Losing compassion for Compassion International.
Now I shall open a can of worms. Let's see if the snit will hit the fan with this one. I'm losing compassion for Compassion International. (Wow...I'm already barraged by guilty feelings just by typing this!)In case you don't know, Compassion International is a major non-profit Christian organization that works around the world to save children from poverty. They provide opportunities for people to sponsor children in developing countries, and the money goes to the child for food, clothes, school, and Christian education.
MY INTRODUCTION TO COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL
I first heard about Compassion back in the early '90s when I began to notice that Christian Rock Musicians were promoting the organization from the stage, at their display tables, and even in their CD inserts. Not too long after that, some musical friends of mine became "Compassion Artists" and included promotions for Compassion in their own performances. By the mid-'90s, some of my personal friends had become Compassion sponsors, donating money each month to help an individual child (or two, or three), with the kids' photos on their refrigerator.
When I would play shows on tour, and share the bill with Compassion bands, and hear keynote speakers do their presentations, I'd always get a slight case of the willies...something about the way that the artists did the pitch from the stage, and the huge stack of children's photos in plastic wrap at the back of the venue. And then, the frenzy of audience members after the show sifting through packets of kids, deciding which kid they'd like to "take home" and sponsor. Of course, I also felt a thread of guilt about my own feelings...how could I be so cold, that I didn't "get" this kind of service project? The years went by, and I never sponsored a child.
SHOWBIZ TEMPTATION
By the early 2000s, I had been hearing about Compassion International for a decade. Some friends of mine (who I really trust and respect) had even gone on to work full-time for the organization, working out of the corporate offices in Colorado. These friends show nothing but dedication and complete belief in the cause, so I always think to myself "Well, if THEY believe in the work so much, it MUST be really awesome."
I continued to connect with musicians who had become Compassion Artists, and I was quite amazed at the opportunities that these artists received. Compassion flies their artists around the globe to the areas where the sponsored children live, and the artist can personally meet and connect with the child(ren) they've been sponsoring, and see the effectiveness of the ministry in person. Then when the musician returns to the concert tour, they're even more passionate and committed to the work that Compassion is doing and they'll promote it even more from the stage. Personal friends of mine were jetting around the world to developing countries and seeing some truly powerful things.
A few years ago I was at a meeting with an up-and-coming Christian Rock musician who had really experienced a boom in his career. We weren't talking about outreach or service...we were talking about showbiz...and when asked "What was one of the best decisions you made in your music career?" the performer talked about the benefits of affiliating with a child sponsorship organization....they'd gather the artists for training sessions in retreat centers, offer free seminars with Nashville producers/consultants on improving your performances, fly you around the globe to meet your sponsored child, allow you to network with and befriend successful Christian rock stars, and get you booked on major festival stages with big name acts. Of course, he was very good about couching all of this in the context of "ministry" and "saving children from poverty," etc. He wasn't acting like a jerk about it, but man, it sounded pretty glamorous to me.
Despite the lures of good networking, world travel, bigger gigs, and yes, the opportunity to connect a little self-less-ness to my personal musical ambitions, I never signed on to be a Compassion Band. The whole thing still gave me a very slight case of the creeps.
THE GUILT COMES ON
A couple years ago Tony Campolo was speaking a few blocks away from my house at a big church. If you don't know about Tony, he's one of the most influential Christians in America, and Lutherans have sort of "adopted" him as one of our own (he's Baptist, I think), because he's got a real ELCA-like approach to social justice. I'd seen Tony speak at a bunch of Lutheran events, and I always enjoy his talks, so I went to see him in my own neighborhood. As usual, his lecture was exciting and funny and loud and emotional, and he whipped the audience into a frenzy, like he always does. At the end of the talk, he launches into a pitch for Compassion International. I didn't know Tony was a Compassion Artist! Interesting. Now, as a Lutheran, I'm very sensitive to calls for works-righteousness, and I can always see the red flags waving when that kinda stuff is coming around the bend.
Tony looks at the crowd and says "I'm not saying you have to sponsor a child tonight, in order to get to heaven....(uh oh, I'm thinking)....BUT, when you die and you walk up to St. Peter at those pearly gates and he reads from the scriptures 'whatever you've done for the least of these, you've done it to me,' and asks you 'What have you done for the least of these?' ...then you can know you've sponsored a Compassion child and rescued them from poverty!!" And I got that queasy feeling that I've felt before at non-Lutheran, fundy-Christian events...and I left feeling depressed and ticked. BUT, over the years I've been sort of brainwashed to think that Tony Campolo is the best Christian example and best Christian thinker/spokesman that we could ever ask for, so I'm actually BELIEVING what he said!! I'm having these feelings like "Campolo said that if I sponsor a child, I can prove my worthiness at the gates of heaven! Maybe I'd better do it, just in case all this Lutheran talk about grace doesn't pan out in the end." Like I'm gonna use Compassion International as a Tony Campolo-sponsored insurance policy for eternal life. I still didn't sponsor a child that night, but man, the pressure was on.
I CAVE
Last Fall I was just about to tell Dawn (my wife) that I thought we should sponsor a Compassion kid. I had seen the mess that was Hurricane Katrina, the ongoing crap in Iraq and Darfur, natural disasters in China, and everything else in the news, and I wanted to do ANYTHING to make some sort of positive difference in this world. It seemed like Compassion would be a good way to help out a bit. But I never told her...I was just thinking about it.
I'd also been reading the blog by Christian musician Shaun Groves. I've never met Shaun or heard his music, but he's a good blogger, so I always checked out his commentary from the road. He's a Compassion Artist, and throughout his career he became so dedicated to Compassion, that rather than being a musician who promotes Compassion, he became a Compassion advocate who happens to play music. Here's a link to a typical Shaun blog post...these days his blog is pretty much all Compassion International, all the time. Perhaps I was being brainwashed by Shaun Groves. He was gonna come to Minneapolis a few months ago to do a free seminar with Christian musicians about affiliating with Compassion, and I thought about going to hear the pitch, but the seminar got canceled.
Finally, we were visiting some friends last October, and I knew that they'd sponsored a Compassion child for many years. I'd always seen the kid's photo on their fridge. I told our friend "You know, I see that you still sponsor a child through Compassion, and I've been thinking it's time that Dawn and I do it, too." My friend got a shocked look on her face, and the whole room got really quiet. She stood up and walked in the other room, came back to where I was sitting and dropped a Child Packet on my lap...a photo of little Emily from Ecuador. My friend said to me, amazed: "I had agreed to help Compassion with a promotion, and I had committed to find a sponsor for one child by October 26th. I've been so busy that I have not done any work to get this child sponsored...today is October 26th, here's the kid." It was one of those coincidences that someone like Sarah Palin would call "The Lord at work." Dawn and I took Emily's packet home, did the paperwork and sponsored her. I was now a Compassion sponsor, after more than a decade of avoiding it. We put her picture on our fridge.
SECOND THOUGHTS
Soon after Emily's photo went up in the kitchen I began to have some regrets, but I couldn't explain why. As 2008 began, I got some signs that maybe we should back out of the deal. After we agreed to sponsor Emily, Compassion International sent us the big kit with instruction on how to write to her, encourage her, and develop a relationship with her. Sadly, I was not surprised to see what was written in the literature for new sponsors. Here are some direct quotes:
from the guidebook entitled Compassion Answers Your Questions About Child Sponsorship:
"we will not forward materials depicting ...the living out of a homosexual lifestyle."
and, from the "Your Letter" form, where you can write a message to your child:
"Please do not send communications...or comments condoning sexual relationships outside the heterosexual marriage covenant"
I also found out that Compassion shares a Statement of Faith with the National Association of Evangelicals. Yes, that's right,
Aw man, I didn't know any of this when I signed up!! As a Christian who stands for full inclusion (ordination, marriage, etc.) in the church for gays and lesbians, what am I supposed to do about this?
I know it's a free country, and Compassion is free to include or exclude anybody they want. If they want to pass a rule that they only take heterosexual donations, that's fine. But, that doesn't mean I have to like that rule, or stay in this arrangement with them. I know some wonderful gay couples at my church who would have a fifty dollar bill that would really help some kid in Ecuador, and I think it's lame that they're forbidden to have both their names on the return address label.
(YES YES YES, before you angrily comment, I know that the local churches in these other countries that Compassion partners with share their same conservative values, and Compassion is trying to support the values of the local congregations! I get it. I just wish it wasn't so, and I don't like being involved with it. If you love it, then you and Sarah Palin can sponsor a Compassion kid and feel great about it.)
EVEN MORE SECOND THOUGHTS
Now here's the icing on the cake. As I struggled with this problem, I went to my mailbox last winter and received an issue of The Lutheran magazine, featuring an in depth article on the work of Lutheran World Relief and the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. It was a crystal-clear and inspiring article, and right there was a column called "Why Not Child Sponsorship?" Again, it was one of those moments that could be interpreted as divine intervention. Now I had actual evidence that giving all this money each month to Compassion International might not be the best stewardship of my funds.
WHAT NOW?
So, I'm really temped to pull the plug on my sponsorship of Emily, and write a polite but clear letter to the folks at Compassion International about the reasons I'm getting out. I haven't done it yet. I'm still sending the money to Emily, and none to LWR. I haven't had time to think much about it, or actually write the letter and do the paperwork. I'm too busy changing diapers and folding laundry and driving to preschool and making sure Svea doesn't fall down the porch steps.
I've been wanting to share this story for months and months, and feels good to blog about it. Does anybody relate to what I've been through? Any opinions about what I should do?
By the way, here's another blog about a Lutheran struggling with Compassion International.
Comments
You've done an excellent job communicating your journey and concerns in this post. I recognize and applaud the sincerity of your heart. I pray that you find the clear answer you are looking for.
Chris Giovagnoni
However, after Hurricane Katrina, I heard and read all about the great things being done by LWR and Lutheran World Relief and then did a VBS type thing (before the whole terrible experience with St. Paul that caused us to attend an Episcopal church) where we collected for the Bangladesh wells.
I have nothing against people who support children through any of these programs and nothing against it being done. It is good, but I feel there are many better ways to donate, too, so that whole communities get help and compassion, etc.
Bridgt
Because there's no competition between Compassion International and any denominational mission organization (or anyone else for that matter), I applaud you doing anything to "lend to the poor," regardless of who you choose to partner with in doing so. Compassion International partners with many Lutheran churches around the world to minister to sponsored children. There's no disagreement from me that the Lutheran denomination makes great contributions to the lives of those in spiritual and physical need. So, go for it. If sponsoring a child through Compassion is a a compromise for you of core beliefs and is keeping you from partnering with an organization with whom you share all core beliefs, then stop sponsoring a child and dive into the work of the Lutheran church - give yourself fully to that work.
However, I take issue with your interpretation of Compassion's sponsor correspondence guidelines.
"we will not forward materials depicting ...the living out of a homosexual lifestyle."
Why would anyone depict their sexual lifestyle to a sponsored child, whether that lifestyle be homosexual or heterosexual? I'm not Compassion needs this rule, to be honest. I think a general rule asking sponsors not discuss sexuality with their sponsored children would cover the bases and keep sponsored children safe.
"Please do not send communications...or comments condoning sexual relationships outside the heterosexual marriage covenant"
Same thing here. Would you or any homosexual actually write to your sponsored child about sexual relationships of any kind? It wouldn't be age appropriate or just plain appropriate to do so would it? So, again, the rule doesn't need to be worded this way, in my opinion.
It's a mistake also to link Compassion's beliefs to Ted Haggard or any other single individual. I could do the same with Lutherans couldn't I? I was in a community recently in which a Lutheran minister had molested a child - or was being accused of it. Would it be logical or fair to then discard any Lutheran beliefs that this sinister clergyman also adhered to and promoted?
So, again, I think you're wise to decide what your core issues are, the non-negotiables. If homosexual theology is one of those and if you believe Compassion is opposed to your view (and I cannot speak for them on this), then you are right and free to partner with someone who shares you core values. In fact, you'd be a hypocrite not to.
Thanks for thinking about ministry and not just doing it.
-Shaun Groves
Thanks for the gentle butt-kicking about the Ted Haggard mention...it was a useless addition to my general comment about the NEA, so I struck it from my blog. I want to be clear and baggage-free with my blog posting, and a mention of Haggard is only a distraction. I wish I never typed it. And of course I don't think that the NEA endorses any kind of infamous and scandalous behavior. I'm glad to streamline my thoughts, and get rid of any excess hoo ha.
Yes, I know there's no competition between Compassion and any other mission organization. The tricky thing is, for most people there are only so many dollars they have to give, so eveybody's gotta figure out how they're gonna share their money, and how they be the best stewards of that cash. It's very complicated, I think.
Regarding Compassion's correspondance guidelines, of course they don't want people sending graphic sexual stuff to little kids in the mail. Nobody from any denominational/theological tradition would want that. What Compassion is implying by saying "do not send communications...comments" or "the living out of a homosexual lifestyle" is this: they don't want the sponsored child to receive a family photo of a Dad and a Dad and their kids. And they don't want a sponsored child to read about the family life of a Mom and a Mom and their kids. And they don't want to see the sponsors' names written down if the names' genders aren't male AND female. So if a gay couple wants to sponsor a kid, they've got to lie about or hide just who exactly is a part of that sponsoring family. And that's the real shame of it all.
Oh man, I didn't want to even write this blog, and it took me months to get around to it. I don't want to be a jerk, and I don't want to dis people in poverty, or those who are trying to help.
It just sucks that faith is so complex and messy. We're all just trying to help!
Blog on, Shaun!
Maybe I'm just way too pragmatic for my own good. I guess I'm evangelical, I have several Compassion clients here in the Springs, and my wife and I sponsor Doris and Eric in Kenya. But I align myself with typically liberal and social issues constantly. To me the big question Compassion asks is this: "how can we not help those in the depths of poverty?" That's the big question. They are one of the rare para-church ministries that is really unconcerned with a political agenda, and more on doing the work of the kingdom, to orphans, widows, children and aliens. "True religion".
if you scroll down about 3/4's of the way you'll see that Bernie has chosen to give his money to Compassion instead of John Hagee. In this case Compassion is no longer the enemy but a short stop on the way towards those of us with a more inclussive understanding of the salvation story. Otherwise known as leftyliberalnutjobs.
I found your post by following the link on Compassion's blog. First I have to see that in many respects, I completely agree with you. Yet I still continue to sponsor childen and indeed, love Compassion International. Perhaps that makes me a hypocrite, but I don't lose sleep over that at night. ;)
I too discovered CI by way of a Christian rock concert. There in my seat was a package with a picture of a beautiful child and I, not having heard of this organization before, was completely smitten. At that time my beliefs were very similar to Compassion's regarding homosexuality. Over the years, however, my views have changed drastically, but I have continued to support the organization and my child, and have even began sponsoring three more children since then.
What it comes down to to me, is that no organization will ever completely fit with my personal beliefs. Not one. I will have to "compromise" in one or more areas, whether it be in helping a Christian or other religious organization, or by helping a completely secular organization. In some ways, I will never feel completely like my beliefs are completely in sync with those I am supporting. That is okay. I support with all my heart Compassion, although I do not agree with some of their views on homosexuality. In the same way, I support certain "secular" organizations even though I do not agree with their stance on say, abortion. There will always be compromises, but the good will almost always outweigh the bad.
I love Compassion because I have seen how it has changed lives and yes, perhaps even destinies. I love my children, their families, their communities, their countries. My heart has grown and spread out further than I thought could ever be possible. Things (wars, natural disasters, famines, etc.) don't just happen to "them" anymore, they happen to "my" children, to those whose face and handwriting and smile I could tell a mile away. When I signed on to sponsor my first child I made a commitment, in my heart and with God, to sponsor her until she graduated from the program. I made the decision that even if I had to go without a meal or give up something that I "thought" I needed, I would make sure she was provided for. The money has always been there since then, even if I had not seen it before. Perhaps the one thing that has made me understand the impact of Compassion the most is when I send family gifts, and letters and pictures are sent back. I have cried over words and smiling faces, and over wrinkled hands holding tightly to bags of rice. I feel very small in that moment, very humbled.
So I encourage you to follow your heart, follow where God is leading you. God lead me to Compassion, and lead me to a small amount of compromise and out of it my life has been forever changed. No, I will not compromise much. But in this case, the good outweighs the bad a hundred fold. But if, deep in your heart, you are not comfortable sponsoring Emily, then maybe you should "let" her go. I do not say this lightly as I have seen the impact that lost sponsorship can have on a child, but I also believe wholeheartedly that it is not the best scenario at all, for either yourself or the child, if you do not believe deep down that what you are doing is "right". Think about it. Pray about it. As I wrote before, in life we all must compromise in some form. The question is, is this a compromise you want to make? Your heart will give you the answer. I applaud you for caring so much about the widow and the orphan, and for wanting to help and make a difference. And I want to thank you for writing this post, for giving everyone a little food for thought.
May you, your family and your career be blessed!
However, I had a hard time mentally digesting the implications of a few points. It seems to me that if you withdraw your sponsorship of Emily simply because of your disagreement with Compassion's evangelical approach and beliefs, that you would actually be punishing Emily far more than Compassion. I understand not wanting to align with an organization you can not fully support, but the vast majority of your money is going to Emily, not Compassion. I just checked CharityNavigator.com, and according to their numbers, Compassion spends about 83% of their funds on their "program" - meaning that $26.50 of your $32 each month goes directly to Emily. That number is likely even higher because the 83% figure includes all donations, not just child sponsorship commitments.
So, I found myself asking whether or not it would be worth withdrawing sponsoring from a poor girl in Ecuador because you didn't want to contribute a couple bucks each month to promote Compassion's mission - because the rest is going straight to Emily.
Just something to think about.
Zack
That being said, I plan to continue sponsorship of my current child until he is an adult, but I do not plan to sponsor another child through Compassion. I think in the future I will look more carefully into the organzations I support before becoming personally and fiancially invested in them.
Thank you for writing such an honest post about the way you feel.
I just have a couple of questions/points though.
You mentioned Tony Campolo and his speech about using this as proof when you get to heaven. I find it incredibly sad actually that people would resort to guilt tactics to get children sponsored. As if there is not a world of good we can do in our own backyards? I bet there are some hungry needy children both in your town and mine.
However, I also know that Tony Campolo is his individual person and that Compassion does not necessarily endorse his every last word, even if he is a spokesperson for them.
Secondly, when you talk (and link) to the article about Why Not Child Sponsorship, I would have to disagree with the reasoning behind their choice. I'm not saying they are wrong to focus on the whole community. But I am saying they are wrong to find fault with individual sponsorships and therefore speak poorly of them. Just like there are multiple ways to solve problems, there are multiple ways to help those in need. They ALL have plusses and minuses.
Child sponsorship gives individual children hope, you can't deny the hope you hear in their letters and see in their faces. It gives children an education and possibilities for the future. yes, they need clean water to get to the future, but Compassion does help with some of these types of community projects as well. It's just not their main focus.
I'm not trying to change your mind. You have to do what you feel God leading you to in your heart. But I hope you won't think of Compassion as poorly in the future. They are trying to help in the way they see best, just as you are. Isn't every little bit better than nothing?
Just like someone said earlier, if you don't agree with the core values of an organization, you are doing both yourself and the organization a disservice.
I can agree with Compassion's statements you have issue with, but also can come up with reasons why the wording is biased unfairly. The Bible does say not to be gay. It also says not to lie. It says not to hate. It says not to have sex with someone you aren't married to, gay or not. Why did Compassion give the blanket statement about not sending communication inconsistent with the Christian values and philosophy they share with the partner churches, then only give specific examples about one sin (that happens to be a hot-button topic).
Jesus hung out with "sinners". He never talked down to them. He never condoned their actions or listened to their excuses either. He loved everyone. His life is our example of how to live and treat others. It's hard to treat everyone the same because we are imperfect humans and he was a perfect human.
I agree that no one should ever sponsor a child out of guilt -- it should only become a part of your life when God directs you to do so. When He began speaking to me about helping a child in need, I prayed for months about which company I could trust. One day, I was out for lunch with a missionary Doctor friend from Haiti. She was telling me about a recent hurricane that destroyed all the homes, just as the recent ones have done. I said to her, "What do those people do? How do they get by? What do they eat?" She said, "Well, of course -- the children that were on Compassion didn't miss a single meal." I asked her if she was talking about Compassion International (she was). She then proceeded to tell me about the excellent values, effectiveness and integrity of Compassion's work in Haiti. In fact, several of the nurses in her clinic were formerly sponsored children!
I knew this was the right one for me to partner with -- and was especially pleased, because God had answered my prayers. I immediately called Compassion and asked for a child from Haiti. I sponsored him for 16 years until I finally got to go visit him, and now sponsor his little brother. I found out, through the visit, that their father is a Pastor that walks 4 hours every Saturday to the church he ministers in, and back home again on Sunday.
I also have a girl in Thailand that I've sponsored since she was little, and she has been accepted to Compassion's Leadership Development Program (which means she is currently in University studies). I continue to sponsor her and only hope & pray I can be there for her graduation! I can vouch for the fact that Compassion's ministry works, and it is what they say it is. I wonder what Emily's future will be?
I also thought "we will not forward materials depicting ...the living out of a homosexual lifestyle" might mean sending a letter or photo from a family with two Dads or Moms. What else could it mean? Nobody should be depicting sexuality to a child, regardless of orientation.
(Bonus question: What would depicting a "heterosexual lifestyle" look like? From what I gather, Donald Trump's a hetero, as am I, yet if you put Don's "lifestyle" next to mine, you wouldn't see too many similarities. Discuss.)
I don't think the column on child sponsorship was saying it's wrong to focus on the individual ("all gifts given in God’s name are doing wonderful things"), I just think it's saying that that approach has some unfortunate side effects and a broader focus, while it may be less personal, doesn't create those types of situations and can be much more effective at providing lasting help.
LWR's annual report says 87.4% of their funding goes to international programs, so more of your money gets to those in need.
(My brand's relief organization, UMCOR, distributes 100% of contributions because we UMs fund its infrastructure through our denominational structure.)
LWR may even be working in Emily's community as well. If not, there are lots of other Emilys in many communities that you'd be helping.
The question that remains is how to get out of satan's snare. The flesh screams for a worldly solution, in this case, "kill the messenger," (or more accurately, dump the child whose sponsorship led to your revelation).
But alas, what WOULD Jesus do?
Jesus would opt for forgiveness. He would say find it in your heart to forgive those who do not agree with you; who have assaulted you understanding of righteousness, and in so doing enjoy the forgiveness Christ has afforded you and your debts.
I struggle with what to say that isn't going to be COMPLETELY foreign to him because not only of economic differences but cultural. For me the request by Compassion to not talk about (homo)sexuality would also translate...mmm how about you not mention sex at all...HOW inappropriate! But, then I pulled out my handy dandy Compassion Sponsorship folder and right there in the Letters, Gifts and Your Sponsored Child brochure were a list of topics that work well and those that don’t. I wouldn’t be comfortable in telling a 9 yr old American child about homosexual relationships either-there is an age appropriateness with all things and for me, it falls more under that.
Regarding Mr. Campolo-he is one charismatic speaker and VERY passionate about poverty. I have also had the pleasure, in this case he was at an event to raise money and awareness for water systems and he offended a lot of people when he suggested that most of us could write a check for a treatment plant before we left that night, he saw the cars in the parking lot! WOW. But, he was also correct. We could, if we chose and that was the problem-no one wanted someone to point out that WE COULD help-but we really weren’t interested in “the least of these”.
You very well may decide that you can not get past that one line in the brochure-I can’t say that I would be ok with that, because honestly, it doesn’t effect me. There will be another sponsor for Emily, if it comes down to that. I would just hope that you could find a similar venue that does meet with your criteria where children of the world could benefit.
At the end, your motivation to sponsor in His name should be simply that you love Him and you want to teach that clearly and in a powerful way to a kid somewhere.
I tell Hikma that we lover her and her family so very much that we hold them so very close to our heart. We feel that we are not sponsoring a child but helping a family, our neighbors
God lead you to your friends house to find Emily. He knew what was in your heart to speak out about your loss of Compassion to address all that are reading your post and making comments.
I am just one person, giving a clild something to look forward to (our next letter). That child shares the love and joy that she has, and it is now spreading.
Thank you for your openness and willingness to share.
I have gotten letters from my children, and their parents. One child said she never even thought she'd get to go to High School, and now she is thinking she might even get to college. One child sees his friends, who are 13 like him, working in the fields instead of going to school as he does. One parent thanked me for providing clothes for his son, because he couldn't. This isn't about pushing for homosexual rights it's about helping a child grow in the love of Christ and keeping her alive and healthy so she can change the world around her. You were led to your friends house, on the very day she had to find a sponsor. You were led to bring it up, and I do think Satan is trying to distract you from continuing to help her. Please keep praying. God bless.
God bless.
Thanks for phrasing your ideas graciously. You bring up a valuable discussion in a productive way. Thanks, Jonathan.
Let me first of all reassure you, Satan does not have you in his grip for being a critical thinker. The God I believe in is happy with us when we seek discernment and wisdom when it comes to how to do justice in the most effective way. In fact, social theory is very clear that when we attempt to help without the know-how, we actually can harm/debilitate/humiliate/etc.
For you to be very careful before you engage in a relationship with someone across the globe is not necessarily a bad thing. If there is not a mutuality in the relationship of another one of God's children, their dignity is wiped away, as well as ours. So, before we engage in these "partnerships" we need to be intentional about them so that they are indeed mutual. Jonathan, what you might be sensing in Compassion is the lack of mutuality in the relationship that robs both parties of feeling like they contribute fully to God's family. Putting kids in poverty on display at the back of a concert and then having people choose the child they find worthy of their support feels off (energetically) to me, also. We are really great at "service" in our churches and not as great at "justice". While service feels good short-term, what I hear you seeking is justice. This actually lets me know that you have LESS ego, not MORE ego. People with ego need to help a kid now because and see the fruits of their labor (maybe even to give them some comfort about their salvation status as the "Campolo" speech seemed to do), but people with less ego take the "long view" as Bishop Romero once quoted. He also recited the words, "we are prophets of a future not our own". That means a big part of our justice work should be about creating sustainable structures that will foster long term transformation, not necessarily today.
Just a random thought...you know how most policies are in place for a reason? It made me wonder, were people sending photos to their kids of them making out or was it just some preemptive homophobia happening there? Strange, huh?
As a sponsor of three children through Compassion, as well as an Advocate, I am aware of the statement you mention as well. I happen to agree with it. However, it's not the only topic which could get the "not forwarded" decision. They will also not forward photos or letters containing or depicting violence, etc. They won't send a picture of your family (whatever it may consist of) standing in front of your large, sprawling, urban home either. Children in third world countries have no idea what living as most Americans do is remotely like (and vise versa). Do send them something like that could cause great harm. They also don't forward your personal address, email, etc. This is for the protection of the child and you. Unfortunately in our society today, it becomes very necessary to implement these practices to keep everyone safe. Do you think that pedophiles do not lurk on child sponsorship sites (and other places containing photos of children) and even try to sponsor one in hopes of a future meeting? It's sad that it's even something we have to guard against, but it's true nonetheless.
Having said that, I have to say that the homosexual lifestyle is sin. It is viewed no differently than any other sin as far as God is concerned. It's just a political hot topic and gets lots of attention.
Your viewpoint on any behavior (or anyone else's viewpoint for that matter) isn't the deciding factor is what is and isn't sin. Only God's viewpoint matters. He wrote The Book; literally. Love the sinner, hate the sin pretty much fits the bill. It's not my place to judge the actions of non-believers, but as a Christian, it is my responsibility to speak The Truth in love; always; and hold fellow believers accountable. That's not a job we're particularly fond of these days, which is why there's such a problem in the church today.
Do whatever you feel is best for you, but please don't make the decision based on the unwillingness to deal honestly, thoroughly, and accurately with the Scriptures.
I agree that a responsible reading of scripture needs to happen. Not one that approaches the bible as a cookbook with two-sentence recipes, but as a narrative of the redemptive work of the Creator of the Universe. When you read the story in its entirety, it is difficult to deduce that a loving God would not also consider the advancements of our understanding about sexuality and take them into account.
And to those with a literalist, cookbook reading, it is important to note that Jesus never addressed homosexuality directly. If you take every word of scripture literally (what does "Mary had a little lamb" mean), and consider yourself a Christ-follower, how much should you address it? How big are the fish that you have to fry (Jesus had bigger ones like feeding the hungry and stuff)? Interesting stuff..
Jesus did say that he didn't come to abolish the law and the profits. Is not homosexuality addressed in the Law? Yes.
Your philosophy/theology is quite wrong. I have issue with your comment, "it is difficult to deduce that a loving God would not also consider the advancements of our understanding about sexuality and take them into account."
God is God. He is I AM. He is never changing. He cannot change. Your statment makes it sound as if God made a rule and perhaps didn't know what would happen in the future. That would make God not God. He knows everything. He cannot learn anything, or be surprised by anything, or not see something coming as you imply.
Is it just Jesus' red lettered words that we live by? No. The entire Scripture is God Breathed, written for us. Numerous times in the New Testament sexual purity and immorality are discussed. So there I find another problem in your comment.
Anyways, I can understand where you are trying to come from and can appreciate your comments, although annonymous.
I too have some gay friends and they are awesome people! Certainly gay people can have great relationships and love each other. Most certainly straight people can hate each other and stare daggers through each other. The fact that their is love in the relationship doesn't cause God to overlook the sin. The fact that a straight couple are hating each other and seeking divorce doesn't make God overlook the sin in that relationship either.
Anyway, my questions stopped when I realized that I couldn't pull the plug until I had that money already re-assigned and auto-drafted into that "better place".
I just think that doing something is better than the alternative of nothing that most people choose. And I could see myself falling into that without the auto-draft accountability.
Also, Emily, or Sefilina in my case, doesn't really care much about inclusion or religious stuff, they just need the money.
I've built a relationship with Sefilina through letters and think that by ending my sponsorship I could be an unfaithful representation of Christ in her eyes. Whether it is true or not, she may see it that way.
I would pay $100/month to ensure that there was no chance of that happening.
Rely on your relationship with God to make this decision... ask and He'll speak.
I've read Shawn Groves "Shlog", and been angered by some of his posts. Then I find myself thinking about those things, sometimes for weeks, and really examining my own beliefs. On the other hand, I often agree with him. Shawn - I have come to really love your blog!
I've met sponsors who have vastly different beliefs than mine. Yet I choose to focus on what we share... a love for our Father in Heaven, and a desire to serve Him the best way we know how.
I have seen, in person, how Compassion serves children and their families, and am forever changed by the experience.
Rarely (never?) do I agree with everything an organization stands for. Even when I agree with the basic philosophy on an organization, there will be individuals with whom I disagree. Nonetheless, I have decided to remain a sponsor, and volunteer my time as a Child Advocate because of what I have personally seen happening at Compassion Development Centers.
You blog post encourages us all to examine our choice to sponsor or not. Thank you!
I have felt really creepy being in the same space with you at youth conferences where much of what was presented was more about a gospel of sin-management, knowing that you must be just crawling inside. I've had that knot in my stomach too, but believe that God works in spite of us at least as much as through us, and I have never been ready to throw the baby out with the bath water.
Many worthwhile comments on this Compassion post have already been made, so I'll only add a few, and they come with the disclaimer that I receive biweekly paychecks from Compassion, even though I don't play music for a living. It's been 14 years since I witnessed some horrific poverty, and felt called to spend my life doing something about. For the last four years I've found myself at Compassion, wholeheartedly, warts (mine and Compassion's) and all.
I love what Lutheran World Relief does, believe that the ELCA does fantastic relief and development too, and believe there are some horribly mismanaged child-sponsorship programs out there. However, the link
http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article_buy.cfm?article_id=6959
throws around some sterotypes about sponsorship, and is simply justifying the ELCA's non-sponsorship approach, without regard to ways that appropriate child-centered development is extremely effective. The article is as much a piece of marketing as anything else, implying that giving to the the World Hunger Appeal is the best way to "focus on the root causes to eradicate poverty long-term." Implied is that child sponsorship is just too surface-oriented to really get to "the root causes or make a recognizable difference in the life of the child's whole community."
Compassion's model is always more development-than-relief oriented. And most importantly, Compassion's prime strength as I have witnessed it is that we work through the strength of the local church. Even the local Lutheran church. Every Compassion sponsored child receives his or her development through the system of a local church, and the root causes are dealt with one person and family at a time, by people in community who care.
Ahh, it's a messy world we Jesus-followers live in. I am glad it's an open conversation, glad you hold your convictions firmly enough to confidently write about them. We can all use the challenge to examine our purpose and approach closely, and we can continue to pray together that God's Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
All that, and I really stopped by today to drop you a line recommending you catch Sam Phillips on her current tour. I thought of you when I saw her last week, with spare, creative instrumentation.
Peace.
I enjoyed the experience at Huachuca Oaks this weekend. I am blessed to have met you.
http://www.shaungroves.com/shlog/comments/an_answer_for_kate/
I love BTW when you get all Lutheran geek and discuss things like works righteousness because I think that stuff all the time!
Second, you might want to look at which ones do development and create long-term relief strategies. That is why our household gives monthly to LWR. We believe they are a great organization doing great long-term relief around the world. I don't get fancy letters with photos of a child like I did back in my college days when I sponsored a Compassion child, but I know the money I give is being used well.
I've felt many of the same things as I've considered sponsorship with Compassion. In fact, I sponsored a little girl from El Salvador for two years before deciding to end my partnership with Compassion - because I could not continue to support an organization that furthered beliefs and ideals I felt were harmful to the sharing of the Gospel.
Does this make me a bad person? I don't think so. I know that someone else who supports Compassion and it's mission (which at its heart is good) will support Yesenia. I have chosen to support Lutheran World Relief and Disaster Reponse instead. One person cannot support every good charity - we must go where we truly feel God is calling us, in good conscience, knowing that God will take care of the rest.
I appreciate your honest struggle and your willingness to share. May God bless you as you discern what is right for you, and for Emily.
I am a 15 year employee of Compassion and want to clear something up. Zack, on Sept 10, posted the following as part of his comment:
Compassion spends about 83% of their funds on their "program" - meaning that $26.50 of your $32 each month goes directly to Emily. That number is likely even higher because the 83% figure includes all donations, not just child sponsorship commitments.
While it is true that in fiscal year 2006/07 Compassion spent more than 83% of total expenses on program activities, this is not the same as saying that Emily receives $26.50 each month. Please realize that what is included in this 83% certainly includes the amount that goes to Emily's project on her behalf but it also includes other programmatic expenses (inlcuding managment and oversight of the program functions). If you want to see more detail of what the program expenses went to, I encourage you to look at page 4 of the 2006-07 audit report from KPMG. This report is the Statement of Functional Expense and the link is this
http://www.compassion.com/NR/rdonlyres/eahxjrbsvlgdjbzo6kjfstrysa5zbuwbtqqkp2hcpobrvfnpmtt4d5h6uafzsrfuu4cx45oiwkm7ut4qdb5tkhefd4f/GT06.pdf
Compassion has a great story to tell but I want to make sure it is an accurate story. We desire to be a ministry of integrity and I don't want to let this misunderstanding go without addressing it.
If you want to discuss this issue further, contact me at dtrumble@us.ci.org
Thanks,
Dan
When I read how Compassion "woos" Christian artists I knew some people would have a problem with it. However, think about the large sums of money every organization of this type finds necessary to spend in order to secure donations. In the case of Compassion it is around $27MM per year, approximately 9% of their income (sadly, this is better than most other organizations of this type). That's a lot of dough! If there was a way to raise funds spending less than 9%-12% of their income, I'm sure most organizations would be doing it. Perhaps Compassion feels that the "little" money they spend sending artists around the world pays off much more effectively than other methods, so they stick with it.
I read recently that Caterpillar, a huge (well run) worldwide corporation, had reviewed some of their sporting sponsorships. They said they were dropping some, but remain committed to NASCAR because they believe the sponsorship (and all that goes with it) continually translates directly into increased sales.
I expect Compassion feels the same way about the money they spend on Christian artists - I'll bet, per dollar spent, it is much more effective than mass mailing or e-mails or web sites. I'd be willing to bet it is their most cost efficient form of advertising/fundraising.
Therefore, I applaud Compassion for sticking with a form of advertising that is both effective and efficient.
While no organization can be perfect, it should all be about helping the "really" poor - and it seems Compassion does this well. So I'll be sending my end-of-year contribution to Compassion today.
I believe most people do not realize that being gay is just not as tolerated and accepted as it is in North America and Europe.
I appreciate your acceptance for Compassion International. (My family sponsors a child in Indonesia.)
Here are my views on your concerns about CI only letting heterosexual people sponsor their children:
Compassion has made that rule to protect these kids from lifestyles that may be frowned upon in other cultures. Compassion isn't trying to be exclusive about who can sponsor, their decisions are in the best interest of the children they help on a daily basis.
As for your question to sponsor or not to sponsor:
Continue to sponsor Emily, sponsorship means the world for these children. Your sponsorship can easily mean the difference between life and death. Don't forget to write letters to her, too! A project staff member can help her if she is unable to read/write letters herself. Please don't stop sponsoring Emily...she needs your support to grow mentally and spiritually!
it sounds like you are struggling with more than just this issue... I try and do very little expression of my "opinion" on scriptural issues when the Bible presents things so clearly. I have selected a few that may help.
God bless.
GAL 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?
"I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment."
Matthew 12:36
Ephesians 4:3
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
JOH 13: 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above
yourselves.
Do everything without complaining or arguing,
Philippians 2:14
PRO 10:12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.
Romans 14:19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to
mutual edification.
Rom 12:16
Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
2 Timothy 2:7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
Eph 5:10
Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.
1Cor 6:9
Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor practicing homosexuals
"Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts."
Romans 6:12
"Encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called 'Today,' so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."
Hebrews 3:13
James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Eph 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV)
"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
2 Peter 3:18
Blessings in Jesus ~
B Wolfman
So you walk around all this time like a self-righteous "Christian" who shares nothing with the beliefs of Jesus, avoiding any sort of help or charity like the plague (because of course those evil "works" or any sort of true love or compassion will somehow destroy your works-free philosophy).
And the only complaint you can level against them is that they want to protect their kids from overt homosexual influence? Something that 99.99% of Christians believe is a sin?
They back up their claims, you can actually see that unlike most other charities they actually make a huge difference with their donations and unlike others (that ) they encourage you to visit and verify those claims, and give these kids love, support, a full childhood, education and morality.
But no, stick to your homosexual agenda for deciding what's important in life and continue claiming to be Christian. Obviously it's not about love for you, because wow your amazing anti-charity spider-sense totally had them figured out.
http://www.opportunity.org/press-releases/compassion-joins-forces-to-combat-poverty-in-uganda/#.TyI5m4Hh12A
Luke 6
34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
http://watch.pair.com/wof.html
“World Vision works with World Bank on the programmatic level and works with other NGOs to bring about policy and operational changes in World Bank."
Over the years, I've given money, special family gifts, helped rebuild my child's family home (physically), made trips to Asia to visit the family on numerous occasions and have always welcomed the idea of "paying it forward" to assist my child in overcoming a poverty barrier and setting the stage for the siblings and remainder of the family. I consider myself active in my child's life and fully support the Compassion teachers and volunteers in my child's local student center.
My struggle has been that I'm gay and have always known this. It's never been an issue for me and have never regretted nor worried much about this in regards to my sponsorship. After years of growing up with criticism and disdain, at best to downright violence and hatred in society towards me, at worst, my goal has always been to overcome this in my heart, turn the other cheek and walk in the way I know God would want me to. I do not agree with disguised hated in the form of love, but it's not my place to withdraw support for a child and family that needs me and others just like me.
I have struggled over the years with Compassion's "rules". I've never condoned nor understood any desire to share sexual charged materials (graphic or political) and its never crossed my mind to do so. However, often we, as sponsors, are encouraged to share family photographs or describe proud moments in our lives, important people or witness to the power of faith. Often, these have included someone of the same sex who, while not in a sexual manner, has been important to me, visible in my life or has walked alongside in my faith journey. I've chosen not to include these items in my correspondence with my child even though my heterosexual counterparts are encouraged to do so.
More importantly, my child is now about to graduate from the Compassion program. I have witnessed their development from a small child to a full-grown adult and have encouraged and believed in them for many, many years. I've hoped to have been a small example of having hope in such a forlorn part of the world and remaining strong in their faith during times of adversity or even when others' may not like or agree with you. I firmly believe in this advocacy and the "spirit of Compassion's cause", yet I do feel on the outside.
I feel I cannot send a response that I do not have a picture of my girlfriend. However, I cannot send a photo of a boyfriend. I do not wish to lie. I also wish to respect, as some have mentioned, the child's culture, familial and faith belief systems. It is not place to lecture nor promote any agenda.
However, I cannot do good at the expense of my integrity. I can, and do, turn the other cheek. i can combat injustice, hurt and scorn with peace. I can, and do, focus upon the child's welfare and the greater good. I can not, however, do any of this at the expense of my integrity.
I'll continue sponsoring my child. I'll continue placing my child ahead of my personal objections to some of Compassion's policies and I'll see to it that I continue to do whatever is within my power to promote the welfare, education, faith and life journey that Ive been witness to for many years. Perhaps one day my child (or shall I say, my young adult that my sponsored child has grown in to) will understand my dilema from all these years past, but that is perhaps for another day. I do believe that once my child has graduated, my time with Compassion will be over and the torch will be alighted somewhere else.
"How many sponsors will Compassion be willing to lose before moving into the new century?"
I can't speak for Compassion but I suspect they would be willing to lose them all. Yes, society's opinions about what is right have changed over the centuries, but until God publishes a new and revised version of His word, I'm too scared to let go of what He said the first time, ya know? And I am not saying that tongue-in-cheek. I'm serious. I didn't give my life to the Lord until I was 29. By then, I had many gay friends and was passionate about the injustices against the gay community. So, when I became a believer, I dug into the Bible determined to prove Christians wrong on their stance. And I'll be honest, I was downright angry with what I found. God's will did not line up with mine. But through humility, I came to realize that since I did not make God and He made me, then I had no choice but to accept this truth. It was not an easy pill to swallow.
But the Bible also says He knew we could not overcome sin on our own so in His grand love and mercy, He gave us Jesus.
So, why we still hash out this one sin in light of Jesus, is beyond me. Why can't we just stay silent and let each person work it out their struggles directly with the Lord (unless they ask for our help)?
I still have gay friends who've been hurt by well-meaning but hateful Christians. But God's grace is bigger than our inability to know how to handle it. So that's where I am.
I've been sponsoring with Compassion for 3 years and I'm in deep. I am a sponsor (financially or volunteer correspondent) to 17 children so it's obvious I'm "all in". These kids don't have the luxury of pontificating on social issues. They have nothing and they believe they don't matter. I have the means and the desire to help them by partnering with Compassion so that is what I choose to do. Compassion doesn't go in and feed them or throw money at them. They hold their hand and guide them through life while meeting their physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual needs. The Bible says we are to make disciples. Well, people don't want to learn Bible verses when they are hurting. They can't pay attention when they're hungry. They don't even want to try when they are depressed. Compassion understands that a structurally sound community is no good if the people are stuck in a poverty mentality. I applaud ministries that focus on the community but a child that is released from poverty can do wonders in making positive changes in a community. And hundreds of children in a community who have been released from poverty can completely turn that community around. And it's happening now. I am thankful for the artists and bloggers who visit those countries and report on the success so I don't have to travel to see it. This program works and I feel really good about supporting it.
- Stephanie in Alabama
Another thought... Does explaining that you're in a homosexual relationship or a heterosexual relationship for that matter, really benefit that child?
Hopefully they are more interested in legos, having something to eat, and attending school.
In their newer statement they say they have taken the statements out of the literature but they still hold to their original position. This just makes it more difficult to find out what they believe and teach.
Here is the latest position statement I can find: "Compassion holds the view that God has reserved sexual intimacy for marriage, which the Bible defines as between a man and a woman in an exclusive commitment of mutual love and faith. While our position has not changed, we have removed from our Welcome Booklets the request that sponsors avoid mentioning living in a homosexual lifestyle or comments condoning sexual relationships outside of a heterosexual marriage covenant." Courtesy of Compassion International: http://blog.compassion.com/losing-compassion-for-compassion-international/#ixzz3JLIS3Kp6
What difference does it make? A lot! Compassion strongly recommends that sponsors "describe their family to the sponsored child" in their letters." How could compassionate Christians in same sex, mature, loving relationships (legal in many states now) even begin to do this? So, I appreciate very much that Compassion has looked at what this restriction really means.
Now, I could not in good conscience stop supporting the child we support just because I disagree with the organization on this point. But I do want to support truly compassionate organizations and I appreciate those you name. I hope that Compassion International will continue to pray about this position and carefully discern their stance.
I also thank your readers for the honest and thoughtful dialog shared in your blog.
At present I send $1200.00 a month to aid two families.
Right here in the USA. You see they are victims of the financial tragedy of an unscrupulous Government who has continued to lie about the American job market. These families are part of the 91 million American unemployed.
You see our government claims a 5.8% unemployment rate. However 91 million out of an entire population of 320 million is 28.44% Of course that is assuming all the children in our country work as well. So the actual statistic regarding working Americans to those who can work and yet are unemployed because of a lack of jobs would raise that percentage significantly. Perhaps close to a 40% unemployment rate.
The names of those I support are Jennifer, Alannah, Briannah, Dawson, Dakota, Christian, Evelyn, Illianna and a second Christian.
You see these are the families of my adult children. One family lives with me under my roof and the other family lives 5 hours away in Georgia in a home I purchased for them to live.
Then there is me and my wife, we are both disabled and living on my military retirement disability compensation and social security.
Now I realize that in your situation you can claim the funds you donate as a tax deduction. But I cannot, you see my external family members are not part of any organization and there are very few organizations that operate within America. Imagine how I feel when I provide funds at this level and more each month and yet I cannot get any tax break and sadly their unemployment rests directly in the hands of a government who imports illegal aliens by the tens of thousands which I we taxes to support and exports jobs overseas rendering even more Americans unemployed.
They actually have a name for the families in this plight. They are called boomertang kids.
I found your blog because "Compassion" is coming to Houston where I live, and a nurse friend alerted me to their anti LGBTQ stance. There are SO many ways to help other humans that promote compassion for all and not just for those who fall within a predetermined and judgemental set. I'm no Christian, and neither am I the judge of who's in and who's out. Father Gregory Boyle, who wrote 'Tattoos on the Heart',(highly recommended)could teach these "Compassion" folks a thing or six about acceptance. Take care, Shaun-
I love your honesty Jonathon
I pray people can find some love and compassion in their own hearts to hear your fears and concerns and listen with love rather than fear and judgment... you are obviously a person who cares deeply about truth ...
I love this conversation ... it has been more helpful to me than any of the four star recommendations and church drives for compassion ...
I admire your courage to speak the truth as it is for you
I don't know if I missed it but ... what did you end up doing ?
You needn't worry about Compassion International. Your beef is with the Bible. Considering who the author is, I would be far more concerned with disappointing him, than a hungry little girl, but since you are a part of the crowd that does what they "feel" is right, feel free to make her life a little more miserable by withholding your money. What is most important is that you do not alienate those who choose to practice activities that are in direct contradiction to scripture.
Signed,
Dave Thomas
My very wise and kind husband has a saying that he often repeats..... "Don't let the perfect get in the way of the good". I'm not certain who was the first to say that, but it IS a very good proverb. You sound like a perfectionist, and a perfectionist has a tendency to impede progress by waiting and waiting until the best answer shows itself. However, sometimes there is no best answer. You just have to do the best you can do. If you have time to research all of these organizations and find the one that suits your desires the best, then go for it. In the meantime, if you continue donating to the Compassion child, Emily, at least you are making a big difference in just one child's life. For me, that is enough.
Personally, I don't agree with judgement of anyone's sexual orientation or lifetsyle choices, but don't think that we should mention any type of sexuality to a child whatsoever!?! So, abstaining from mentioning sexual orientation should be a no brainer. We don't have to agree with every one of the values of the organization. My kids love Chik-Fil-A and, though I don't agree with their views, I'm not stopping them from eating the food. : ) In my research and experiences, the Compassion organization is a good one and I love that my kids get to see that we are making a choice to help a child. One day, I hope to meet that child and know that our choice to help someone has really made a difference. Congratulations to you for choosing to help Emily. : )
i too have been sponsoring a child (actually a couple, as one rolls off they add another) through a different organization going back many years and often think/feel as you do. if you do find a good organization, please share i'm still looking. :)
Thank you very much for sharing your experience with such detail!
I would like to recommend to everyone a book that really clarifies many things: "Can You be Gay and Christian?" by Michael L. Brown
Many blessings to all!
I am researching this organization and though I have heard and read many positive things, especially on the organizations webpage, there are also those reviews that make me stop and reconsider sponsoring, like employee reviews on Glassdoor. It was nice to see the viewpoint of the author who wrote this blog post.
However, as stated several times above, I disagree with the author about the topic of allowing homosexual peoples to be able to express themselves through the program: first of all, as mentioned, this topic shouldn't even be brought up with the children/young adults who are sponsored through the program; second, you have the option of choosing not to participate in this organization if you do not agree with it; third and foremost, while I do agree with the above commenter {Bruce Haas} that we are not to judge other peoples of their choices, we are given the power to bring the truth to those peoples, and the truth is written clearly in Scripture:
*** All quotations are taken from the King James Version (Other new versions are corrupt and misleading and have taken out many passages that pertain directly to the foundations of Christian faith- that's another topic for each person to research individually. A good book about this topic is "Which Bible is God's Word?" by Gail Riplinger)
James 4:12
Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it [is] abomination.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, not effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Romans 1:21-32
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
One of the things they shared is that child sponsorship programs use s lot of funding for administrative costs ($1 out of every 5 sent to Compassion International goes to administration). Child sponsorship programs will also support some children in a voltage while others are not sponsored. LWR supports every child and everyone in a village. They also told me how the explicit evangelical/fundamentalist focus of many child sponsorship programs limits the countries they go into as they share not only food and suoport but their faith. LWR goes into countries these programs cannot because they focus on ending potty not converting people.
Having said that, they also shared that people are more open to LWR than tense other programs. When a child sponsorship program comes in with support, they also say you get this if you listen to our message. People feel that they don't care about them as people, they just want to convert them. When LWR comes in with just support and no required message, the response of the people is, "What kind of God to you serve that you would do this for me" with no strings attached?
Since LWR doesn't put their money into getting artists' support, perhaps you could be with one to do it for free a stead of for all the perks Compassion offers.
Kurt Handrich
ELCA pastor and Professional Educator
Beloit, WI
I ask because I find this type of campaign to be manipulative, and once you sign up, very hard on the conscience, both if you kept the sponsorship and if you let it go. I sponsored a boy in Thailand some time back, and I wound up feeling used. Just my story, but since you already are seeing that in your spirit, I would suggest you consider other venues. Frankly, there are so many ways to help in this country - people here are hungry, going without and need the testimony your help could provide. If you lean more toward action than finance, there is work to be done with mentoring or advocacy thru CASA programs.
Perhaps your peers having it both ways with Compassion - seeming like they contribute while receiving benefits - makes you feel like you'll miss out on something?
Re Compassion itself, I have a problem with their CEO getting an almost $300k per yr salary. Check it out on Charity Navigator. Leadership of a Christian organization should be a privilege. A Christian leader should be content with a living wage, not require more than a quarter of a million dollars/yr to "serve".
Peace and Love to Everyone!
NW Washington,DC 20220
This is to bring to your notice that the US Department of the Treasury in affiliation with the Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") has been authorized in their Sanction Programs to compensate 1,000 scam victims who has being a victim of internet scam.The US Department of the Treasury has decided to pay you $250,000.00 USD(Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand United States Dollars) each in order to restore the global economy to the enviable standard of respectability. So if your are one of the victim kindly contact us via Our email ( infousdepartmenttreasury@usa.com) for the release of your $250,000.00 USD compensation fund,
.You are advised to provide us with the under listed information for verification:
1)Full Names
2)Home Address
3)Nationality:
4)Age
5)Sex
6)Occupation
7)Phone Number.
8) Amount you lost
Waiting to hear from you guys soon.
Thanks
Maxwell Lee
infousdepartmenttreasury@usa.com
Helping someone in need is compassion. Do you have any to spare? This is between you and GOD, and it's only about you passing GOD's test that He has evidently placed before your heart. So, I hope that I've helped to clarify things.
If not, let me tell you that I would feed anyone that was hungry, and I've given my clothes to help those with less than I have. I've taken people shopping, to fill their need at the grocery or to buy them a new pillow or shoes. Because compassion was needed. It doesn't matter if they believe as I do. I don't ask questions to converse about what might become a confrontations about the things humans do in their life. I know that we all have fallen short from the glory of GOD. We all have our struggles. Unless the LORD instructs me or gives me a specific message to pass to them, I am kind and generous and reassuring to them that GOD loves them. Because when GOD intervenes on a topic He always has my back, and His seed never comes back void. So, if I deliver GOD's message, I don't worry about the outcome. That's GOD's business. I've learned that sometimes I plant seeds and other times I might fertilize what is already there, and sometimes I get to lead someone to Jesus and get to witness a transforming heart.
The blessings of opening your heart to more possibilities, and the fullness of your life, and the scripture - we reap what we sow, are all a part of GOD making us new again, and just the blessings that I thought of quickly, from the top of my head. So, they evidently apply here. Not to mention the flowing of the Holy Spirit picking up pace and GOD applying blessings upon blessings in your life, your job, and your family and friends. All of these blessings some from Father GOD, the GOD of Love, and our excellent Teacher and Helper.
Also, don't let the enemy keep adding to your thoughts to keep you away from what GOD wants. Our enemy the devil always whispers to us to stay away from the ways of GOD. Just as GOD blesses us when we become obedient to Him. ALL of GOD's promises are Good.
John 10:10 ► Parallel Verses ...
New International Version
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
New Living Translation
The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
English Standard Version
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Berean Study Bible
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.
Berean Literal Bible
The thief comes only that he might steal and might kill and might destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.
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Its really teeming with scammers on the internet, really not normal. In one week I lost $11,750 for payments. I had inquiries made at Dandy Cash.com and it came just disappointed. I've been a victim of several con-artist who scammed me until I finally found someone who was still honest (Eminent Josh loans...joshloancompany@gmail.com). Frankly i thought it would go the same way just like those before him, I was a little hesitant and skeptical but considering the dwindling situation of my life in general, I had no other choice other than to go through with the loan with Josh and expecting him to fail; so I took the risk anyway and I was able to borrow from him $75,000 suprisingly. Therefore, I'm pleading and soliciting to you out there whom might probably be in a similiar financial mess to do business with Eminent Josh or else risked been ripped off like those before Josh did to me and run away with my hard earned money. EMINENT JOSH is the only one i trust because he gave me the loan i needed were others failed, do not contact anyone else other than Josh because they might be scams whom pretend to be loan lenders they rip people of their hard earned money, the U.S. Attorney General are searching for this guys to penalize them for their evil act. so don't contact these guys and thereby promoting their nefarious vices in our society, they will only rip you off like they did to me. FOR YOUR SAFETY AND GOOD CONTACT EMINENT JOSH on joshloancompany@gmail.com or better alternative you can text/call the company rep on 215-874-8060
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On top of that, unlike many other "psychics" He is there for you whenever you need him for no additional charge. If you have a question or if you need advice he's a friend. I'm actually hesitant to promote him to others because I know it would mean that she would have less time for my problems!! If you don't take up this opportunity it's definitely your loss and my gain! The change in my life? I was unemployed, broken heart ed and depressed. I did a spiritual cleansing and some spiritual work and I am now employed at my DREAM JOB! I'm still single, but dating and now I am loving it! And I now see life differently, I have so much fun now! I am a better person! Thank you Dr. Todd for using your gift to bless me and others.
As a mum raising two young children in this already confusing world, I would like to add that I do everything I can to protect the hearts and minds of my little kids from the corruption of the world - so far as I can for as long as I can. We are all brainwashed by the worlds standards rather than Gofs standards way too early in life & way too easily. As my children are too young to even know where babies come from & I haven’t any friends in the LGB community then my children don’t know people who have mum/mum or dad/dad families. I’m not willing or even prepared to have this conversation with them til it’s age appropriate... & as such until they understand Gods plan for marriage and creation then I’m not about to fill their minds with mans plan. This will come later when it’s appropriate & relevant. I’m thinking that to explicitly share family values as opposed to Gods plan with little children is what CI intentions are as it is a Christian organisation promoting Christian values then they don’t want to have to deal with causing kids to question traditional family values. There are plenty of non Christian organisations out there that people can support who hold to having more liberal values. I’m grateful that there are organisations who are conservative to suit conservative people... I applaud CI for not compromising....
My name is Ahmad Asnul Brunei, I contacted Mr Osman Loan Firm for a business loan amount of $250,000, Then i was told about the step of approving my requested loan amount, after taking the risk again because i was so much desperate of setting up a business to my greatest surprise, the loan amount was credited to my bank account within 24 banking hours without any stress of getting my loan. I was surprise because i was first fall a victim of scam! If you are interested of securing any loan amount & you are located in any country, I'll advise you can contact Mr Osman Loan Firm via email osmanloanserves@gmail.com
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We all approach our foundation in Christ with different ideas and notions of what is good and what is evil because we judge...EVERYTHING. I take comfort in Corinthians 3:4-15
4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?
5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.
10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
So, whether it be Apollos or Paul or in our context Evangelical or Progressive God has made provision for our salvation if the foundation is in Christ. These two passages from scripture allow me to work across what seem to be big dividing lines and keep my conscience clear. I do not know all the answers, so it is largely my ego that makes me believe I am the one building with gold and costly stones, when it may be me building with straw. Blessings on you and your blog. Keep us thinking about important issues.
Also, find out what is true to you concerning your friends from God alone. He will lead you on how to respond in life. Church is just the gathering place and we're all there to honor the One that will one day return for us.
PS. I used to go to church with Shaun and he and his wife Becky are the real deal. I know that was 10 years ago.. but still see them from time to time.
Blessings, Ed
maviswanczykfoundations@gmail.com
greetings
Ms. Mavis Wanczyk
So, going back to the reason that you have issues with Compassion. If this is the reason you no longer want to sponsor Emily, what does that say about her? Are you willing to end your relationship with her because of ideology. That’s like adopting a child and then returning her because you disagreed with the adoption agency’s ideology. Why punish the child? By the way, I never received the info regarding sexuality that you mentioned. Perhaps they stopped including it in their packets!
Regards
Iliana
+2347064365391 . Dr.Osasu also cures: 1. HIV / AIDS 2. HERPES 1/2 3. CANCER 4. ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) 5. Hepatitis B
Martin Luther, who had spent time in Rome[3] said that Pope Leo X had vetoed a measure that cardinals should restrict the number of boys they kept for their pleasure, "otherwise it would have been spread throughout the world how openly and shamelessly the pope and the cardinals in Rome practice sodomy;" encouraging Germans not to spend time fighting fellow countrymen in defense of the papacy.[4]
Luther also noted:
I for my part do not enjoy dealing with this passage [Genesis 19:4-5], because so far the ears of the Germans are innocent of and uncontaminated by this monstrous depravity; for even though disgrace, like other sins, has crept in through an ungodly soldier and a lewd merchant, still the rest of the people are unaware of what is being done in secret. The Carthusian monks deserve to be hated because they were the first to bring this terrible pollution into Germany from the monasteries of Italy.[5]
It's a bit like being a woman or a person who supports the rights of women choosing not to support a sexist organization that vilifies women. Or, it's a bit like being a person of color or a person who supports the rights of people of color choosing not to support an organization that is racist. Why is this so hard to understand or empathize with especially if you're a true Christian?
Dirty hypocrite. You aren't a Christian. And the devil's own followers are supporting you in the comments. Wickedness like you and your supporters must be opposed constantly. Your voice is an abomination to God and must have no influence in the church.
If the child was gay, the instructions given the donors would specifically ban them from providing helpful, supportive advice to the child they were sponsoring which they would uniquely be able to provide. This restriction would be harmful to the child.
To overcome this, there should be an organization of equal ability and funding providing help just to gay children who are being left out of the process. Having some small minority of such organizations providing help to all children is not enough to make up for the deliberate exclusion of so many children.