Being An Extension of God's Hand
By: Kristen L. McNulty
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This year, as part of our Impact Devotionals, we are going to be taking a look at what it means to be an extension of God's hand here on earth and on the radio show we are going to be giving you opportunities to be an extension of God's hand, specifically through Child Sponsorship.
You see, while following Jesus and building our relationship with Him are very important things, we as Christians need to expand our world view beyond what is happening in our own little circles.
Around the world, there are millions of people who do not have the same privileges that you and I do and the statistics are scary. Today, in a world that boasts of space programs and technological developments, more than 1.2 billion people currently live below the international poverty line, earning less than one dollar per day.
In the midst of this poverty, the death rates are staggering. 24,000 people die every day because of hunger, making it a total of 8 million people a year. And every three out of four people who die from hunger are children younger than five .
Maybe you, like myself, hear these statistics and cannot grasp the severity of it. Let's face it, we've all been de-sensitized by newscasts and TV and movies. Let me put it in perspective: the amount of people who die from hunger every year is equivalent to the population of both the state of Alabama and state of Colorado put together. Imagine the devastation if in one year, both states saw their entire population wiped out! Well, that's exactly what is happening in third world countries today.
But you and I have an opportunity to change that in a tangible way. No tomorrow, we will not solve the issue of world hunger, but we can make a difference in at least one life and child sponsorship is a perfect way to do this.
For $35 you can feed, clothe, and educate a child in a poverty stricken country. And just as important, you can provide them with the hope of Jesus Christ.
Last year, the ministry of Compassion not only helped hundreds of thousands of children with food and education, but also saw thousands of children make first time decisions for Christ and today I'd like to invite you to be a part of that. Now I understand that many of you listening to this show are struggling students and I can relate with that, but even if you don't have the entire amount needed to sponsor a child, why don't you consider going together with some of your friends or family members to help cover the costs?
Yes, it may be a big sacrifice, but I promise you it will not go unnoticed.
If you would like to find out more information, or if you'd like to start sponsoring a child, I invite you to either visit their website at www.compassion.ca or give Compassion a call. In Canada the number to call is 1.800.563.5437 and in the states, the number to use is (800) 336-7676. And again the website is located at compasion.ca.
Together, we can truly be making a difference in the lives of children around the world.
This devotional was aired as a part of the Making A Difference Christian Radio Show.