compassion.

5.4.08

“Praise be to the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRiST, the FATHER of compassion and the GOD of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble…” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

  This past week, our team had helped out at a day camp program put on for students within the Compassion International sponsorship organization. Since the students had several weeks off from school, all those in the Kyambogo neighborhood, who are supported by sponsors partnered with the organization, were present.

Each day, children as young as four and up through their final year in high school came to play games, worship the LORD in songs, listen to speakers, eat breakfast and lunch, study the bible, and spend time with friends. Many of the ICY Ugandan volunteers were once sponsored through Compassion International, and now help to lead small groups, as well as organize the events for the next generation of sponsored children. It was incredible to be able to experience the power of Compassion International and gain insight to such an important part of the lives of my friends. As I ran around outside with the kids, I tried to picture ICY Uganda’s director Wilson, and volunteers, Ivan, Benon, Ronnie, Abraham, and Douglas as small boys running around on the same patch of grass. Today, these young men are so committed to sharing GOD’s love with others and contributing their time and efforts to help other people. Compassion International’s significant impact shaped them to be who they are now, and I was so enthusiastic and encouraged to think about the potential of the next Compassion generation.

            Sarah, the ICY administrator, and I joined a small group of elementary aged children [in the morning session] and high school teenagers [in the afternoon session] led by Benon. Spending the week with these students, I was inspired by how intelligent and enthusiastic they are about learning. The kids are so bright, and I am grateful to know that they all have their potential fed through the opportunity to attend school. Literally, if not for families and individuals financially supporting these students, they would be unable to afford the school fees to receive an education. I was overwhelmed on the Friday, when all the students at all grade levels joined together in one room to celebrate the week-long program. I looked through the room at a sea of smiling and energetic Ugandan faces, and reflected on how many families and individuals from across the globe were represented.

The compassion of people who have the ability to sponsor a child deeply reflects the love and grace of GOD. As the LORD blesses us, we are able to pass that blessing forward and make an impact on another’s life-even across the world. I witnessed the joy spread across a child’s face as he was passed a letter from his sponsor family, sharing how they love him, pray for him, and how special he is to them. Ivan and Benon had both talked with me about how their relationship with their sponsor through letters has encouraged them. They both recognize that a complete stranger had decided to give through Compassion International, providing them with an academic education, supplies, and outside-classes, which highlighted life skills. As they spoke about how much their sponsor meant to them, their dazzling facial expressions and emphasized hand gestures displayed how powerful that relationship had been to their life. The appreciation they have for their sponsors is so immense, and I wish that I could write to their sponsors to explain to them how incredible these two young men are and how proud they should be of Benon and Ivan.

The Compassion International sponsorship program truly is helping a young generation of children around the world to develop into future leaders. ICY’s Jen and Wilson hope to grow their beginning organization, Empower A Child, to be just as significant. As I have seen first hand the impact of a sponsorship program, I want to encourage people who have already committed or are yet to commit to sponsoring a child. These programs are absolutely making a difference in the lives of the children, which I am confident will eventually and directly effect us in a positive way as these leaders grow and take the world into their own hands. GOD is the FATHER of compassion, and HE allows for us to also share that compassion. It is compassion one has for another, displayed through the gift of support and love, that comforts those in need and encourages them through the future.