one small thing... part one

As we meet more and more sponsors, the one question we are asked above all else is, "What can I send to my sponsor child?" We hear people who want to send something notable, something meaningful, something the child would love and cherish forever and be reminded that someone cares deeply about them.

Let me ask you, what is poverty? (Stay with me here. I promise - I will bring these two topics together!) I really want you to stop and reflect on this question, what is poverty?

After thoughtful consideration, are any of the following answers floating around in your mind? 

lack of money

poor living conditions

lack of food

few opportunities

poor education

 lack of resources

If you asked someone who is poor how they would describe poverty, do you know what they would say?

afraid

depend on everyone

not needed

feel ashamed

not well

no say in public

feel inferior

powerlessness

not able to be heard

never satisfied

will always be poor

their destiny

So, when we are asked, "What one thing can I give that would be meaningful - meaningful to someone who lives in poverty? Our answer is this... 

the love of Christ through words of encouragement

Your letters are most likely the single most important thing you can give - letters of love and encouragement, the building up of a child, their family, and in turn their community - letters are simply priceless.

So the one thing, small as it may seem to us, your words of love an encouragement in a letter.

*Answers on the "What is Poverty" question come from Steve Corbett's, When Helping Hurts.