The Fountain of Youth « Jesus and Compassion

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The Fountain of Youth

July 10, 2008 by compassiondave

But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:17-18

Jason Mezey is a friend and a regional event volunteer specialist with Compassion International. In a recent email to Compassion advocates, Jason provided an update in regard to Compassion’s involvement at this year’s Creation Festival (East). As I already have reported, over 1, 400 children were sponsored at the event, but Jason included this little vignette that I was not previously aware of…

“Along with the sponsorships, there were many monetary donations that came in. These are usually more side noted but I have a story about one of them that I just have to share. I thought this was a neat and powerful expression of one boy’s desire to be a part of something bigger.

One of the nights this boy came up to the table and shared with our volunteers that he just didn’t think that his parents would approve of him sponsoring at this time. He proceeded to hand over an envelope of bills and a bunch of change…he also handed over a raggedy cardboard sign that had (these) items listed:”

“The money he had raised totaled $48.25.”

Having worked behind many a Compassion table, I am pleased to say that occurrences such as these are not uncommon—praise be to God. It is also not infrequent that table-workers hear the phrase (in regards to sponsoring a child), “I’ll have to pray about it.”

Oh, I’m not knocking prayer one iota, but every so often, wouldn’t it be nice to step out in a child-like faith having the assurance God would be pleased by our so doing. There is a time to pray and a time to proceed, and isn’t it a wonderful thing that our children can usually tell the difference.

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

Sponsor a child and I will send you a free copy of “Hope Lives: a Journey of Restoration” by Amber Van Schooneveld.

Compassion dave

PS. Please visit the official Compassion Blog

Posted in Abject Poverty, Jesus, religion | Tagged Compassion International, fountain of youth, Hope lives, jason mezey | 3 Comments

3 Responses

on July 13, 2008 at 1:45 am | Reply M+

Dave,
You absolutely nailed it on this one. We need to just step out in faith and be obedient to our calling.
It was great to finally meet you, too. Especially at such an incredible event as Creation. And I agree with your comment at my most recent blog-post about not getting to hang out much. I’m looking forward to the next event we can work together, too. I have so much I can learn from all of you “veterans”.
I’m signing up for Purple Door. How about you?
on July 11, 2008 at 2:15 pm | Reply compassiondave

God bless you Jill.
on July 11, 2008 at 11:35 am | Reply Jill

Amen and I second your thoughts on having to “pray about it”….I’m not one to knock prayer, either, but seeing how God mandates us to care for and share with the poor, I don’t think we need to waste time praying about it. We all need to just do it!