Their slogan is “Releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name” but I think Compassion International should rethink that.
I grew up with the erroneous idea in my head that I was poor. I vowed that when I grew up I wouldn’t be anymore. Not long after signing a record deal in 2000 the checks began to appear magically in my mailbox. And at the end of my third year of professional music making we tallied up our winnings and discovered that I’d made, after taxes, almost $200,000. With a third child on the way and still feeling, for some unknown reason, as if we were living like almost-poor people, we designed and built our dream house – not as big as this guy’s, not as fancy as that lady’s, but what we thought was on the large end of middle-class.
Then two things happened. First, I took the job as co-pastor to young adults (college aged folks) at my church and we taught through the book of Acts and then the Sermon on the Mount. Acts 2 and Jesus’ prayer in Matthew 5 made me shift in my seat and reevaluate my sacrificeless faith.
Becky and I decided to sell our house and find something smaller, ad do other small things like cancel our cable. We decided to simplify our lives so that others could simply live. But, with the for sale sign in the front yard and no buyers calling, we wondered if we’d made the right decision.
Then I went to El Salvador.
There I met Yancey, the first child we sponsored as a family through Compassion International. I pushed her in a swing. She rode on my shoulders through the marketplace and we shared a rainbow rocket pop. I traced her hand in crayon and she traced mine. I tickled her and she cackled just like my kids. We went to lunch and I bought her a hamburger. She only ate half and when I asked her if she was full she told me she wanted to save the rest so her little sister back home could eat it.
She fell asleep on the ride back to the hotel, her sweaty brown cheek squished up and buried in my t-shirt. And I prayed, asking God to forgive me for not giving away more of what he’d given me in my lifetime. “Forgive me” was all I could say holding a child who ate once every three days before Compassion saved her life, didn’t go to school before Compassion educated her, didn’t know she mattered until Compassion told her how much God loved her. Forgive me.
When Yancey kissed my cheek and told me good-bye at the bus stop that day I knew I’d never miss my house or my cable again.
Our house sold and we moved into another down the street, less than half the size. And we immediately received opportunities to use our extra wealth to help out those around us.
A bible study and a little girl flipped my life upside down. I’m not as worried now as I once was – I’ve seen the joy of the truly desperate and poor and believe their trusted God is my God too. I don’t want anything – I’ve had everything and been bored and thirsty for more, and I’ve had less and known passion and felt full. I’m not as easily upset – focussing my life on the third world has exposed the trivial trials of the first world for what they really are. I spend less – I see every starving child, their hair falling out, their tongues swollen and red, every time new technology is released, or I see an advertisement, or I stand before a cash register. I know for certain how much life my money can buy.
So I think Compassion should add a line to their slogan: “Releasing Americans from wealth in Jesus’ name.” They do this. They gently, lovingly, pry the hands of the wealthy off the stuff we’ve labeled “mine” and use it to care for the poorest of the poor in the name of a God who says everything and everyone is his.
I’m looking forward to traveling to Uganda this weekend with a bunch of fellow wealthy Americans in need of release. I’m praying we’re kissed by children and whispered to by the voice of God. I’m praying our minds and hearts are packed to the top with images and stories we’ll carry with us to the workplace, the neighborhood and the mall. I’m praying we’re released from our wealth, the trivial, our own hunger and thirst, and from the lie that our wealth was given to us for us and not the least in this world.
Pray with me.
Bush says:
man this is great. thanks for sharing this story shaun. i pray that God uses you guys in a mighty way on this Uganda trip. i’m excited to see what will come of it.
boomama says:
OH man.
Just. Wow.
Debra says:
this is exactly what we have been going through. We made a lot less money being on church ministry staff, but, compared to the least in the world, it is still a lot. We “released” our staff job so to spend our life working on behalf of teenagers and the least of these.
Knowing that the next generation is the richest that America will know we want to take them to mission fields and allow their tender hearts to be forever changed. With that heart knowledge what can be done?
fully operational battle station says:
For a girl who doesn’t know if she believes in God, you made my heart swell with this post.
Best of luck on your trip to Uganda. I can’t wait to follow your journey.
Thanks Boomama for the linkage!
Jamie
Heidi says:
Thanks for this post. I’d love to meet our little Nubia, but none of the Compassion trips in 2008 or 2009 go to our child’s country. Perhaps we’ll have to make a goal–something to save for. I have had the opportunity of working in a 3rd world country, but a fresh “releasing” is never a bad thing.
scott says:
I have much to learn in this regard. We’ve served in short-term missions, and this are taking all four of our girls (ages 6-11) to build a house in Mexico. My guess is that THEY will do a better job holding us accountable for our $$ choices than we would do ourselves.
Big Mama says:
I needed to read this today. Thanks.
Grovesfan says:
While I agree that the tag line would be great and it’s certainly true, most Americans wouldn’t “get it.” As a group we wouldn’t be willing to admit that wealth is a bad thing, much less something we need to be released from.
I have no doubt that our two sponsored children are far wealthier in more lasting ways than we are. We’re working on our release from wealth. Thanks for helping.
Beth
Diane J. says:
Here by way of BooMama
Even the poorest here in the US is still rich by much of the world’s standards.
Thank you for sharing your heart so eloquently. Know that you, BooMama and all the Compassion team are being prayed for as you go and serve.
In Him,
Diane
Amy says:
Another winning post. Love it and need to be reminded of it constantly. Thanks Shaun.
Karla ~ Looking towards Heaven says:
Thanks Shaun.
The Lord brought us to that same place a few years back and I have never been the same.
Praise the Lord.
Blessings,
Karla
RevJeff says:
I love this post… however, I would edit your statement from “releasing Americans from wealth.” to
RELEASING AMERICANS FROM THE PURSUIT OF WEALTH FOR PERSONAL GAIN
or RELEASING CHRISTIANS FROM THE CONTROL THAT MONEY HAS WHERE JESUS SHOULD BE…
There is nothing WRONG with being given wealth… as you so wonderfully said Shaun, it is how much we keep and how much we pass along that really matters.
I dis agree that “wealth” is bad. I think the REAL issue is our (MY) selfishness.
Kelly says:
Thank you – this is awesome. You could not have written this any better. Thank you for putting things back in perspective for me and convicting me. We have SO MUCH! WE can never give enough to make up for what God has already given us. I ask God every day why He chose to let me live in America in riches while others are born into poverty, slavery or worse.
Josh says:
That’s fantastic.
You know, Shaun, because of reading this blog and things that I’ve been feeling I should do I now sponsor two kids with Compassion. I figure it’s the very least I can do as a single twenty-something guy.
It’s posts like this that help remind me to “simplify my life so others can simply live.” Thanks.
daleyhake says:
similar story here.
I found myself buy freaking 10+ guitars…nice ones. I now sponsor a kid in the compassion program for every guitar i buy. Perspective.
Dana D says:
Found you through BooMama.
I really needed to hear that today!
Thank you for sharing so openly and honestly!
Jai says:
Wow .. God is speaking this weekend about what I value and I am doing with His gifts on loan to me. (Time, $$$, stuff). Thank you for this post by way of “Rocks”. Confirms things HE is telling me.
Be safe .. and although I do not know a single sole making this trip, I am praying for each and every one of you.
Christa Hagler says:
Beautiful! What a constant struggle…Lord, use these men and women and their journey to further release those of us sitting in our comfy American homes! Change our hearts, make us want to give more and hold on to less.
Wendy Darling says:
I found your link at Boo Mama’s. All I can say is “WOW! Wonderfully said.” We will be praying for all you, and for the people that you meet in Uganda.
You have made me want to take a harder look at Compassion International and see how I can help. Thank you.
What About Mom? says:
freakin’ a may zing. so many people talk about giving or talk about the poor. to actually do something like sell your dream house leaves me in awe. IN AWE. thanks.
Skip Crust says:
Shaun…you’ve touched my heart, and moved me to reach for my overstuffed wallet.
Blessings my friend.
Melaniel says:
Thank you for being so honest. I just want to add that sometimes we Americans think that saving all of our wealth is OK, too. Saving something for the future, in case of emergency, is responsible. But hoarding it all is just as wasteful as spending it.
God be with you as you minister to these precious children and to the people reading who will hopefully sponsor them.
Sue says:
Wonderful. Thank you for this, you’ve touched my crusty old heart.
mandy says:
whew……
Karen says:
God bless you for sharing this. Thanks for the perspective.
Guy says:
This is right where my wife and I are at right now. After buying our house we are in now back in Sept. we are getting it ready to be put on the market this month. Both a scary thing and a liberating one. It’s very encouraging to read this post, thank you!
Linda Sue says:
Shaun – you truly have gotten it right.My husband and I don’t make a lot of money, are an age when most people get to retire but the Lord has allowed us to walk in faith, sponsoring two children through Compassion and always we have enough – not new toys and cool technology,but we do get letters from little boys who have enough to eat, medical care and goats and cows! God is SO good to us. Thank you for opening your heart.
Susanne says:
Amen. I don’t miss cable either. But I’m still convicted that I need to do more than I’m doing. I love the idea of changing the slogan…that really tells it like it is. I think that I’ve been blessed by the children we sponsor more than they’ve been blessed by me. I think I’ll go write to my kids right now. Thanks so much for this great word today.
Becky says:
That was awesome!
The Lord has blessed us through our Compassion kids.
darla says:
We have a little boy in India that I would love to meet too. God also keeps putting on our hearts to down size and give away…it seems that the more we give the more we have to give. God is amazing and HIS way is best.
came by way of Boomama…
Tracy says:
Your post was beautiful. You continue to challenge me. I am honored to be praying for you guys and to see how God works through you.
Jen says:
Hmm..that post gives me a lot to chew on…thanks.
Lori~ The Bargain Shopper Lady says:
Thanks Groves!
Yancey is precious!
Your story is precious!
Praying for you guys! Have a great trip! May it be life changing!
Fran says:
Just beautiful. Bless you always!
Abby says:
AMEN! Thank you for such a refreshing post!
Billy Chia says:
Thank you Shaun.
I tell people “we just try to live slim at the Chia house.” This is usually in response to why I buy used clothes or why I don’t make my wife work. Honestly, I often wish I had more.
Thanks for keeping it real and helping me keep my heart in check.
connorcolesmom says:
Wow I have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I think God has been trying to tell me this for years. I have too much and want more but really He is all I need!
I desire to only want and need Him.
I am trying and failing but not quitting!
Thank you for this post!
I will continue to pray for all of you.
Blessings,
Kim
Marla Taviano says:
Wow. Thank you sooooo much.
Seth Ward says:
Beautiful post, my friend.
Proverbs 13:23 “There is abundant food in the field of the poor, but it is swept away by injustice.” Injustice=my yearning for more.
Penny Raine says:
yep, then America truly would be free! Americans are obese in more ways than one, we are obese in our lifestyles and also in the spirit. Giving in the flesh and giving in the financial, and giving in the spirit are all related. That is the kind of giving, the kind that gives from the heart because of love, that is what the Father mulitplies, and He does it so we have more to give, all the while growing us in more love! Kind of like a rolling snowball, gets bigger and bigger. Thanks!
Praise and Coffee says:
Awesome!
Praying for you all on your trip!
Sue
Nancy B says:
Wow! Thanks for sharing so openly. I needed this.
My God bless you and the others on you mission trip. He does amazing things.
Found you by way of Rocks in my Dryer.
Jen says:
We have been discussing the same things in our home and trying to live simply. God is not concerned with the American Dream.
I am excited to hear about your trip and can’t wait to get a glimpse into Uganda.
[email protected] says:
This was powerful. Praying for your group as you travel and share your stories.
Kelly @ Love well says:
Well said, Shaun. Like so many others, I will be praying for you and your group this week. I know God has tremendous things planned to both free children and free us Americans.
Beth says:
Shaun, you rock! Amen, brother. I wish I wasjoining you all…
When are you coming back to Pinnacle Church?
Be blessed on your trip, and always…
leah says:
that’s really beautiful shaun…
Mama C says:
Thanks,Shaun.
Even when I am trying to figure out how to pay my son’s hospital bills, I know we still have more money and food than those Compassion kids. Maybe it’s time to truly trust God to provide, and adopt a kid ourselves. I’ll be talking to my husband tonight.
Bless you and those traveling with you to Africa.
Cheryl
Elaine says:
Well aren’t you just the luckiest to have had such phenomenal experiences. Congratulations and good luck! My prayers are with you…
Angela says:
Amen… and God Bless yall as you travel.
Todd says:
Wonderful. Thank you Shaun.
Carolina Mama says:
Thank you for sharing. What a blessing! Praying for your team and the children this trip impacts through Him!
MamasBoy says:
I like your new slogan. It probably won’t sell well to those unfamiliar with the program, but to those who are it is great.
MB
Super Churchlady says:
Shaun – Read this last nite and I can’t seem to shake it. It’s either the flu coming on, or…the Holy Spirit.
You definitely have the gift of perspective, my friend.
shayne says:
Wow. I’ve had you as a friend on Myspace forever, but until Shannon at “Rocks In My Dryer” pointed out this post…well, I’m just floored. Keep it coming.
Amie says:
Shaun,
My 15 yr old daughter(called by God to Kenya at 10yrs old), another friend, and myself are going for the first time to Nairobi, Kenya in October to find out what is happening in a place called Kibera (see http://www.hopeforthehopeless.net)-world’s largest city slum – over 1 million people in 1.5 sq miles, half are children under age 15 and 100,000 of those are orphans. I was having breakfast with a friend, talking about the upcoming trip, and sharing some challenges the Lord has placed upon my heart in regards to my own way of living. She recommended I visit your blog, particularly “Releasing”. Thank you for confirming what God was already prepping me for. What I have been blessed with is not mine and it will become my cursing if I do not readily give what I receive. What sweet joy is in the breaking!!! Maybe we will see you on the world’s roads, if not… heaven!
Many prayers & much support!
Megan @ Hold it Up to the Light says:
I just “woke” up after a rough night with my baby (just a typical teething night…nothing awful), my house is a wreck, I’m feeling sorry for myself that I am so tired and have to get off my tail and do so many things around here….
And then,
I read this post, and well, with tears streaming down my face, I am reminded of what really matters (crazy how God keeps finding ways to make that happen to me a LOT lately).
Wow, you are living the way we all should…thanks for the inspiration!
DAVID says:
Sorry this is about a year late but this post is one of a long string of story and revelations that have moved me to tears recently. God has been patiently moving my focus from MEMEME to those around me.
A couple of days ago a frined of mine post on Facebook a quote from Mother Teresa, “It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish”. Starbucks. I immediately thought Starbucks. My wife and I spend $40 a week between the two of us each WEEK at Starbucks while children around the world go hungry, without medical treatment or eduction or clothes. Nothing wrong with Starbucks but something very wrong with flying through our day with the resources to change lives and not doing it.
As of this week that will never happen again. We sat down with our two kids this week and explained to them what was on our heart and each of us sponsored a child on compassion.com.
I can’t help all of them but starting now we will help four and when we can add more we will and I think still afford a Starbucks every now aand then.
I echo your sentiments that God please forgive my blindness to the world around me and thank Him for opening my eyes and opening doors that I might do more. Thanks to you to for all you do.
DMH
Wyatt Roberts says:
“It is no slight thing to be loved by those so fresh from God.” – Charles Dickens
Flower Patch Farmgirl says:
It seems there are more of us than ever, walking together on this sidewalk. Your words moved me. I very nearly could have written them myself, minus the trips. Releasing Americans from their wealth…. Isn’t that the truth?