photo by Robin Dance
Sometimes a single word is all we need to get through the day…the next hour…the next breath….
Hope.
A simple, four-letter word upon which our faith clings and personified by Christ, “Elpίs” is the original Greek word for hope in scripture. In Colossians 1:27 and 1 Timothy 1:1 it refers to the foundation or ground of hope; in other references, the word conveys desire of some good with expectation of obtaining it; the object of hope; the thing hoped for; trust, confidence in someone; confidence, security.
Colossians 1:27 describes Christ as the Hope of Glory; Jesus is hope and because He indwells me…
I’m a vessel of His hope.
You’re a hope-vessel, too, if you’re one of His babies.
There are countless ways to be hope vessels in your homes, churches and communities – you know this! – but about a year ago, I began to see how I could be a hope vessel thousands of miles from home.
I sponsored a child through Compassion International.
This Spring, what I understood at surface level bore a tunnel deep under my skin until my heart was pierced then penetrated—I traveled to Calcutta with a team of bloggers to witness and bear testimony to Compassion’s work in India.
I saw children and their families living in unimaginable-until-you-see-it poverty, and yet their countenance belied a hope radiating joy and thanksgiving despite circumstance. These were people who had nothing of material value yet they had everything in Spiritual currency. They knew Jesus and had discovered secure, trustworthy, living hope.
They were different because of it.
photo by Keely Scott
Compassion International works with nationals through the local church and their goal is to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. This isn’t just about providing material need, though that’s certainly part of it; Compassion addresses physical, emotional and spiritual needs, too.
Kids in Compassion projects WILL hear the gospel, many receive Christ as a result, and these children often begin their first missionary work within their families. For less than $40 a month, a child’s life is radically changed and the ripple effect from my small investment will reach beyond generations and into eternity!
Another simple way to make a difference is by purchasing these Colors of Compassion cards from the (in)courage shop.
Part of the proceeds will help Compassion kids too.
I realize many (in)courage readers already know about Compassion; but when I was thinking through and praying about what message of hope to share with you this month, I kept seeing the faces of the children I met in India…how could I let an opportunity to encourage you to support Compassion slip by?
Click through…look at the children’s faces…and when a child’s eyes meet yours and tug at your heart, begin a sponsor relationship that will impact both of you for a lifetime.
And remember, you can also join (in)courage as they sponsor a Village of Hope for child mothers in Uganda with the Mocha Club. To read that story, click here. (in)courage has a vision to make a difference on every continent.
Your turn: How are you incarnating Christ and bringing hope to those around you? Would you share your testimony for how our Hope of Glory gives you confidence, security and Kingdom expectation? And…if you decide to support Compassion International will you drop me an email?
Leave a Comment
Candace says
I have been struggling with depression recently, it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through. But God has been so faithful to show me glimpses of hope…and I shared about one of those times here on my blog:
http://candacemercyisnew.blogspot.com/2009/09/hope.html
Holley says
We sponsored a Compassion child for about five years until she moved on from the program. I knew we were making a difference but I didn’t realize how much until her final letter. She told us about how she had become a Christian through Compassion…and her entire family had as well. In an uncertain economy, Compassion is an investment in eternity.