On the other side of the world....

On the other side of the world, there is a teenage boy who has a special place in our hearts!  We've never met nor have we spoken.  Yet, he has already become a special part of our family -- we know this is true.  For weeks now, I have had many a conviction about helping someone across the globe.  God has spoken to us and signs have been put in place where we had no doubts that this is the right move right now!  My mind has thought of it so many times -- I get excited, I get scared.....then no actions were taken. 

But the convictions have been stronger this week and I have spent time doing more research about programs to "sponsor a child."  We delightfully chose Compassion International -- their powerful mission statement follows:

Releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name
In response to the Great Commission, Compassion International exists as an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults.
YES!  Sign us up!  Thanks to our Mighty God, this is a call we are ready to step up to! 

In "selecting" our child to sponsor, we weren't very specific.  We just knew we were led to choose a teenage boy (teen boys are the ones we have heard are least likely to be picked.....I know, heart-breaking!).  After checking out our options, we knew Arvin was the one for us!

He is 17 years old and lives in the Phillippines with his mother and father, and is one of three children. 

We still have so much to learn about our new  friend!  Soon we will receive more information and we are excited for that!  We will even be able to correspond with him.....and could even have the chance to meet him one day if we wanted to travel over to Asia!

Based on the research and testimonials we've done, we are certain this is only the beginning of a wonderful experience of seeing God at work.  If you are interested in learning more, I highly suggest you check out the Compassion Website as well as Kelly's Korner (she is in El Salvador right now traveling with Compassion and even had the opportunity to meet one of her sponsored children today -- read her amazing posts)!

Meet Arvin!