Armchair  Missionary

No, an armchair mission isn’t what I’m on every day after work:  Well ok, maybe it is, but the “Armchair Missionary” I’m talking about is me.

I have longed for God to use me in a way that could be uniquely “me,” and found that sponsoring a child, or in my case, children, is just that.  Considering the impact child sponsorship makes, the amount of time and money I put in is minimal.  I kick back in my armchair once or twice a month and write letters to my kids.  Since Compassion International only allows to send paper items through the mail, I have become quite creative in putting together small packets of paper goodies with each letter.  Gerald, one of my Uganda kids, wants to be a pilot, so I have books full of paper airplanes, and send him a couple with each letter.  Also, since he is deaf, I send a couple pages from a sign language book; I got feedback on that from a Compassion project worker; he is starting to sign!  Maira, in Colombia, gets paper dolls and pages from a coloring book; she is a very good artist and always sends me a picture with her letters.  I usually include a postcard of someplace I’ve been with each letter and I try to use them to tie in how beautiful the places are and how much God loves them.  And, they almost always get stickers.

My rewards have been great.  Between the love I get from my kids, and the satisfaction I get from knowing I am doing something for God’s people and kingdom, that would be enough.  But on  top  of that, He has seen to it that I get every cent I have put into this back and then some.  And, why not, I guess.  If we are doing something to help His people who would not otherwise be able to help themselves, don’t you think He will see to it that we will be able to continue to do so?  And, that we are more than taken care of, so that we will want to continue?

I know these are hard times we are coming up on with gas prices going up and up.  I went to buy bread at the store today, and couldn’t believe they wanted $4.00 for a loaf!  People think they can’t afford to take on another “bill” and sponsor a child.  But, knowing I will get back so much more than I put in, I can’t afford not to.  Have you ever bought something, like a blouse or shoes that you felt that maybe you shouldn’t have?  Well, I have never felt that when I send in my sponsorship donation.

And, if you think we, here in America, are in bad shape, check out the world food shortage in the news.  Compassion is literally saving lives.  And, you are reinforcing in the child that their life has value, and hope they are loved.  Through that child you are reaching not only them, but their families and communities.  In the name of Jesus.  People who, otherwise would never know of God’s love for us, can.  Because of you.  And, it’s pretty cool learning about their cultures and traditions as well, and sharing ours.  Oh yeah, and getting loved back.  I like it so much I have become a volunteer advocate for Compassion International.  So, if you have any questions, or feel like sponsoring a child and becoming an Armchair Missionary, you can ask me, or go on-line to: www.compassion.com.

Since last Sunday our church has sponsored a total of 5 children.  Way to go New Life Community Church!

                       Thanks,

                        Kathy Upson