Next month I celebrate 15 years with Compassion.  It’s hard to believe it has been that long.  There are a lot of things that have changed in my life in the past fifteen years:  my dad died, my wife gave birth to three beautiful girls, we have moved three times, my mom has moved five times, my sister’s family moved to Indonesia, we have served in five churches, I have had at least 7 different jobs at Compassion, I have traveled overseas more times than I would have ever thought possible (50+), flown WAY over a million miles, I don’t even want to think about how many nights I have spent in a hotel room, I have only been sick twice overseas (thank you LORD)…you get the idea.

And I love my job.

I work with the most amazing people in the world – people who could make a lot more money and travel a lot less but have chosen to speak up for children who have no voice.  We release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.  Actually, it isn’t just what we do, it is who we are.  When you are connected to Compassion for very long, you are changed. 

My kids don’t know anything else.  They have grown up in a home that is constantly aware of the less fortunate in this world.  They thank God at dinner for their food just like a lot of people, but I think they have a different understanding of what that means.  They have met kids who don’t have parents, they have been in homes that look more like a box, they have hung out with people who don’t get to eat every day … you get the idea. 

My kids have also got to meet some really cool people.  My job connects me to a lot of amazing musicians and speakers.  My kids have enjoyed the famous people they have been able to meet.  (At least it helps them keep thinking their dad is somewhat cool.)  The neat thing for me is that I think they would rather meet a kid living in some unknown corner of the world than some guy who stands on a stage in front of screaming fans. 

I don’t kid myself and think that I was the one who taught them those priorities.  It’s this job.  Actually it’s Jesus.  Remember, I release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.