Between the walls of a small cinderblock church we played, laughed, learned, colored, and prayed with a mob of children. Together we memorized ancient words and sang to our very present God.
Every child development center (sometimes called a “project”) is a local church committed to meeting the physical and spiritual needs of children in its own neighborhood. Compassion serves children exclusively through the church. Always.
Thirty-four thousand kids in Guatemala are cared for by 144 development centers nationwide – and everyone of them a church. And that matters.
Because every center is a church…every child hears about Jesus and has the opportunity (not a requirement) to believe in Him. On average 500 children every day come to faith in Christ through the ministry of Compassion in 26 countries.
Because every project is a church…every child is cared for by devoted followers of Christ. His love comes through them, in every glass of poured juice, every science lesson, every hug, to every child.
Because every project is a church…God’s people are sharing not only God’s love but also God’s Word daily with little ones and their families. Sharing with them the most powerful words ever written. They are learning these words together, like Psalm 119:4.
“You have given us commands to obey.”
The walls of development center #GU-970 (also known as Christ Evangelical Church King Of Glory) announced the power of these sacred words loud and clear today.
The Bible was not written to satisfy the curiosity of man, but to help make us more like Christ. It is not to make you a wise sinner, but to train you into the image of the Savior.
Sponsor a child today and give her more than nutrition, medical assistance, education and lots of friends to play with in a safe place. Give her Jesus.
Terrell Welch says:
Amen.
It’s interesting that the church with all of it’s faults as both a location and a universal body, is the instrument that Christ has chosen to work through.
Lest we forget – he has named the church, His bride.
I think it brings Him pleasure when the church becomes His hands and His feet. 🙂
Aaron Armstrong says:
“every one of them is a church. And that matters.”
Amen, Shaun. Amen!
Meredith Dunn says:
PREACH. I’ll be reposting this, if that’s ok:)
Lindsee says:
Wow. That quote. I just copied and pasted it and will be reposting it. But I’m letting it sink in first. Thank you for sharing!
Andy Allen says:
I enjoyed your post & I appreciate your heart for kids. I am confused as to what difference between WV & Compassion you’re noting?
You tweeted ” “What’s one difference between @World Vision & @Compassion?” This wall says it well: ” to promote this post and I’m wondering what difference you’re referring to? I’m not being antagonistic, I’m simply curious.
Thanks –
Andy
Shaun Groves says:
Sorry for the confusion, Andy. It’s late and we climbed a zillion stairs today – up a mountain. Apparently my legs aren’t the only thing that’s tired ; )
World Vision does amazing work. I’m especially fond if its disaster relief efforts…and the clean water they brought to my Compassion child’s community in El Salvador.
But World Vision and Compassion are not the same. One significant difference between the two organizations is Compassion commitment to serve the poor exclusively through the local church, meeting both their physical and spiritual needs.
Bible teaching and evangelism are central inextricable components of Compassion’s ministry.
Does that clear this mud up? Thanks for asking. Off to bed…soon I hope.
Andy Allen says:
Thanks for the reply Shaun –
Pretty much true to my understanding of some of the differences between the two organizations. I think the unique approaches definitely provide opportunity for a wider world impact and ultimately reaching more people with the heart of Jesus.
In my trips overseas with World Vision I’ve seen the dedication of Christian servant workers and volunteers loving on the poor in crazy situations. Sometimes helping the widow and orphan while connected to the local church and other times going to serve the poor even when they aren’t able to publicly share Jesus.
While there are distinctives between World Vision and Compassion, I’m thrilled to know that both are motivated by a love for Jesus and serving those in need because of that love.
Keep up the good work helping out those kids man!
Andy
Dave Pettigrew says:
Andy, thanks for jumping in on this. Shaun, I was curious as to the differences being pointed out as well. Bottom line: to serve the poor and the needy in the name of Jesus. ’nuff said….
Shaun Groves says:
To be clear I’m not comparing the quality of ministry between orgs. Merely the differences in method and emphasis.
There is much I love about many orgs…and I support them. But I also know how they differ and it is those differences that inspires my support.
A hand is no better than a foot. But surely different. And each serves a unique purpose on behalf of the body.
Together for Christ,
Shaun
Andy Allen says:
Ditto…
Patricia (Pollywog Creek) says:
I LOVE that answer, Shaun. “A hand is no better than a foot. But surely different.”
We’ve sponsored a Compassion child before and we’re going to sponsor another one tonight.
We also sponsor a World Vision child, and we’re hosting a World Vision house party in two weeks.
Together for Christ, indeed!!!