Parents should be aware of their children’s interests instead of being too busy and becoming negligent. It is high time for all parents to take note of their children’s interests and their likings in life.

Children are no longer objects of the ministry. They are partners in the ministry of God.

Let us create space for children on our faith journey, for their understanding of God and experiences with God are invaluable and thoroughly enriching. Our children have rich spiritual impulses in them.

Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and people. So will our children in our families and centers. In the sight of God, all of us are equal.

In fact, Jesus later quotes that unless we become like children, it will be difficult for us to inherent the kingdom of God.

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. —Luke 2:52, NIV

Prayer: God, grant us the wisdom to accept children as equal partners and allow us to give full attention to their interests. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lawrence Mangalarajan is the Program Director of the Compassion office in South India.

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The second I read the title of this dessert, I was in — coconut kisses. Mmm!

I also liked it because it used so few ingredients, things that I often have on hand in the pantry—butter, coconut flakes and sweetened condensed milk.

So, despite my tumultuous history with candy-making — I have cried over many a pan of ruined fudge — I decided to give these little Brazilian kisses a try.

First, I put the butter and condensed milk into a small saucepan and brought it to a simmer over medium low heat.

It took maybe 10 minutes to reach a simmer, and once it was there, it moved directly on to a rolling boil. I was worried about burning it, so I turned it down to low and stirred it constantly.

It took about 15 minutes until it had reduced by half and was at, what we call in the biz, the “soft ball” stage.

I took it off the stove and buttered a glass bowl. Then once the mixture had cooled a bit, I poured it in the bowl and stuck it in the fridge to cool for two hours.

Next up — buttering the hands! Do you know how hard it is to take a picture with buttered hands? But I did it anyway, for you.

I rubbed that pat of butter all over my hands until I was ready to go … but the second after I took this picture, my baby woke from her nap. And the candy went back in the fridge for an entire day, until I had some more uninterrupted time. I don’t think this hurt the recipe at all.

So, re-greased the next day, I started making little balls with the candy.

The recipe says to make them tablespoon sized, but after making a couple, I started making them smaller and smaller — they are rich little kisses, so a little goes a long way.

Then I rolled them in coconut, and voila!

These were easy to make and didn’t end in me crying over the stove. I think they’d be a great recipe to make with kids, as it involves lots of stirring and lots of getting your hands messy.

They are very sweet and simple, but still tasty and a nice way to make a treat that someone in Brazil might enjoy!

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Several years ago I taught preschool. All my students were wonderful children, with poverty in their lives but not in their hearts.

In the group was a very special boy; his name was Nicholas. He was restless, did not like to perform his duties, and was mischievous with his classmates. For a long time, I couldn’t understand him.

Then one day when I yawned, Nicholas asked me, “Teacher, did you have breakfast today?” I said, “No, not today,” and continued with my work.

The next day Nicholas came earlier than normal. He invited me to sit down and then opened his lunch box, taking out a piece of half-eaten bread and half a cup of chocolate in a bottle.

He looked at me with his big black eyes, and said, “I know you did not have time for breakfast, so I want to share my breakfast with you.” Nicholas did not think too much of it, but I was so moved by that act of love, my heart was shaken. I hugged him and thanked him.

No doubt I was the teacher, but Nicholas, at just 5 years old, was the master.

This act of mercy shook my heart and my mind. I realized that children are the owners of the kingdom of heaven. I understood then the passion for the ministry to free children from poverty in Jesus’ name.

Many may wonder what might become of these children, but I know that the 52,000 children and young people sponsored by our ministry in Colombia will be part of transforming the world. They will bring the good news of the gospel through acts of love.

They will move the hearts, minds and spirits of those around them.

Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him. —Luke 1:66, NIV

Prayer: We pray for the future of our sponsored children and young people, that they will become responsible adults, full of joy, who will take the gospel to the ends of the earth.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Maria Teresa Arango is a Human Resources Assistant in our Colombian office.

Read all the One in Spirit devotionals.

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Following the blogger trip to Tanzania I noticed a theme of hope repeated throughout the week. This got me to thinking and I wondered,

“What if each nation in this world was meant to reflect one particular attribute of God?”

Like Tanzania. What if God wanted the people of Tanzania to reflect His hope?

What if, woven into the story of the people of Tanzania, was a Father’s calling to show the hope of His son to the rest of the world?

What would that look like? Personally, I think it would look a little like this…

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13, NIV

Offer hope to children in Tanzania by becoming a sponsor!

*Photos courtesy of Keely Marie Scott.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Last night I read that a new virus is attacking computers through the internet. When I turned on my laptop, a message popped up that said, “A critical update is available for your operating system that can affect your computer’s security.” Then there were two boxes I could check: 1) Make change now. 2) Continue what I am doing.

I don’t know about you, but more often than not, I continue what I’m doing, figuring I can change my operating system at another time when more pressing matters are not staring me in the face.

But suppose the warning stated that unless you make the critical update, you would not be able to access the internet, not be able to google, not be able to access Facebook or e-mail. I bet most of us would make the change immediately, and we’d tell anyone we cared about to do the same before it was too late.

Any time Jesus said, “I tell you the truth,” He meant, “Listen up! This is really important!” And His message makes clear that unless we make a critical change in our lives, access to His kingdom will never be granted.

Such access cannot be earned; God gives it to us freely. He already paid an incredible price to do it. He leaves the choice to us, and He clearly tells us what has to be done: “Become like little children.”

Children are innocent. They help one another and find joy in life even if there are no material possessions. They’re playful. They trust unconditionally. They love with abandon.

Tragically, the world draws us away and shrouds us from these child-like qualities. To really follow Jesus means we must remove that veil.

A critical decision awaits. Will you change now, or will you continue what you are doing?

And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 18:3, NIV

Prayer: Father, our souls are like corrupted hard disks that you wiped clean at great expense, and you allow us to update freely on a daily basis. Help us become like little children, gathered in your loving arms. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ron Mathieu is a Compassion International Board Member.

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My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Thank God for the church members and ministry staff who can take part in discipling our sponsored children. Pray that your sponsored child will grow in his or her knowledge of Christ, as well as grow deeper and deeper in His grace.

“I pray that my children may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18, NIV

Prayer prompts copyright Bob Hostetler, bobhostetler.com. Used with permission by the author.

Read other ways to pray for your sponsored child.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Joyce is a single mother of seven in Tanzania. She describes life before our ministry,

“To have full day’s meals to us would be a miracle worth celebration.”

Two of her children, Raheli and Esther have sponsors.

“Before being registered with Compassion, my life was difficult. We used to live in a mud house with weak roofing, and the house would leak when it rained … Because of our low economical status, we would afford only one meal a day.

After being registered, we started receiving different support and gifts from the sponsor. At the first time, we received a gift from my child’s sponsor and we bought food and two piglets.”

Joyce’s husband left her when their youngest child was 3 years old. He came back six years later, but that was three months ago, and he has left again.

“I had gone out one day to run business, and when I returned home in the evening he was gone. At first I thought that he was gone after a drinking spree, but he never came back that night.”

During the dry season, Joyce makes money selling salt harvested from the Kindai Lake, located near her town of Singida. At other times, she prepares and fries fish, which she sells to local residents.

Joyce and her children used support from their sponsors to buy roofing materials. The family gained great confidence, and they began to dream of owning a better house – something they had never even thought about in the past.

“I decided I should start making cement bricks since I had enough roofing sheets.”

Joyce had some pigs and decided to buy more piglets.

“The pigs we had bought from support gifts received from sponsors grew so we could sell them and buy more bricks and building materials to build our house.”

Eventually Joyce built a two-bedroom block house. Although it has no electricity, she is deeply thankful for what she has.

“At the moment, we have about 25 pigs we are raising. We have also been able to buy beds and mattresses — something I did not own and I could not have thought of. All of this was made possible because of the support we have received from Compassion.”

Before Joyce and her children became involved with our ministry, she was not a regular churchgoer. Problems in her life made attendance difficult.

“There was a time when I had decided that I would not go to church to celebrate Christmas because I had no clothes.

While I was pondering this in my heart, a sponsor sent money with the instruction that the child development center should buy clothes for me. I was able to celebrate Christmas wearing new clothes! This affirmed to me that this organization is being used by God.”

Joyce is now a devout member of her church. She and her children attend Kibaoni Church, where she serves the Lord as a singer. But Joyce remembers a time when no one would respect her because of her status.

“People used to ridicule me and said to me, ‘You can’t build a block house. It is very expensive. It is better you sell the bricks you have made and build a mud house.’

When I heard this, I went to God and prayed, ‘My God, if the street women are able to build, why can’t I do the same? You are great, God, to me.’

God heard my prayer and I have tested and seen that the Lord is good!”

The blogger team is heading home but it’s not too late to sponsor a child in Tanzania.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

It was nearly three years ago when my then 18-year-old son became a paraplegic due to a surgical error. I still remember, in the instant we were told the tragic news, I was immediately given two thoughts: “We are going to be OK” and “I only know this because I know that the Lord is, above all things, good.”

This truth became my bedrock for a faith that would carry me, my son, and my family in the days, weeks, and months to follow.

Our good God showed up repeatedly and made Himself known in a myriad of ways. From dear friends who cried and prayed with us and lovingly prepared meals, to specific answers to prayer and many more ways I cannot even express, God demonstrated His goodness.

His kindness paved the way to a deep, abiding peace.

I encourage you to read Psalm 145 in its entirety. It is an amazing passage. From this passage, I learned two important truths that have served me well in this season.

• If you look carefully, God has sewn a blessing into every day. Some days these blessings are easier to find than others, but no matter how dark a day felt, I could always find at least one blessing that He placed there just for me.
• When you see that blessing, speak it out loud to someone else. Thoughts are too easily brushed aside or smothered with lies and sheer exhaustion. But when blessings are spoken out loud, that is praise at its finest. Once a praise is spoken, it is like light in a dark place, and it literally drives back the darkness and gives hope for one more day.

So, the next time you are faced with a season that seems impossible to bear, remember:

The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All your works praise you, LORD. —Psalm 145:9–10a, NIV

Prayer: Father, help us see the blessings You have sewn into each new day, and give us the courage to tell others of Your goodness.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sean Dana is an International Trip Manager at our Global Ministry Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

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From the African Church Ilemela in Tanzania (TZ955).

Our journey to Amos’ house consisted of climbing the longest, winding, rocky, hilly, mountain-like trail up to his home. It was like an intense stair climber, elliptical workout.

About halfway up the hill, we paused to catch our breath take some pictures of the amazing view.

Once we arrived at the top of the hill, we were welcomed into Amos’ home by his mother Leonia. She was very friendly, gracious and really happy to see us.

She stated that we were the first visitors ever to her home from outside of their community. There were 3 other children at the home and the father worked as a day laborer in the community.

As we were talking and hearing Leonia tell her story about a rough season in their lives we witnessed one of those “Then God Showed Up” moments.

The phrase “Then God Showed Up” seems to always be preceded by some troubles or a bleak situation… “Then God Showed Up.”

I understand the context behind the phrase; however it’s one of those phrases that in my opinion reduces the Almighty Creator of Heaven and Earth to a merely situational God.

I like to remember the “3GO’s of God”:

• God’s Omniscience- God knows everything.
• God’s Omnipresence- God is everywhere.
• God’s Omnipotence- God is almighty, all-powerful and can do anything.

Then God Showed Up! Not so much, “God was already there!”

God knows everything, God is everywhere and God can do anything, we have to acknowledge that fact. Some situations it may appear too difficult to acknowledge the “3-GO’s.”

The harsh reality is no situation is too difficult or too great to recognize that God was already there.

Now let’s get back to Amos’ mother Leonia’s story.

She explained how they were having rough times and she decided to start a business with the help of some funding from some ladies in the church.

Her business consisted of selling fish and it was started with the equivalent of maybe $20 in the U.S. She would get fish from the people at the lake and then sell them at market.

Once Leonia’s modest business got up and rolling she trusted a local guy in the community to go and sell her fish; unfortunately one day the guy never returned. At this time in her life, her situation appeared bleak and then something happened… many would say “Then God Showed Up!”

Leonia says it this way, “I lost my business, my income and I knew God was there and would take care of me.” That’s exactly what God did, the next week she found out that Amos had received a Compassion Sponsor. (insert applause, ahh’s, halleluja’s and amens)

The support that Leonia received for Amos via the Compassion Sponsor was just enough to compensate for her lost business.

God continues to bless their family and she now has a little business of selling little buckets of coal in which people use for cooking.

I love Leonia’s spirit and I love the fact that she doesn’t embrace the mentality of “Then God Showed Up!” but rather acknowledges that He was already there.

Read the entire post by Scott Williams.

Visit compassionbloggers.com to experience the highlights of the Tanzania blog trip through the words, pictures and videos of the team.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates