Opinion : How Can I Be Smart About Poverty?

Poverty has a world-wide grip. We are concerned for those living in poverty in the United States and we wonder, what about poor people in the rest of world? Have you ever stopped to think how poverty is different for those suffering in Third World countries? Maybe it is as simple as understanding that poverty is much more complicated than a lack of money – it may also be due to lack of resources and education. Maybe the question to ask is: “How can I help change a poverty-filled life to a fulfilled life for my world-wide family?” There are many opportunities to make a difference, whether in the United States, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Uganda, or any other number of countries we have learned first-hand that the best way to respond to a situation like poverty is with compassion.

We increased our “poverty awareness” through the work of Compassion®, a non-profit organization in Colorado Springs, Colorado, working in countries where abject poverty is the norm. Compassion® began in 1952 when Reverend Everett Swanson opened his heart to war-orphaned children in Korea, giving them food, shelter, education, health care, and by offering them Christian training. This has evolved to building an “international family” relationship through financial support and letter-writing to the sponsored child. Now, 58 years later, the child sponsorship program is blessed with over 1.1 million active sponsorships. One child at a time, lives are transformed through this program, providing children with access to life-saving assistance like health care, food, and water. Simple things we expect to be available.

Compassion® is committed to releasing children from poverty in Jesus name. They currently work through local churches in 26 countries.

Craig and Debbie Mrkvicka

Child Advocates for Compassion®

www.compassion.com

 Craig and Debbie have served as Child Advocates for Compassion® since 2008. They are available to speak with you individually, at your church, or to your professional organization. Compassion® provides numerous opportunities and the Mrkvicka’s will be happy to meet with you to discuss the various types of programs. They can be reached at cr4compassion@mchsi.com or via phone at 319.390.0027. Thank you.