Everyone in the U.S. that is a part of Christianity has probably heard of Compassion International or a similar organization that sponsors children in poverty stricken areas of the world. If you were to become a member you would send in a rather small monthly amount and in return you would receive a picture of 'your' child and a small biography with quarterly updates on the child's educational, physical and sometimes their spiritual condition.
I've been thinking about that model and I need your input. Perhaps it is just a passing thought, but maybe we should consider this model a bit more in other applications.
For example, we had a couple come over to our home last week that have just graduated from Central. They have been wanting to go to the mission field, and of course, they are interested in China or Taiwan. :-) The problem is they are new to the faith. They really do not have a relationship with any churches that would want to support them and most of their Christian friends are their age and either in school or similarly just graduated and looking for positions too.
They are definitely worthy of support. They are mature, have a heart for the lost, have a plan, and could leave tomorrow. The problem? They have no support nor do they have a support base to draw from.
While we encourage churches to raise up Timothies from their own congregations and fully support them, what about potential candidates like this couple? What about unchurched people that become Christians and feel called to go yet have no one to turn to for support?
Perhaps, we should start a program like Compassion International. We could send you a picture of new recruits, send you a regular update from time to time on their physical, emotional and spiritual condition, how they are progressing through language school and their various accomplishments. In turn, you could support them with a certain amount each month. Why, we could even have an automatic withdrawal system to make it so convenient for you!
Well, what do you think?? Post a comment and give us your thoughts... ;-)
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3 comments:
I think this sounds like a wonderful idea to me.
I like the idea. A WHOLE BUNCH!! It sounds like a good tool to keep accountability (spiritual updates, etc) between missionaries on the field and those who are supporting them back in the states.
-Rachel Payne
It would also help the missionaries to feel more connected, like they are not all alone on the field. It is a really good idea. It would also help to grow a network of missionaries, making it easier for short termers, supporters, and other missionaries to find missionaries. Now what were you gonna call this thing??? Compassion international is taken.
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