Day 3 Our First Home Visit: Meeting Dora:)

    Compassion staff knows the impact of of a transformed life. They believe wholeheartedly as we do that "restoration begins in the heart, extends to the family and seeks to infiltrate the world." They truly do live up to their mission: "Releasing children from poverty in Jesus name" by caring for the child holistically. By assessing their needs, (physical, economic, social, spiritual..) and caring very deeply about their family environment... transformation is tangible. Some families apply for their child to be sponsored and with the help of others like you and I, the hope is that they don't have to wait too long! Other times, Compassion staff members and volunteers in their communities seek out precious children who could use a hand up. The difference is Jesus... Caring about the whole child: mind, body and spirit and then meeting their individual needs makes an impact in their family too.
Going on our first home visit was eye opening no doubt. Sure, we'd seen the face of poverty, but we also seen the face of hope. We witnessed it in the life of Dora... A mother whose child is a recipient of Compassion's sponsorship. Her joy, her gratitude, her hope for the future was absolutely contagious. On the way to her home, it was an honour to visit her humble bakery where she received a beautiful new stove to help make her dreams a reality. We prayed for "life to the full" for herself, her family, business and community. She has an incredible support network through the work of her local church as they work side by side with Compassion!
 Women like Dora need our prayers, love and generosity. How we go about that is the Holy Spirit's business. I pray that we heed the call and discern what He is saying to us regarding "the restoration of women" across the nations... Meeting her husband and praying for him and the whole family was likewise humbling. The restoration of women is not exempt from the restoration of men. God created the family and Jesus came to restore all that was lost. It was beautiful seeing firsthand the passion to reach children and break the cycle of poverty at the core.

"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is."  
Ephesians 3:16-18

Restoration begins in the heart, extends to the family and seeks to infiltrate the world!

 Flying back to the "comforts" of home and the various benefits to living in North America, it is apparent to us that we are blessed to be a blessing. Knowing that everything that we have comes from our Father in heaven is key as we seek to be "Alive with Compassion." Visiting Dora and her family in their home was a gift. Seeing families like theirs through the eyes of Jesus gives us the strength and power to give out of a place of love... not guilt. 
-Jodi
Day 3 of this week long tour with our visit with Dora, was one we will not soon forget.