I was reading this morning and came across a piece about charitable giving. It gave suggestions on how to make sure your dollars are being used in the most effective way. There were many good and thought provoking suggestions. Ooops, I think that’s where the problem came in… I started thinking =)
I remembered a time at a mission event when I was talking with another missionary about the way we present and choose opportunities for ministry. His comment was “the one with the saddest story wins”. Those words were like a slap in the face. It hurt, I couldn’t ignore it, it left a mark.
It seems that is what is often expected. A sad story. Some shocking photos. Something that shakes people up. There is plenty of opportunity for all of that here. Especially this year. Story after story and picture after picture. Heartache. Devastation. Hopelessness.
I don’t want to do it. It seems the more time I have spent here- the more this place has come to be a part of who I am- the more these people have become a part of my life- the less I want to see them in that light.
Recently I was talking with a group of people who had just made the decision to sponsor a child. I’m always humbled and overwhelmed when a new sponsor signs on. And grateful, very grateful. They had asked me about their sponsor child- how she came to us, what happened to her family, etc. Pretty understandable questions and curiosity. Then they asked me if I would repeat it on videotape so that they could show it to their church.
I refused. Strongly. I think- no, I’m sure I offended them. They meant no harm. In fact, they had the very best intentions. It’s not a good thing to go around offending donors. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it, though.
These children are precious to me. I love them more all the time. They have become my own. I just could not share that story to the world as if it were just a story and not personal. It is HER story. And it’s not the end of her story. Prayerfully, her story will not end as one of sorrow, pain and hopelessness. I pray that God will build on that beginning and change her story to one full of freedom, love and hope fulfilled.
Beaver Brooks visited here recently. He and his wife Kathy are always filled with encouragement. He walked around looking at how things- and children – have changed and grown over the past few years since he was here. “Wow”, was what he said over and over again. He’s right; God has done and continues to do amazing things. In so many ways this is a happy, hope-filled place. I’ll be happy to talk to you about that or about my wonderful children and how they are growing into happy, healthy children of God, anytime you want!
3 comments:
Thank you for this. Honestly, when we visited I was expecting to see the sadness and desperation that comes to mind just from the country's situation. But I realized that God is using these children- yes, your children- to open up our eyes in ways we never imagined. To have so few material possessions, but have the one thing that matters. God's love SHINES through these kids and it CANNOT be ignored or turned into something that is sad or hopeless. I apologize for not keeping up the way I should have after our visit down there, but I do have a lot on my facebook profile about the trip (and LOTS of pictures). I am still praying for yours and am hoping to return next summer with a Jacksonville group. May God continue to work in Haiti!
oh cheryl...love this, love this...your words express something truly beautiful and deep in my heart. i miss you all so much.
God is doing great things in Haiti because HE IS A GOOD GOD!!!
love you
tash
There is no better way to say it. Thank you. What a blessing you are and have been to these children. I love you guys with all my heart! Also ... great pix, i've never seen any better than these :) haha. Have a great week. Huge hugs to you!
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