Compassion- The Difference is Jesus!

   This past spring, I had the joy of meeting a few staff members from Compassion Canada as introduced to me by one my seminary professors. I met with them while on tour with the Michael W. Smith concert and as any leaders eventually do over a cup of coffee, shared candidly about vision and mission of both of our ministries. My heart was stirred to learn more. That evening, a Women's Journey of Faith team member and I attended MWS's concert and had a small group Q&A with Michael as he shared his heart and support for Compassion and why he personally sponsors children with them and endorses their organization. Another layer of hope, a greater passion to serve the poor, and a desire to embark on more childlike trust in God's provision was stirred within. As a result of these conversations, WJOF had this unique opportunity to send some team members to a Compassion host city to see what they do as a ministry. Likewise, we had ample opportunities to serve, pray, learn and discern our future involvement with them. Although we've heard great things about the organization and have believed and supported what they are doing over the years... traveling with Compassion staff to one of their host cities- El Salvador, it's a unique opportunity we simply couldn't pass up! As we packed up and prepared for this 8 day journey, we anticipated what we knew to be true for genuine revival and transformation across the nations: Let our hearts break for what breaks the heart of God!  

"The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you." Psalm 145: 8-10 


"You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate." Luke 6:36  

Can we grow more compassionate in our faith journey? Compassion definition:  sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it (Websters)- a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering. (Dictionary.com) 

On August 12th, 2012 Lisa, Maureen and I were off on a faith adventure. One that definitely was life transformational.  God is compassionate and he is calling us to share His compassion with all of creation.  This blog will share the highlights of our tour to El Salvador with Compassion. One way to share the excitement we faced and continue to embrace where we embarked on a journey with a team of 9 is this blog. We learned about how Compassion responds to the Great Commission which is the following: "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." 

  Our 8 day tour was full of opportunities to see them in action fulfilling that mission in El Salvador! Yes, there are great needs in our own back yard, our cities, province/ states, and country of spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty.  What a joy and an honour to join them in their efforts there where the fact of the matter is that multitudes are effected in ALL arenas there... My prayer is that our hearts will grow to be more compassionate- less self centred, and see first hand effective ways that suffering is being alleviated in Jesus name!  We'll update this blog with our adventures dear friends...Your prayers are appreciated! Dios te bendiga! (God bless you!)

- Jodi Kozan
Women's Journey of Faith
Founder/ President
www.wjof.com