[PKfanSteph]

Is anyone else here a Compassion sponsor? Do you write? Send gifts?

I started sponsoring Diego in 1998, but he dropped out of the program unexpantantly and I got the packet on my new sponsor child today! His name is Williams and he's 11 and from Peru.

(Click for larger pic)

Cute, huh?

[ThanksALatte]

I sponsor a baby girl from Vietnam through Holt, Intl. I was going to go through Compassion, but they didn't have any kids from China or Vietnam available (they were *incredibly* helpful, though...the volunteer I talked to searched through every single child profile they'd brought with them on the tour). I know I shouldn't be picky, but I've been to China and Vietnam and I have a heart for those children...
That's great that you've got a "new" little guy. Have you written? Do they write back??

His,
The Anonymous Caffeine Addict

[God's Jedi]

Compassion International....that's the one that Michael W. Smith was promoting at the concert last night. I saw a lot of hands go up when they asked for sponsors.

[PKfanSteph]

Originally Posted by ThanksALatte

I sponsor a baby girl from Vietnam through Holt, Intl. I was going to go through Compassion, but they didn't have any kids from China or Vietnam available (they were *incredibly* helpful, though...the volunteer I talked to searched through every single child profile they'd brought with them on the tour). I know I shouldn't be picky, but I've been to China and Vietnam and I have a heart for those children... That's great that you've got a "new" little guy. Have you written? Do they write back??

The folks at Compassion are fantastic! Don't worry about being picky, it's great that you have a heart for kids from Vietnam and China. I just got on Compassion's website (www.compassion.com) and found the cutest little boy they had listed . I was kinda shy with Diego and didn't write him and I feel kinda bad for it now. I really enjoyed getting the letters he wrote and pictures he drew for me, though!!! I'm not going to make the same mistake with Williams! Yes, they are required to write you twice (or is it three times?) a year, but either of you are allowed to write as many times as you like and you can send pictures or postcards (anything flat).

Yes, Compassion is what MWS endorses. Also Andrew Peterson, Bebo Norman, Geoff Moore, Caedmon's Call among others. Phil Keaggy and Randy Stonehill have both written songs for Compassion ("Little Ones" and "Who Will Save the Children" respectively) and performed on a live CD with other Compassion artists released in 1989 to benefit Compassion.

Believe it or not, I didn't sign up for Compassion because Phil was a sponsor (I didn't know he was until a month or so afterwards)! While I was in college, one of my bible study leaders challenged us to step up to the plate and make a difference in the world. Hey, if poor college students can do it, anybody can!!!!!

[ilusivebluecroc]

I just sponsored a little girl from India today. She is five years old and is an only child. I had been prayin about this for along time and my parents finally said yes (im 16) so i am pretty e xcited. I hope to sponsor more children in the future to. I was first introduced to compassion at a Rebecca St. James concert and again at Micheal W. Smith. I believe that it is one of the best organizations out there.

[georgeo]

I'm actually not a fan of Compassion International. I don't agree with their tactics for attracting sponsers. Don't get me wrong, I fully intend to sponser a child overseas when I'm older, but right now, I'm a college bound high school senior who will not have a solid financial source for 5 years. For me to sponser a child would be irresponsible, because when I can't scrap up $30 or choose not to, what happens then? This is my qualm with Compassion.

I have seen Compassion at multiple events, and all but once, have been completely turned off by the way they presented themselves.

First time I remember seeing Compassion was at the DCLA conference. I believe they should not campaign so heavily at such a Jr/Sr High event, because those teens don't have the money, they agree to sponser a child, and then their parents have to pay it. DCLA basically sold out to Compassion(I wonder how much money Compassion may have paid DCLA)
They made you feel so guilty if you didn't sponser a child, to the point of making you feel like you hate God and God hates you if you don't sponser a child. It was way overdone. At an adult conference this would be more acceptable. But they use tactics to manipulate young teens to sponser a child, then many will go home, tell their parents, forget about it, and leave the burden on the parents.

The next time I saw them was at Lifest, a Christian rock festival. They had a long speech before the Third Day concert, and it was 1) too long 2) sickening 3) full of poor theology 4) followed by a terrible song by a terrible songwriter about sponsering a child (not third day)
Just plain horrible.

The third time I heard from Compassion was by far the best presentation. The lead singer from Caedmons Call spoke between his band and Jars of Clay. He spoke eloquently from the heart, he was genuine, and spoke truth, full of correct theology(in contrast with the previous two attempts I heard from Compassion representatives), and made it not seem as something you had to do or you would burn in the fires of hell, but as something that you should seriously consider as an act of worship, as the right thing to do. I felt much more comfortable with his presentation. After it, I decided to sponser a child when I'm done with college and have a job.

I'm glad people have found sponsering a child to be such a positive thing, but I don't agree with them targetting teens who have no concept of financial responsibility.

David

[ThanksALatte]

Originally Posted by georgeo

I'm actually not a fan of Compassion International. I don't agree with their tactics for attracting sponsers. Don't get me wrong, I fully intend to sponser a child overseas when I'm older, but right now, I'm a college bound high school senior who will not have a solid financial source for 5 years. For me to sponser a child would be irresponsible, because when I can't scrap up $30 or choose not to, what happens then? This is my qualm with Compassion.

I have seen Compassion at multiple events, and all but once, have been completely turned off by the way they presented themselves.

I'm glad people have found sponsering a child to be such a positive thing, but I don't agree with them targetting teens who have no concept of financial responsibility.

David

You do have some good points, there. I am not a big fan of using the emotional tactic, but it's kind of hard not to when you're talking about children. As far as them targetting teens...I've seen them speak at multiple adult conferences, so it's not just teens...and I do think it is good in some sense. It instills a giving spirit in the lives of a generally selfish society. And also...(at least this is true of the kids in my youth group) teens have more money today than ever. Seriously...like half my students last year were making more that I was working full time. And it will help them become more responsible should they choose to sponsor a child. I mean, maybe they shouldn't make it so "sponsor a child or feel really bad" but it's good to have teens exposed to needs. Does that make sense?
I myself can't really "afford" to sponsor my little girl...i mean, yeah I have the money but I am supposed to be saving to go back to school and to be able to go back overseas so it's not really "responsible" or whatever. But, when you go over there and see those little faces in person...when you see with your own eyes the condition of the streets and the way they are raised, it can make you lose all sense of logic and do some pretty rash things.
Anyway, please don't take that the wrong way.
Im not saying that you should like Compassion and all of a sudden change your viewpoint or whatever, but realize that they are doing something good...and are a legit organization as opposed to hundreds of others who have really really fake commercials (you'd think with all the money they get from donors, they'd be able to make a decent commercial...hehe) and are basically a huge scam. But just try to think about what good they are doing instead of how wrongly they are accomplishing it, you know? Just something to think about...

His,
Latte

[PKfanSteph]

Originally Posted by georgeo

For me to sponser a child would be irresponsible, because when I can't scrap up $30 or choose not to, what happens then?

Hey, it happens. Things change. They do their best to find another sponsor without interrupting the support.

I have seen Compassion at multiple events, and all but once, have been completely turned off by the way they presented themselves.

I've seen them many times at many different events, and am rarely turned off, though I do get bored, since I'm already a Compassion sponsor. But, if even one child gets sponsored for ten minutes of bordom, I can live with that.

First time I remember seeing Compassion was at the DCLA conference. I believe they should not campaign so heavily at such a Jr/Sr High event, because those teens don't have the money, they agree to sponser a child, and then their parents have to pay it.

I won't argue with this. Not because I don't think teens can come up with the money, but because they may not be old enough to realise what they're getting themselves into, or they might be doing it for the wrong reasons. Maybe Compassion should require parental approval for people under a certain age.

They made you feel so guilty if you didn't sponser a child, to the point of making you feel like you hate God and God hates you if you don't sponser a child. It was way overdone. At an adult conference this would be more acceptable.

No, it would NOT be more acceptable! I've never gotten this attitude from any of the Compassion presentations I've seen, thankfully. Nobody should ever sponsor because they feel guilty, or for "fire insurance".

The next time I saw them was at Lifest, a Christian rock festival. They had a long speech before the Third Day concert, and it was 1) too long 2) sickening 3) full of poor theology 4) followed by a terrible song by a terrible songwriter about sponsering a child (not third day)
Just plain horrible.

Too long? Probably. How long was it? Sickening? How was the theology poor? A terrible song? OK, so not all of their musicians are Phil Keaggy or Randy Stonehill. Doesn't surprise me.

The third time I heard from Compassion was by far the best presentation. The lead singer from Caedmons Call spoke between his band and Jars of Clay. He spoke eloquently from the heart, he was genuine, and spoke truth, full of correct theology(in contrast with the previous two attempts I heard from Compassion representatives), and made it not seem as something you had to do or you would burn in the fires of hell, but as something that you should seriously consider as an act of worship, as the right thing to do. I felt much more comfortable with his presentation. After it, I decided to sponser a child when I'm done with college and have a job.

BINGO! This is the way it's supposed to be. And most of the presentations I've heard are. And that's why I'm a sponsor.

Problem is, not all Compassion reps are gifted speakers or writers, at least from what I can tell. And Compassion is a non-denominational organization, so "poor" theology is to be expected. There's no script, so the reps (as far as I know) can say whatever they like, which will doubtless include their beliefs (and their errors) in the presentation. I'm not trying to invalidate your experiences or make excuses for the presenters, I just wanted to give you an idea of what might have gone "wrong".

I'm glad people have found sponsering a child to be such a positive thing, but I don't agree with them targetting teens who have no concept of financial responsibility.

But what better way to help them gain a concept of financial responsibility!!! I still think a parental consent form would be a good backup, and might save them a few headaches. Make the presentation, and send them home with a "permission slip". If they're serious about it, they'll talk to their parents and follow through. Who knows, maybe the whole family will get involved!

The reason I sponsor a child isn't because I have an extra $30 a month to spare. I'm always broke at the end of the month and it would be great to have that extra little bit. But, I am thankful for what I do have coming in, and the opportunity to give something to someone who needs it more than I do is worth the penny pinching. To be able to watch a child grow up and get the food, clothing and education they need, as well as the opportunity to hear the Gospel is a very awesome thing! I have been blessed beyond measure, and, no matter how bad the finances get, God has provided me with what I need to keep from having to stop my support.

One thing you can do while in college is to support a child as a group, with friends, classmates, dormmates, roommates, etc. Our hall did that (each "house" of 30+ had a child) in college and it was very successful, and many went on to support children on their own after college or even in addition.

But why am I saying this to you?! You already said you want to support eventually!!! I'll stop now.

[georgeo]

Bad theology-speaker didn't really prove any points he made, had bad connections of logic, and didn't back up much with scripture. Not too cool.


Length-I didn't have a a watch, but between video clips, poor speaking, and song, it was well over half an hour.

Terrible song-in addition to bad lyrics, a non catchy melody, and a less than exciting guitar part, the artist had a bad 1/4 cable, and his guitar kept cutting out, i could still hear it cause i had been standing in the front for 5 hours waiting for third day.

Sickening-combination of the above, and just the fact that i don't like things being forced on me in such a manner.

I'm not hating, I think compassion is the best agency of its type, and I, again will sponser a child within 5-8 years, but it wouldn't be a possible thing to do in college. Any money I make that whatever college I end up won't take will go to guitar strings so I can lead worship($40 a month usually, I eat them up)

Granted, I could trust God to provide. But honestly I haven't felt enough of a tug from Him to make me do that.

I'm glad you guys have found so much joy in sponsering a child!

David

[PKfanSteph]

Originally Posted by georgeo

Bad theology-speaker didn't really prove any points he made, had bad connections of logic, and didn't back up much with scripture. Not too cool.

I've had pastors that do that too!!! Not cool either way.

Length-I didn't have a a watch, but between video clips, poor speaking, and song, it was well over half an hour.

Yeah, that was definitely too long! Especially if their gearing it for jr/sr high students!!!

Sickening-combination of the above, and just the fact that i don't like things being forced on me in such a manner.

OK, now I understand. Thanks for elaborating.

Any money I make that whatever college I end up won't take will go to guitar strings so I can lead worship($40 a month usually, I eat them up)

You're expecting to have money left over??????? Yikes, what brand do you use???

Granted, I could trust God to provide. But honestly I haven't felt enough of a tug from Him to make me do that.

Well, that's cool. At least you have thought about and weighed your priorities. I can respect that. Most people just ignore it and hope the problem will go away.

I'm glad you guys have found so much joy in sponsering a child!

I'm sure you'll find just as much when/if you decide you're ready.

[georgeo]

Originally Posted by PKfanSteph

You're expecting to have money left over??????? Yikes, what brand do you use???

Elixirs or d'addario extended plays, $12 a shot usually. I'm cutting back on how nice of string I use on all but my best accoustic, so by the time I'm in college I hope to have my string spending down to $20 a month or so.


To others who read this thread:
I am not bashing Compassion's Mission, I think it is a great thing they do, I just raise issue with some of their tactics. If God leads you to help someone you have never seen before, by all means, check out Compassion. If you have it on your heart to sponser a child in a foreign country, check out Compassion.
Compassion has a great mission, and a great goal. I did not mean to entirely bash them in my first post, and I apologize that I didn't make that post more tactful.

David

[MrSteve]

Hey, saw the thread on Compassion and wanted to weigh in. I am sponsoring 4 kids thru Compassion (one dropped out recently- so I need to get another). The reason they drop out is that they are required to attend a Bible study, Church and other help groups on hygene, etc.. If they refuse to come or if they move away, Compassion notifies you right away and you can get someone else. I saw Compassion first hand in Haiti in the 80's and they are awesome! I met my cousin's sponsored boy and WOW what a difference between him and the rest of his (non sponsored) brothers and sisters. The rest of his family was literally on death's door, orange hair, bloated bellies, sick, dirty, (all signs of mal-nutrition) and this sponsored boy looked like he just left a NY prep school. Perfect skin, well nourished, good clothes, incredibly polite manners! I was VERY impressed by the care they give, and by the love of the people in the field.
I have four kids of my own, so I thought our family should also have 4 "compassion kids". Yes we write often, and yes they write back, send pictures, etc.. As far as teens supporting kids, I think it is a GREAT idea. It only costs a dollar a day, and I know most teens (including mine) have a lot more money than that. It's not for everyone, but once God grabs your heart on this you will love it. The more you get involved (birthday gifts, Christmas, family gifts) the more you will be blessed back by both God and your sponsored child. "Religion that God accepts as pure in faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress...." James ch 1.
I've gone to the field and checked it out and trust me Compassion is on the level and doing things right. The kids are getting cared for, and 100% of any extra gift goes directly to your child. Get involved, you won't regret it! You WILL save someone's life!

[MtlMom]

I don't think anyone is saying that Compassion International is a scam.

Thread closed due to resurrection of dead thread.