Day 25 - Child Sponsorships
Today is all about COMMITMENT. Be scared.
The financial backbone of most orphan care organizations is the regular funding from child sponsorships that they can count on every month from committed donors. Just like you have monthly bills and count on your paycheck to cover those costs, these organizations have regular expenses to house, clothe and feed the children in their care. Taking on that responsibility is a commitment, and always comes with a little bit of concern about whether the funds will be there every month.
I also know that many people have a fear of commitment; they don't want to take on another *bill*, and so child sponsorship is seen as a burden, an extra that we don't want to commit to. I want to ask the hard questions here -- is your cell phone bill a burden? (I recently heard from a mom with four kids that their monthly bill is over $200 a month!) Basic cable/internet service starts at $40.00 a month and can stretch to well over $100 with sports and movie packages. Is that a necessity? Take a look at the things you are committed to financially, take a minute (or two) to reflect on what those commitments say about what really matters to you...do they line up with what you really believe is important? |
So here is what I would like you to do: First, make the commitment to sponsor a child, or add another child if you are already a sponsor. It's going to cost between $15 and $50 a month, so wrap your head around that, take a deep breath and say you're in. I really don't want you to go any further until you make that commitment. Do it because it is the right thing to do; do it because an organization that is being the hands and feet of Jesus right now needs you RIGHT NOW. Okay? Okay.
Now the question is...which organization? which program? which child? As I built this day's focus, I realized I had TEN different sponsorships programs to highlight, and even I will admit that is too much for one day (and also why I didn't get it done for Saturday when it should have been posted). So I am going to post two each day this week. I know, I know, how can you decide until you have seen them all (or maybe that's just me, because that is DEFINITELYme!)? Maybe you will need to see them all, in which case you need to stay committed all week to reading and then doing. That's fine. But maybe you will read one today or tomorrow or Thursday, and bam, it hits you...that's the one. THAT'S the ONE I am supposed to commit to. Sometimes it's like that, and it's awesome. :) Maybe you will feel deep in your soul that you need to commit to one each day. Now wouldn't that be crazy...and wonderful. You really won't regret it, and I can guarantee your commitment will make someone's day...day after day after day.
Now the question is...which organization? which program? which child? As I built this day's focus, I realized I had TEN different sponsorships programs to highlight, and even I will admit that is too much for one day (and also why I didn't get it done for Saturday when it should have been posted). So I am going to post two each day this week. I know, I know, how can you decide until you have seen them all (or maybe that's just me, because that is DEFINITELYme!)? Maybe you will need to see them all, in which case you need to stay committed all week to reading and then doing. That's fine. But maybe you will read one today or tomorrow or Thursday, and bam, it hits you...that's the one. THAT'S the ONE I am supposed to commit to. Sometimes it's like that, and it's awesome. :) Maybe you will feel deep in your soul that you need to commit to one each day. Now wouldn't that be crazy...and wonderful. You really won't regret it, and I can guarantee your commitment will make someone's day...day after day after day.
Bethel China
Yun Jing (Joel) is a 3 1/2 year old boy who was originally fostered in a program I formerly managed in Henan Province. We worked hard to give him good sensory and motor experiences, but we weren't equipped to help him develop to his full potential, so in 2011 I asked if Bethel would consider taking him. Happily they said yes, and he has made huge progress. I visited him at Bethel just a few months ago and was so happy to see the happy, healthy pre-schooler that he is today. What he doesn't have, however, is sponsors. Would you sponsor YunJing until he has a family of his own? Thank you!!!
MORE ABOUT YUN JING |
For $35 USD or 300rmb per month, you will be supporting a Bethel child as they grow up in a safe and loving environment, giving them the chance to become self-sustaining in the future. From their food and clothes, heating and water to school books and therapy, the Bethel sponsorship programme is designed to meet everyday needs.
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