WHY SPONSOR A CHILD?

[source]

Jesus has a heart for children – so should we

Throughout the Bible, there are many references to children and their significance in society. Jesus Himself was the perfect example of child development: “And the child grew and became strong; He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.” Luke 2:40. These words should guide us when addressing the needs of children.

Jesus frequently talked about children and their importance in the Kingdom: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14 (NIV). Therefore, as children are strategic in building the kingdom of heaven, it is vital that they are nurtured and valued in their formative years.

Since 1952, the core of Compassion International’s ministry has been to introduce children to Jesus Christ – to provide them with hope. We believe that when Jesus said, “Let the little children come unto me …”, he knew that all we have to do is make a way. Children will naturally come to Jesus if we do not hinder them.

Children are the leaders of tomorrow … and today

It is during childhood that the most significant life changes can be made and positive patterns developed. Therefore, it is crucial that children receive the necessary care, nurture and training while they are still young. Children, like ‘wet cement’, can be shaped and moulded in these early years. As they grow, they ‘solidify’ to become all that God intended them to be. Through introducing children to Jesus at an early age, they can play a vital role in promoting change within their families and communities. King David became a mighty leader, but was still a boy when God used him to save his nation.

Children are usually the major victims of poverty

Unfortunately it is always the children who are the hardest hit by the effects of extreme poverty, exploitation and abuse – yet they are the least able and have the fewest resources available to change their circumstances. Of the 2.2 billion children in our world today, nearly half are living in desperate conditions.* Compassion believes that one of the most effective ways to address poverty in a community is to begin by impacting and changing the lives of its children.

Compassion recognises that it is not enough to care for the spiritual needs of children without addressing all other aspects of their lives. That’s why Compassion’s holistic child development programs provide for the spiritual, economic, social, physical and emotional needs of children living in poverty.

Source: Compassion Australia

UNICEF: The State of the World’s Children report 2008 (PDF)

WATCH this clip and LEARN why you are called to sponsor a child:

http://vimeo.com/9930224

If you are ever interested, please refer to the links below for how it all began:

http://newgeneration3.blogspot.com/2009/07/this-friday.html

http://newgeneration3.blogspot.com/2009/07/would-you-sponsor-child.html

http://newgeneration3.blogspot.com/2009/08/child-sponsorship-in-6-words.html

http://newgeneration3.blogspot.com/2010/08/make-legacy-child-sponsorship.html

Alternatively, speak to Joel for more information.

“There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.”

–Deuteronomy 15:11 (NIV)