Sponsor a Child
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at 9:13AM I was in Atlanta last week for Catalyst 2010. It was two days of intensity, wisdom, compassion, and humility. This was the first time I had been and I know it will become an annual tradition. I was hesitant of going to Catalyst at first because I am not a leader. But honestly, how will I ever become a leader if I don't start believing I am one? And that is exactly what Catalyst encouraged me to do: step up and be responsible.
One area of responsibility is sponsoring children around the world in poverty. But I don't sponsor a child because I have debt to pay off and bills that have to be paid. I don't see where that money will come from. Now what if my finances were completely flipped? What if my biggest financial goal in life is giving? It isn't about having to pay this bill or that. I will rearrange my entire finances to see that one goal of giving happen. What if I realized that nothing else really matters because helping a child is the only thing I can do with my life right now?
The first night of Catalyst we heard the story of Jimmy Wambua, who was sponsored as a child in Kenya:
I actually got to meet Jimmy! The next morning I went to the Compassion booth and told them that I had to sponsor a child right then, right there. I knew if I delayed, I'd never do it. The table was full of cards, each one with a child needing a sponsor. The Compassion volunteers asked if I wanted to sponsor a boy or a girl and from what part of the world. I told them that I really had no preference. If I could've chosen, I would've chosen the child that nobody else wanted -- that nobody else would choose. Jimmy picked up a card from the table and handed it to me. He pointed at the location the child was from -- Rwanda. He said that this child needed my help more than anyone as Rwanda is still recovering from the 800,000 murdered in the genocide that ripped their nation apart. I knew that this boy was the one.
So meet Niyitegeka Amos. He is 7 years old. His parents work as farmers when they can and Niyitegeka's duties include carrying water, helping in the kitchen, and cleaning. He likes to play with marbles, ball games, and run. Through our sponsorship of him, he will receive supplemental nutrition, medical care, life-skills training as he gets older, educational opportunities and tutoring, AIDS/HIV treatments for him and his parents, and a hope for a future. For a little boy on the other side of the world to know that somebody cares enough about him to make sure he has a good life, what greater action could I do to break the cycle of poverty and disease in his household? To instill in him a hope that I have had my entire life and taken for granted. I just think about Jimmy Wambua and how his entire life was shaped by a letter from his sponsor. That's a powerful impact. Who will Niyitegeka become now that he has an opportunity?
When I completely have my priorities turned around, because finances are representative of priorities, I realize that this child's life is more important and footing that expense is much more reasonable... and necessary. And little by little, I see the Lord do miraculous things as I am no longer focused on my money and my obligations. But more, I am focused on my gift-giving ability.
- Andrew
Faith
Reader Comments (3)
Oh, what a dear little boy! What a great experience to meet Jimmy! Now, you have the potential to minister to your new son by regular letters. I have heard that the projects in Rwanda only write back a couple of times a year, but please do not let that hold you back from writing to him monthly. Feel free to check out my blog where I often share ideas for letter writing and sending gifts. You will make such a difference in the life of this boy and his family.
~Michelle ~Blogging from the Boonies (http://meeshimama.blogspot.com)
Andy- Mom was telling me about your blog this past weekend and how impressed she was. Of course that got me curious, and I must say that it is better than I could have ever imagined! This post especially touched my heart! As of today- I am sponsoring a 5 year old girl in India because of your story. Thanks for sharing what's on your heart and your spiritual journey. I'm a reader now!
That is awesome! I can't wait to find out more about the girl you sponsored next time I see you.