I’ll be speaking about Compassion International. My hope is that more radio stations will partner with Compassion, talk about their ministry on the air, and see thousands more kids sponsored.

But I never speak this soon after an overseas trip. For good reason.

When bloggers come back home they almost always deal with the strangest concoction of powerful emotions. Anger, guilt, depression, insignificance, loneliness, confusion, sadness…and lots of joy and gratitude thrown in to keep them guessing.

They snap at their kids for whining about what’s for dinner. They feel uncomfortable in their home packed with amenities. They ponder their purpose in life and sometimes get annoyed that those around them don’t seem to be.

This is normal.

And most intense when returning home from a first exposure to overseas living.

But it still happens to a much much smaller degree to me still. Even now. After making twelve return-home trips.

So I’m scared. What will happen when I’m telling a child’s poverty-to-enough story and someone pulls out their iPhone to text? What will happen if no children are sponsored, no stations sign up to support Compassion? What will happen? In me?

I want to represent Compassion well, of course. But more than that I want to represent Christ well. Who had compassion on the rich and powerful as much as he did the poor and vulnerable.

Compassion is a compound word rich with meaning. “Com” means “together” or “with.” “Passion” means “to suffer.”

The compassionate suffer with those who are suffering. We may suffer by sacrificing to give children daily bread. We may suffer when we come home and work out with friends and family and God what our new normal is supposed to be. We may suffer to hold back what we feel at times, so that we can live what we know: For so loved the world…wealthy and impoverished, influential and voiceless, third world and first world.

Will you pray for me? I’m walking out the door now and I need more power, more patience, more compassion than my jet-lagged self has right now. Apart from Christ I can’t do this. Will you pray that He does this through me?

And will you pray for the bloggers that just returned from Tanzania with me? There are no words to describe what they may be going through. You can see their faces and names here.

Thanks, friends.

Why?

Because Jesus may be God to some, but to others he’s fictional or offensive.

Because removing Jesus’ name would make Compassion appealing to a broader audience.

Because more people would sponsor children.

And isn’t more better?

But Compassion International didn’t remove Jesus from its tagline. Today, that tagline is in their logo.

Why is Jesus so important at Compassion International?

Motivation: Jesus is why we love children…

We love because he first loved us. -1 John 4:19

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. -1 John 3:16-18

Method: Jesus is how we love children…

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” -John 15:5

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. -Galatians 2:20

Mission: Giving Jesus is loving children…

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. -Ephesians 3:16-18

Jesus is not a word in a slogan. He is our motivation, method and mission.

In response to the Great Commission, Compassion International exists as an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults. – Compassion International’s mission statement.

Today, I asked a mother if having a son in Compassion’s program was of any benefit to her personally. She smiled wide and often. Joy. So much otherworldly joy.

“Yes,” she beamed. “Before I was hopeless. But I saw how God was good to my son and I went to the church and saw the people were good there too and now I believe in Jesus. Now I am filled with the Holy Spirit,” she said, “and I am thirsty to pray.”

At her son’s child development center, which is a church like all development centers worldwide, there are children who worship Allah and others who worship nature and ancestors. They are all fed, educated, given medicine when they’re sick… No child must believe in Jesus in order to be loved well.

But this woman’s son, Sunari, was so well cared for by Christians at his child development center that he believed only their God could be behind it all. He became a Christian. Then his mother. Then his sisters.

“Please pray for my husband,” Sunari’s mother asked at the end of our visit together. “He struggles because he has no hope. But if he has Jesus we can live together in peace.”

There is value in feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, educating the illiterate, healing the sick…but the deepest poverty a child can know is hopelessness.

Poverty whispers to every child living in poverty…

“You are worthless.” And we say “You were worth the life of God’s one and only Son.”

“Things will never change for you.” And we say “God is making all things new.”

“You are nothing.” And we say “God loves you and has a plan for your life…”

And Sunari says, “I want to be a doctor.” And he hears the whisper and averts his eyes and laughs at his dream. I put my hand on his shoulder and say his name. He looks into my face and I tell him to listen to me.

“You can do it. God hears your prayers. He has given you education and food hasn’t he? He can make you a doctor someday. Nothing is too hard for our God. Do you believe me?”

He smiles. “Yes.”

We pray. We thank God for Jesus, for Compassion, for Sunari’s sponsor, for a family who is trusting Christ together. Sunari’s mother lifts her hands to heaven and we ask God to change her husband’s heart. “In Jesus’ name we pray…” And the circle says, “Amen.”

On average, 500 children come to faith in Jesus everyday through the ministry of Compassion International. Not because they must in order to be loved well. But because they have been loved well. Because they have tasted the goodness of God and want more.

Give a child Jesus today. Sponsor a child.

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How bad is the poverty in Tanzania compared to other places I’ve visited?

Yesterday, I was in a solid concrete home with walls painted blue, a solid metal roof overhead, concrete floors under my feet, a door with a knob and a lock, glass windows, curtains even a television. By far the nicest home of a sponsored child I’ve ever visited.

Today I stood in a house made of sticks and mud. The homes of sponsored children here in Tanzania – that we’ve visited – are as dilapidated as any I saw in Uganda or India and some are as well constructed and sizable as the most confortable I’ve seen in Latin America.

But poverty isn’t measured in square feet and it’s deeper than appearances. Poverty is not only economic but also physical, relational, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual. The children Compassion serves here in Tanzania began life as impoverished as any I’ve met – just as vulnerable to malnutrition and disease, hopelessness, abuse, illiteracy, and a host of other evils that prey on the most vulnerable.

How is Compassion’s ministry different in Tanzania than in other countries I’ve visited?

Compassion is a holistic child development organization. This means that Compassion is not just feeding children, or just educating them, or just providing health care, or just telling them about Jesus.

We are doing all of this and more to develop every facet of a child’s life: physical, social and emotional, cognitive and spiritual. This is the approach Compassion takes in serving every child in all twenty-six countries where it ministers.

Tanzania is no different. But…

In every country I’ve visited with Compassion, I’ve seen that sometimes one area of development gets a bit more emphasis. In Tanzania, when I’ve asked mothers what life would have been like for their children if they were not in Compassion’s program, they’ve again and again said their child would have no hope of getting an education. When I’ve asked kids what they like most about coming to their Child Development Center (aka Compassion project), they’ve again and again talked about what they learn there.

In Tanzania, the people are grateful to their sponsors for sending letters, providing proper nutrition, extra food during periods of drought, access to clean water, health care, a safe place to play, Christian mentors…but at the top of their thank you list are books, school fees, uniforms, tutoring and vocational training. As one mother told me here, “Without education we have no plan for tomorrow.”

Sponsor a child today and release a child from every dimension of poverty.

What questions do you have about Compassion’s ministry? In Tanzania or the country where your sponsored child lives?

1. Generosity is simple.

In 2007, I visited an Ethiopian orphanage, trying not to make eye contact with any of the little ones around me in need of a father. I’ve always found avoidance to be the surest way to never feel bad about saying “no.” My brother-in-law, who was adopting from Ethiopia, was there with me. “Maybe we’ve made it too complicated,” he said. (I knew by “we” he meant “me.”) “What if God’s will for our life is found wherever someone’s need and our ability intersect?”

Today, if I don’t look away, I’m bound to see someone with a need that matches my ability.

Read the other five lessons at SimpleMom.net where I’m guest posting today.

I know when to keep my mouth shut.

When Kelli writes us down dusty roads to a sponsored child’s home and I feel and smell every step of the journey all over again…

We walked around the corner, feet covered in red dirt. The squared off section of houses surrounded an open courtyard where two tiny little girls greeted us with wide grins. They held dry rolls in their hands and they squealed with delight at a black duck waddling around their bare, dusty feet. -READ MORE

When The Nester writes about a little girl’s plan for tomorrow and I want to put my own down on paper…and write my sponsored children more often…

Her mom just nodded when she talked about her love of science and growing up to be a doctor. I think they are so convinced that can happen because every year Compassion helps the children set goals and also if you are lucky enough to have a sponsor who writes you letters, you are getting encouragement from them as well. Once a child turns 12 they fill out an official paper called “My plan for tomorrow”. I know a lot of adults who could use a little “My Plan For Tomorrow” worksheet–and these children are already encouraged to think about their future at such a young age. It really can change the course of how a family envisions their future. -READ MORE

When Scott preaches the three O’s, writes that God is already there, and I feel my own life worries shrivel…

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. -READ MORE

When Amy wrote about why she needed to come to Tanzania and I amen’d along…

The email I received asking if I would consider joining Compassion on a trip to Tanzania was the third time a similar opportunity through other organizations had come before me. Each of the other two times I chose work obligations over the leap of faith, but this time I felt that God was trying to tell me something…loudly. Today is not only my sponsored child, Meke’s, birthday, but it also my son’s birthday. I needed to give up being with him as he turned six to support Compassion, spending today in Africa, the home of Meke. It was a decision to sacrifice and ask my son to do the same, but it somehow not only felt like the right decision, but also felt necessary. -READ MORE

I know when to shut.

When there’s nothing more beautiful and true to be said.

So read elsewhere today, if you don’t mind. Take in better words than mine. And then take a child into your heart.

So, as the bus pulls up to the hotel, I ask the bloggers what they’ll remember about this day for years to come.

What one snapshot will you carry from this day? Start there.

For me?

Darwa was my shadow today. He took my hand early this morning when we first arrived at Child Development Center TZ-967. And he woulnd’t let go. And he never said a word. He just held on.

Until fatigue chased him down. He fought valiantly though; his head bobbing, eyes fluttering.

But finally sleep overtook him and his fingers slipped off mine and he leaned his sweaty back against my chest.

He let go.

And I held him.

Rest.

It was a moment that reminded me of another snapshot I’ve carried since 2005.

I pushed Yanci, the first child I sponsored, in a swing at a Child Development Center in El Salvador. She clung to me like I was her favorite uncle. We played and laughed hard together for hours and then, at the end of that too-short day, on a bus speeding through San Salvador’s buzzing streets, life s l o w e d down for me and came into crisp focus.

Yanci laid her sweaty face against my chest. I brushed the hair away from her eyes and heard – deep down in my bones – that I was saved for this. For children like Yanci in need of release from poverty. For Americans like me in need of rescue from wealth.

My fingers slipped off my life – my work, my house, my cable, my time, my money. No longer mine. I let go. And Yanci became famous.

There’s no rest for those who hold on. Let go. Sponsor a child.

After two days of delayed flights, missed flights, and reroutes that took us from Detroit to Amsterdam to Nairobi to Kilimanjaro to Mwanza, Mary herded us onto a bus and bounced us down cratered orange dirt roads to meet “a few families.” Families of children served by Compassion International through a church in their community.

As we crested the hill and pulled up to the church lot, we saw the few.

They filled its yard.

Still wearing their Sunday best.

All suits and frills and grins, eager to meet…us?

“Ahsante,” they said.

Moments later they filed into the unpainted cinderblock sanctuary together. Amazing, isn’t it, how much profoundly potent work God often does in the most meager of places? Nutrition, education, healing, and Jesus with dirt floors beneath and cinderblock all around.

Eager.

I said a quick silent prayer for words to speak. On behalf of Compassion staff everywhere. On behalf of sponsors in America. My two working brain cells sparked and sputtered and all I could think of was…thanks. To God.

And isn’t this why the many few spent their afternoon together, with strangers? Isn’t this why a small church of dirt and cinderblock grew from dozens to hundreds as it partnered with Compassion to serve the children in its neighborhood? Isn’t this why bloggers cry at little becoming much? Isn’t it all thanks. To God.

We are thankful…

For beautiful smart children and mothers who see to it that they’re in school every day, and Compassion sponsors who buy their uniforms and books, and a church that tutors.

For strong growing bodies fed well by parents and examined by doctors paid for by a sponsor.

For a pastor who cares not only for the souls in his community but their minds and bodies too.

We are thankful for a God who makes much of little. A loving church. A compassionate pastor. Thirty-eight dollars.

The Apostle Paul said that God makes us rich in every way so that on every occasion we will have the gift of being able to give (2 Corinthians 9:6-10) And because of our giving…many give thanks.

Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God…

As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! – 2 Corinthians 9:11-15

Give thanks that our little gives children big reason to give thanks to God. Sponsor a child and give God one more thank you from Tanzania today.

It’s very late in Mwanza, Tanzania – eight hours later than back home – and the bloggers I’m traveling with are hard at work, pecking away at their keyboards trying to put day one here into words for you. That’s a task made even harder by a lot of jetlag and a little sickness.

Despite how her body feels, Jolanthe has written beautifully about the joy she felt today surrounded by the beautiful music of gratitude. And Amy, who’s healthy so far, wrote about two things she was surprised to learn about Compassion today. Maybe these are things you’ve never heard before either? Both posts are worth checking out.

The other bloggers will be finishing their posts soon. I hope. I can’t go to bed until they do! When they’re done you’ll be able to read them all at compassionbloggers.com/tanzania.

Thank you for coming along on our trip to Tanzania. Now, try to flip your nights and days with us and you can have the whole experience we’re having. (Chicken.)

1. Flight socks. International flights are inexplicably cold. An extra pair of socks, a small blanket from home, a sweatshirt or jacket packed in your carry-on bag will come in handy.

2. Power. Look up your aircraft at seatguru.com to see which seats on your flight come equipped with power outlets…and which kind of outlet it’ll be. The information isn’t always accurate, but an educated guess is better than nothing. Call your airline to change seats in advance or, if you’re a risk taker, check in for your flight at the airport extra early and ask to be moved to a seat with power then.

3. Passport. A couple things here. It sometimes takes longer to get your passport than the gov’ment says it will. Start that process early! Once you have your passport, make two copies: one stays at home, one stays on you at all times when traveling. Your original goes in a hotel safe if that’s allowed.

4. You’re Canadian. If someone asks where you’re from? Tell them Canada. To be convincingly Canadian, end every sentence with an upward lilt as if it’s a question. I’m going to grab a bite to eat? I’ll meet you at the gate? Trust me.

5. Water. Put a washcloth or towel over your hotel faucet so you’re not tempted to use it for anything. Brush your teeth with bottled water. Wash your hands with wipes.

6. Shock. Pay close attention to your attitude. If you find yourself wanting to withdraw, not wanting to try new food or speak the language, even mocking the culture you’re in…you may be experiencing culture shock. Once you diagnose yourself, make yourself stay involved, try something new every day, learn “hello” and “goodbye” in the native tongue (at the very least) and if all else fails and you’ve nothing good to say…say nothing. The best you can do is wait it out and keep yourself from contaminating everyone else with your negative vibes.

7. Magic powder. I’ve eaten goat, dog, grub worms and mystery foods of all kinds in my travels. And I’ve never been sick overseas. I swear by my magic green power. At the end of every day, I mix a packet of Green Vibrance with a glass of fruit juice or bottled water, swig, grimace and let the nutrients replenish my energy and the pro-biotics fight off bad guys in my gut.

8. Photography. Appoint a designated photographer for your group. This frees up the rest of you to be fully present, fully engaged with a new culture you may never get the chance to experience again. Putting a camera to your eye keeps the world at a distance so put it down. Traveling alone? How very sad.

9. Lost. You’re more likely to lose luggage on international flights with multiple connections than you are traveling domestically, so be prepared. Pack one day’s worth of clothes in your carry-on bag and purchase travel insurance if you can afford it. Get a policy that covers rebuying your wardrobe if the worst happens.

10. Fear. The place you’re visiting has been inhabited for a long long time by millions of people who’ve survived just fine. Just like the place you call home: Moms have babies. Parents work hard. Churches worship. Fields are planted and harvested. Families sit together and eat their meals. The sun comes up and goes down every day. We’re a lot more same than we are different. And almost everyone you meet will be glad to meet you. Especially if you tell them you’re from Canada.

Follow our travels to Tanzania May 6-12 at CompassionBloggers.com/tanzania.

Thanks to Keely Scott, my favorite designated photographer, for every pic in this post.