I understand why you can’t afford to sponsor a child.

I understand that you support other charities.

I understand that money is tight.

I understand that you don’t wan’t to think about these things.

I understand our culture in America.

I understand you would rather give locally than overseas.

I understand being jobless.

I understand these things.

I work at a church with the poor in America and I would guess 70% of my congregation lives on public aid or under the poverty line.  There are families in my church who can’t afford groceries, yet will spend $200 a month on their cigarette addiction.  I understand why it is difficult to have compassion for such a family.

I understand living on a budget, and how difficult it is to come up with even a little bit.  When I got married, Stephen and I barely made it month to month.

I understand our economy is tough right now.  My husband and I just lost a lot of money.   All the equity in our home is gone from a failed investment. Had we not done this investment, we would only have 7 years left on our mortgage.  I understand the insecurity of giving to a charity during these times.

I understand that you give to other charities, but I ask you, do you understand how your money is being used?

I understand how hard it is to give to things that are far away and don’t relate to your life.  I understand complacency. I have been complacent too.

I understand the desire to be good, the desire to do something great with your life and the biblical call to care for the poor.  I understand how difficult this is, especially when its removed from our day to day living.

I understand.

When I think of a child in the grip of poverty; a child that is barefoot, dirty, and lacks nutrition and education, and I try to reconcile in my head all the excuses not to help, it is in that moment that I no longer understand.  For a child cannot control their circumstance.  I don’t understand why we sit back and wait for someone else to do something.  I don’t understand.

As I prepare for my trip to El Salvador with Compassion International, I have to stop and ask myself, what is it that I want?  Why am I going and why do I do this?

I do this so that you might understand the need.

I do this so that Little Wendy with her chicken in Ecuador will get a sponsor.

I do this for Wendy and her chicken, Karin, Remya, Hannah, Christy, Yeremy, and Marielba.

I do this because I have met children all over the world who have literally been transformed through the ministry of Compassion.

I do this because I want to understand Jesus.

I understand how easy it is to put something off, even if it’s nagging at you.  So everyday, I will remind you of the opportunity to sponsor a child.  I understand if you get sick of me reminding you.

So now that we understand each other, here it is.

Do you want to sponsor a child in El Salvador?  Ok…if you are not sure…look at these pictures and just think about it.

I understand.