By Chuck (Sharing Compassion)
The core event of Compassion’s volunteer advocate ministry is an event called Compassion Sunday. Each year over 1000 churches participate in this event to further the cause of releasing children from poverty. For many years, outside of concerts, this was the primary means to introduce potential sponsors to available children. These special church services are hosted by both sponsors and advocates alike. These services can range from being the focus of an entire service involving the entire church to something as simple as a table in a special location. It really does not matter how complex or simple~the message is the same:
Please make a difference and help release a child from poverty.
Most of us advocates are willing to go anywhere or to present in any method in order to further the ministry. Last Sunday I attended a Compassion Sunday in Elkton, MD. One of my advocates was having her event and had asked me to speak. I only had a few moments in both services but it is always worth any amount of time to explain the ministry. It is a small church of about 200 members. Already there were quite a few sponsors from years past. I enjoyed meeting with them and sharing stories. Compassion had sent 15 packets of children available for sponsorship. Amazingly 11 children were sponsored and four were taken to be considered. Quite a response but then when God shows up we should never be surprised.
This year the official Compassion Sunday is April 18th. All of our energy and prayers are being focused toward this date. However a Compassion Sunday can be held throughout the year. If you know of a church that may be interested in hosting an event like this let me know. If you are not local feel free to post a comment and I will gladly find an advocate to connect you with.
The most important thing is to educate others about the importance of Compassion’s ministry. It is all about the children and releasing them one at a time from the cycle of poverty. It is about establishing a relationship with them and giving them hope and then from that hope a future.
Chuck is a Christian husband and father who has served in part-time ministry for 17 years, and is a deacon at his church. He has been a Compassion International Advocate/Area Coordinator for several years, finding families to sponsor Compassion children throughout the world. His passion is letting others know how important it is to release children from poverty. Be sure to check out his blog, Sharing Compassion.