10 Tips for Telling a Story

Most of these tips come from Steve Quant's presentation at the Child Ambassador conference in January, 2013. To see his presentation and hear even more of his tips, check out the YouTube video: Storytelling. I highly recommend it!

Some people are natural storytellers. They seem to intuitively know how to captivate the hearts and minds of their listeners. They can take an awful experience and make it a cherished family memory through the way they weave their tale. They can share a memory and bring us to tears. We experience their moment vicariously because, through their vivid words, we're there, too.

Others, though, are more like me. I want to be a natural storyteller. I love a good story but, sometimes, when I get started talking, the story seems to slip away. And as a child ambassador, I want need to be able to tell a story that will capture my listener's heart. Fortunately for me, though, good storytelling can be learned.

Here are 10 tips for telling a story:

1. Start at the beginning end and work backwards.

What does that mean? Try starting out your story with a little taste of the end -- just enough to capture your listener's interest but not enough to give anything away. For example -- "Did you know that a little boy in Mozambique changed my life?" or "Angelena Josephina is just 10 years old and dreams of being a doctor."

Why is this a good idea? Well, if you don't know where you're going with your story, how are you going to get there? Starting with a glimpse of the end gives your story a framework to build on. It also creates interest and curiosity on the part of your listener.

In other words, don't start out with World Vision's mission statement. This can come later, after you've grabbed their attention with your story. (If you're struggling to find a story, please call or email me and I'll gladly help you.)

2. Put yourself last.

Don't use "I" at the start of your presentation/story. Try "Would you like to hear an amazing story?" or "Do you know that a bicycle saved a life in Sri Lanka?"

3. Never be typical.

Talk naturally in a way that works for you. Use your own spin or style. The Lord has created each of us as unique individuals. Be okay with who you are and don't compare your style to someone else's style.

4. Use your own language.

Be conversational, not presentational. Try not to use terms that your audience isn't familiar with and talk to them like they're your best friend. Relax. :)

5. Don't read to me.

If you're using a Powerpoint, don't read from it. If everything you're saying is already written down in the Powerpoint, then why are you there? Use a Powerpoint as a visual tool to build on the stories you are telling.

6. Find another angle.

Try looking at your story from a new lens. Put yourself in someone else's shoes.

Imagine a picture of a float at the Rose Bowl. A typical story or caption would read, "This float is comprised of ____ flowers and took ____ hours to complete..." A new angle could be from the perspective of someone sitting on it. "My cheeks hurt from smiling so long and I still have two more hours to go!"

If you are showing a picture, don't just describe the facts. "This is a slum in New Delhi where over ____ children are living on the streets." What about a new angle, instead? "These children don't have a place to sleep tonight. They forage in waste cans or beg from people passing by in order to survive. They don't have anyone read them a story or tuck them in at night..." By switching the angle from which you tell your story, it may become more compelling.

7. Speak visually.

Use imagery in your story and set the scene. Was it raining? What season was it? Describe your setting using visual terms that evoke a sense of place -- describe the colors, sights, sounds, feelings... The longer the story, the more visual cues you may need. Keep it interesting.

8. What's the point? 

Each story should include an element of "why." Why do you care? Why will they care? Make an emotional connection with your story yourself and, odds are, you'll make an emotional connection with your audience, as well.

9. Make a call to action.

Ask. Don't just assume that people will sponsor a child if you tell them about it. Invite them to be part of this work.

10. Be sure of your facts.

As child ambassadors with World Vision, we need to be certain our information is accurate. A good rule of thumb is, "If Rich Stearnes (CEO of World Vision) was in my audience, would I be comfortable saying this?"


If you get a chance, try watching the complete version of Steve Quant's storytelling presentation on the link given at the top of the post. I personally found it super helpful and think my presentations have become more compelling as a result. I hope it can be of service to you, as well! 

May the Lord continue to bless each of you in your ministries and lives!

Experiencing "Godincidences" in Everyday Life: Meet Child Ambassador, Rebecca Losh

CA Rebecca Losh

Introducing ASK August: Will You Accept the Challenge?

Last week, my boys had a lemonade stand in our front yard. We're located in a cul-de-sac right off from a busy street (prime real estate for lemonade stands :) ). They held their signs and smiled and waved and hoped for someone to be sweet enough to stop. Cars passed. Trucks passed. No one stopped for the longest time. Finally, a kind soul pulled over and the boys were overjoyed. A real live customer! It was fantastic. But it took time.

Did you know that, on average, a person will hear 10 "no's" before they will hear a "yes?" I know at least 10 cars (probably more like 20!) drove by before my kids experienced one "sale." At first they were discouraged but they hung in there and kept going and, in the end, I was shocked when they made over $20 at their little roadside stand! Talk about perseverance!

Sometimes, as child ambassadors, it's easy for us to get discouraged, too. Child sponsorship is important to us and we want so much for others to catch that vision but we hear more "no's" than "yes'." It can be hard to hear "no," right?

But what if we made "no" our goal?

What if, rather than thinking only a "yes" is a success, we focus instead on just asking, letting a "yes" be a pleasant surprise?

Welcome to "ASK August," where we set a goal of simply asking others to consider child sponsorship without the goal and pressure of hearing "yes." It's all about the ask.

Have you ever wanted to tell your family member about World Vision but have worried it'll feel awkward? Tell them about Ask August and give it a whirl. If nothing else, it'll give you great practice!

Have you ever wondered about your own church or that church on the corner -- would they let you present sponsorship? Set up an appointment and ask them about it. (If you need a little help in this area, I'd be glad to assist you).

What if you put up a table at a Farmer's Market -- how many no's might you hear? You might get a full week's quota of no's (5-7) in a single day. Whoot! Whoot!

So, who will take on this challenge with me? Let's go for it, challenge ourselves to step outside of our comfort zone, and see what will happen!  To do this:

1. Make a list of people and places you can ask.
2. Order your picture folders now so they will be here by August.
3. Ask your coordinator any questions you may have about your ministry.
4. If you aren't already on the CA Facebook page, check it out. There will be lots of motivating tips and stories to help keep us going. Child Ambassadors Facebook page and our regional page Regional Facebook page
5. Let me know you're participating in this challenge. It'll be a lot more fun and motivating if we can share with each other how we're doing! I'll also specifically pray for you!


“God has not called me to be successful; He has called me to be faithful.” ~Mother Teresa

Journey to Jamaa: a World Vision experience and a great resource for your CA ministry!

Are you familiar with the film, Journey to Jamaa? Jamaa is an award-winning short film based on the incredible true story of two children in Uganda. It was originally designed to be part of a Sunday morning worship experience but there are many other ways you can use it for your ministry. It's a fantastic resource for sharing sponsorship with others! 

Following are a few ideas for ways to use Journey to Jamaa in your ministry:

1. As part of a Sunday morning service

If your church has agreed to do a Hope Sunday, you may want to see if they would be interested in hosting  J2J as part of the Sunday morning service. What would that be like? Check out this link to get an idea of how that could work: http://jamaa.worldvision.org/

2. As a movie night for church

J2J could be used as a movie night at church or for small groups. This works particularly well if you could pair it with a little music worship time as the movie is shorter (35 min).

3. Home Movie Party 

If you've been looking for a way to share with neighbors, family, and friends about your CA ministry but can never find the words or if you feel like they just don't understand why this  ministry is so important to you, try a J2J movie night in your home. This movie will help put it all into words for you. Try using some Ugandan recipes for an additional way to connect with the region!

4. Lunch Break at Work

In some workplaces, it may be possible to advertise a J2J showing and host it over a lunch break. Check with your workplace and see if it could work for you.

  

5. Ministry Groups

Men's breakfasts, Women's luncheons, MOPS groups... See if they would like to host a showing.

6. Community Movie

One church hosted an outdoor movie showing in a community park. They put up a big screen and advertised it around the community. They had a great showing and even used it as a  springboard for community outreach.

7. Local Colleges

A local college used J2J as part of a ministry fair. To get into the college, I needed a student to request that it be there. The students loved it! They laughed, cried and applauded. It was an incredible  experience!

8. Youth Groups/ YoungLife

It never hurts to check with your local youth and see if there is an interest.

9. ??? Any other ideas? Share them with me and I'll pass them on to the other CAs. Let us know what works for you!

If you would like a copy of Journey to Jamaa to use for your ministry, please email me and I will request one for you!

Hearing from a Former World Vision Sponsored Child: Dr. Moses Pulei

At the World Vision Child Ambassador conference in 2012, I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Moses Pulei, a former World Vision sponsored child speak. I love to share his story with people because it shares sponsorship from the perspective of the sponsored child. 

The first part of this post is from a recent Christianity Today article. You can find the full article here: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2013/june/sponsoring-movement.html?start=1

I will add on, in my own words, parts of his story that are not shared in the article. I hope to do justice in retelling his story and that I share it as closely as possible to the way that he told us. 

Sponsoring a Movement

Former sponsored children like Moses Pulei pay it forward in their hometowns.

Ken Walker

Moses Pulei knows the benefits of child sponsorship up close and personal.

The oldest of four sons, Pulei grew up in a mud hut 40 miles from Namanga, a town along the Tanzania-Kenya border. Life in his village was so laid-back, he can only guess his age—his passport lists it as 44.

His boyhood goals were simple: get circumcised, become a Maasai warrior, then spend his life raising cows, goats, and sheep, just like his father and uncles before him. His youngest brother did just that, refusing to enroll in school.

"I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't been sponsored," says Pulei. "It meant a complete change in how I lived."

Sponsors (alongside partner World Vision) provided him a school uniform and books, and their support ensured health exams and the certainty of year-round nourishment, even during East African famines. World Vision also planted trees in his community to address the problem of deforestation.

Kenya's government provides its citizens with a free primary education, albeit in partnership with churches, particularly in rural areas. However, neither party provided the books and other supplies that made it possible for Moses and two of his brothers to attend school.

And although only two Pulei children had sponsors, the whole family benefited from the resources and gifts that came with sponsorship. Staff taught his father how to raise healthier livestock and earn more money for those he took to market.

"My dad had a flock of sheep that he called his 'World Vision sheep,' because he got them as a result of a Christmas gift," Pulei says.

Sponsorship played a crucial role in Pulei's spiritual life as well. As a senior in high school, he accepted Christ at a Christian camp, a decision he made two years after his grandfather died. Pulei connected with the promise from Matthew 5:4, that those who mourn would find comfort."

At the Child Ambassador conference, Dr. Pulei explained more in depth about the impact his sponsor, Julie, made on his life. She wrote to him, "You can be a leader among your people."

"A leader of my people?" he laughed, "I had never thought of myself as a leader." But it planted a seed in his heart. 

His sponsor, in other letters, encouraged him to work hard in school and to dream big. She believed in him and he credits her with helping motivate him to achieve what he has in life.

She also impacted his spiritual walk. "Look up John 3:16."

"I looked in the dictionary." he laughed again. "And I wrote back to her, "I cannot find your John 3:16."

She requested a Bible for Pulei (something you can do for your sponsored child by calling World Vision) and then recommended different verses to him. These verses helped him to see that Lord wanted a personal relationship with him.

In later years, after his sponsorship was complete, Pulei was discouraged in college. His mother told him to, "Go read Julie's letters again." Doing so helped him to find the energy to go on in his education.

I hope that this story impacted you the way it did me. Again, what we do as sponsors and as Child Ambassadors makes a difference. Let's be faithful to continue sharing about what the Lord is doing through World Vision!

Restoring Dignity and Hope: Stories from CA Scott Olthoff’s trip to Kenya.

Recently Child Ambassador, Scott Olthoff, traveled to Kenya with Team World Vision to see firsthand the work that is being done and to meet with his sponsored child, Nelson. Following is his moving story:

“I feel so fortunate to have been able to go on another vision trip.  I've now visited one of our sponsored children twice.  I don't know many folks that have had that opportunity.   The transformation that I saw in the community between the two trips (20 months) was really amazing.

The first trip I went on was around Nov 1, of 2011.  The community in Bartabwa, Kenya was just starting to get some hope.  On the first trip we visited four water projects that were not yet complete.  There were two Borehole Wells, a reservoir, and a capped spring.    All four communities are now thriving.  School enrollment has more than doubled.  Women are now taking a leadership role in their communities (before they were too busy and too worn out to care) and they are starting small businesses (through WV micro-finance).   The word that comes to mind is "dignity."  World Vision has provided dignity for the women in this community.  They are no longer living day to day searching for contaminated water.   They are starting small businesses; their kids are going to school.   It's my belief that in 10 years, you won’t be able to recognize this community.

Before WV intervened in this community the average age of menopause was 25 to 30.   There is still a lot of work to be done to reach all portions of this region, but it's happening day by day.  

I think one of the most powerful moments on the trip for me was when our team had the opportunity to wash the feet of the WV staff in Bartabwa.  The last time I went on the trip I was convicted to initiate this, but it never happened. This time I didn't let the opportunity slip by.  Each member of our team was able to wash the feet of a staff member.  It was an incredible moment that I'm sure none of us will ever forget.  It made a lasting impression on all of us.   I think part of the impact is they tend to put Americans on a pedestal instead of seeing us as equals.  We let them know that we are here to serve them and we really appreciate the sacrifice each staff member makes in the community.

The World Vision staff have to be away from their families so they can serve in this community. Many live in Bartabwa during the week and then take public transportation home (really lousy way to travel) Friday night and arrive home early Saturday morning.  They are home with their families Saturday and part of Sunday, when they have to be back in Bartabwa by Monday morning.    

This is a picture of Nelson, his mother and I during my recent visit. The last time I visited, I gave him one of my running medals from a race here in the U.S.  He was wearing the medal when we arrived at the school he was at.   His mother said that I was his "second father."

*** To find out more about Scott’s trip, please check out this blog post, written by a team member, Simone Halpin:  

http://www.moodychurch.org/women/blog/i-get-it-kenya-2013/ 

Here is an excerpt from her post on the Kenya trip:

“…Kenya had made the Bible come alive to me. ...I got a chance to meet with mothers whose language I could not speak and connect with them…I was inspired by their strength and wisdom and want to be a better wife and mom because of my time with them. I got a passion to do more and a vision to bring home where we can do more. Something snapped in me when my eyes saw the unacceptable reality that people are in poverty that you cannot describe until you see it for yourself. And I got more of Jesus – when your heart breaks for the things that break his, he meets you in that place of sorrow."

As Child Ambassadors, we are a part of the work that the Lord is doing through World Vision! Let's pray for World Vision staff and the communities they serve. Let's ask the Lord to break our hearts for what breaks his and let's also pray for courage and boldness in sharing sponsorship. You are making a difference!

Finding her Niche in the Farmer's Markets -- Meet Fellow CA, Katie Andreason

Each week, I'm planning to feature a different Child Ambassador from our region. It's a chance to get a little more connected and learn with and from each other. You know you all are some of my favorite people, right? :) If you're willing, please also consider using this as a chance to pray for one another. Thank you!

Meet the wonderful Katie Andreason from Iowa. 

What inspired you to become a Child Ambassador?

CA Katie Andreason

This spring, I was doing Kelly Minter's study on the book of Nehemiah with the Women's Ministry at my church. In the study, Kelly encourages every participant to figure out what God has put in each of our hearts to do, just as He put a desire to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem into Nehemiah's heart. In the study, Kelly explains that we have to let our hearts be broken by the things that break the heart of God. Nehemiah was broken over the disgrace and suffering of the Jewish remnant in Jerusalem. When he heard the wall was broken down, he wept, fasted and prayed. Then, he devoted himself to rebuilding the wall.

During the study, I prayed that God would give me an opportunity to "build walls" for the poor and oppressed. Child sponsorship builds walls of protection, hope, and love for children and families in great need. Becoming a Child Ambassador has given me an opportunity to join in the work of finding others to help build walls for the poor and oppressed.


What is the main way you have been sharing sponsorship?

   

The main way I have been sharing sponsorship is at Farmer's Markets. I have been accepted into 5 different markets. Some markets only let non-profit organizations come once or twice a season. Some are free, others have a minimal fee. Most Farmer's Markets have an application process and deadlines. The smaller markets are easier to apply and get into than the larger markets. I have a 6 foot table to display sponsorship packets and a 10x10 shade canopy. I simply share with those interested that I am looking for sponsors for children in need through World Vision. Then, I talk about the children we sponsor and explain a little bit about how it works. Pretty easy!


Do you have any stories to share that encouraged you in your ministry?

The very first Farmer's Market I went to this spring, I talked to a woman from India about the child I sponsor in India. She was very interested in learning more about what she could do for children from her own country. I gave her my email address and the World Vision website, and she went home that night at sponsored a girl from India with her birthdate! She also started a WV fundraising page for her birthday. She wanted to start volunteering with me, and helped at the last Farmer's Market. She is planning on helping at 4 more Farmer's Markets this summer! She can speak about the needs of children in poverty around the world with a great depth of knowledge because she has seen it with her own eyes and is passionate to help children from her home country. I am blessed to have her volunteer with me!

Do you have any tips? 

The first week I became a CA, I bought a new notebook to write down ideas for sharing sponsorship and brainstormed every family-friendly event, business, festival, parade, and church I could think of in my area. I record the date that I contacted the business and any follow up information in the notebook so I don't forget. I also looked in the local events section of newspapers and the webpages of local TV stations for ideas. I made a lot of calls and sent a lot of emails asking if I could display at events. That initial time investment has paid off as I had many people respond and have gained some opportunities to share sponsorship this summer.

If you decide to try a display at a Farmer's Market, come prepared for windy conditions! I have gone to markets where things didn't blow around too much, but other days it has been very windy. Even the table cloth will need to be secured down with tape or clips. The shade canopy will fly away if it is not weighted down, along with the sponsorship packets! I purchased clear plastic frames to hold down sponsorship packets. My husband also built me a wooden tri-fold (painted black) that we are going to screw clips onto to attach the packets for the next Farmer's Market. I am also going to try hanging a few packets with a clothes pin on twine hung from the canopy and see if that works. Also, I ordered a sign from the CA Store that draws attention to the display. It reads, "You can't change the whole world, but you can change the world for one child."  YES!!

Here is the link to Kelly Minter's Nehemiah study if anyone is interested:

http://www.lifeway.com/Nehemiah-A-Heart-That-Can-Break/c/N-1z10ero

To order a sign from the CA store: http://www.cafepress.com/wvchildambassador/9683329

Portable Sponsorship: 6 tips on sharing sponsorship 1:1

The following article is by Vicki Casper -- master of 1:1 sharing. :) She is an amazing, vibrant, delightful person and her tips are fantastic! 

What you do as Child Ambassadors changes lives!

Portable Sponsorship

By Vicki DeSantis Casper

Every ordinary day holds great potential for child sponsorship.  Prayer and Preparation are the keys.

1. Pray

God is always ready to work through us to better the lives of others, but are you ready?  In this ministry as a Child Ambassador the first and most important way to be successful is to pray. Every morning lift up the children in the picture folders that you have in your possession.  Pray that each day you can have an impact in the lives of these children, their communities and also in the lives of their future sponsors. 

2. Be Prepared

Always have your sponsorship material readily available. 

These items include:

* Picture folders and your personal sponsorship page

            * How a Community is Transformed Fold Out brochure 

            * World Vision Yearly Financial Information

            * Pictures, letters, report cards and community reports of your own sponsored child

ALWAYS have these materials with you whether in your purse, car, backpack or wherever you can bring them with you.

 3. Be Bold 

Great success can happen when talking to people one on one about sponsorship ( it has been the best way for me)

Here’s how to do it:

 “ Be bold and courageous in His work.”  1 Chronicles 28:2

Take your self out of your comfort zone, sacrifice, be readily prepared mentally to speak to strangers or anyone about child sponsorship

 4. Be obedient to the Holy Spirit. 

Act 2:4 tells us that Jesus has not left us without His supernatural help.  He has left us with His Holy Spirit to guide us and to work through us.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will show you who to speak to.  I have been prompted many times by the Spirit to talk to someone who outwardly (through my humanness) I would never think would want to sponsor.  Listen to the Spirit and trust Him in this ministry and your faith and witness will grow even stronger in all areas of life.

 5. Be up to date on the happenings in the world so that your daily conversations can lead into telling others about World Vision and Child Sponsorship.  

For example, if someone is talking about the economy or world politics; you can bring up how there are others in worse economic dire straits than ours and tell about how World Vision works to change that through community transformation and micro loans ,etc. How we fight for the rights of those who live in countries where they have none.

6. Have a 30 second spiel ready and practiced.

When talking to others in every day conversations, you can lose people’s attention if you start dragging on about World Vision.   You have about 30 seconds to get out the important, gripping info before their eyes glaze over.

Here is how it goes:

‘Are you interested in hearing about a children’s charity I volunteer for?”

The nod their head or say “ Yes.” (Very few people ever say “No.”)

“ World Vision is a charity that has been around for 60 years that helps build sustainable communities for poor children and their families through Child Sponsorship. Here is a picture of my child I sponsor and these are his letters and report cards.  His grandma could not afford to send him to school and his parents are gone (or whatever your child’s story is), but since I have been sponsoring him he is getting everything he needs also;  World Vision is building a school, water wells, helping with businesses, helping the farmers and making sure there is health care( Use your How to transform a Community fold out to show this or actual pictures you might have from your child’s community).The plan is that in 15 to 20 years his community will not need help anymore and World Vision has been successful in doing that in many places.  I have these children here (hand them your picture folders) who still need help.  This is Aster from Ethiopia and she only has a mother. Oh, by the way, 86% of the money goes to the child and their community. You can pull out the card inside the folder and read about each child (pull a child’s story out of the folder a little to show them where to read).  Which child do you think you want?”

 The person says they are not sure so you say,” It’s giving up a latte a day, a lunch out a month or a purse you don’t need ( or whatever a guy would say about something he doesn’t need).  What do you think?”

In just this short conversation, you can get a child a changed life and a sponsor a joyful heart.  I am just as thrilled at the new sponsors joy as I am for the child’s new lease on life.  Remember, not to judge who will be a sponsor.  More often than not, those who have little financially have much in the giving department. Go practice in the mirror, in front of your dog, to your spouse and do it loudly. 

NOW GO OUT AND BE BOLD, OBEDIENT, SACRIFICE YOUR COMFORT AND GET A CHILD SPONSORED!

Sokha's Story

A few years ago, I was a new Child Ambassador and going through the Lent Bible Study through World Vision ACT:S. I read this story about a little girl named Sokha from Cambodia. Her story touched me deeply and, years later, when I was asked to share with a Sunday school class a story about World Vision, hers was the story I knew I needed to share. I thought I'd place her story here, for other CAs to read. Perhaps it will touch your heart the way it did mine. If you would like to see the study in it's entirety, you can find it at:

 http://www.worldvisionacts.org/resources/careless-aids-story-from-cambodia

Following is the presentation I used for a small group. The portions in orange/brown are my words, the rest are from the author, Vichheka Sok. If you would like to use this for your ministry, please feel free.  

“Sometimes, the best way to explain things is to simply share a story. Today, I’d like to share Sokha’s story with you.”

Careless

By Vichheka Sok, June 2010

Cambodia

Sokha is ten-years-old and is a single daughter from a poor family. Her father died from

AIDS when she was three years old. Her father passed HIV to her mother, Bopha, a

thirty-five-year-old farmer. Sokha suffered disdain for years from other children in the

village, her schoolmates as well as her neighbors. “My mother lives with HIV and

everyone hates me, and I didn’t have any friends to play with because they were scared

of HIV and AIDS,” cried Sokha. “My mother lives with HIV, I love her so much.”

Sokha could not stop her tears while telling her story. She continued with loud sobs, “I

remember that my mother was really skinny with itchiness covering all of her body as

well as her head. She looked dirty. I really pitied her and I love her so much. I always

pray for her to get better soon. She couldn’t move her body, and she seemed to have

no energy. She couldn’t go to the toilet herself, my grandmother and I always had to

help her to move to anywhere. And every day, I cleaned her body with a wet towel

because she couldn’t take a bath by herself.”

Sokha always walked to school and her school is far from home. She walked alone

without any friend to walk with and or talk to. “I was really depressed and angry with

other children who said to me, ‘Your mother lives with HIV and AIDS,’” said Sokha. “I

didn’t want to go to school, and I really wanted to fight those who used those words of

contempt to call to me. Yet, I could only cry and deeply pity my mother.”

In 2008, Sokha went to get a blood test to make sure that her mother didn’t transmit

HIV to her. Luckily, Sokha tested negative for HIV. She is safe, which makes her mother

happy. Her mother has hopes for Sokha’s long future.

REFLECTION:

Life is very lonely for Sokha, who faces ridicule and isolation due to the stigma of AIDS.

Sokha lost her father due to the disease and must care for her own mother in her

illness; who is there to care for Sokha? Through no fault of her own, Sokha faces much

of the hardships of her life alone.

It might seem hard to imagine if you’ve grown up with one or two (or more) caring

family members, but many children in today’s world lack that guidance and care.  I’m reminded of Matthew 25 when Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in…” What an honor it is to serve our Lord by loving what he loves and serving “the least of these.”When we care for the poor, the sick, and the hungry, he is glorified through us. When we give of ourselves, he fills us to overflowing. We become his light shining in a dark world. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Careless – The Response

By Vichheka Sok, June 2010

In 2009, Sokha became a sponsored child of World Vision’s program. Her mother

became part of World Vision’s program to help those living with HIV. She receives

support through being able to access regular anti-retroviral drugs as well as coaching for living a healthy life. “Since my family has become involved in World Vision, and everyone in the community is more educated about HIV and AIDS through World Vision’s work, life has improved,” said Sokha. “Everyone seemed to gradually change and become more friendly to my family. World Vision staff always conduct home visits and keep providing good advice to my mother. They also encouraged me to study hard for a bright future.”

World Vision’s program has supported Sokha’s mother to get anti-retroviral treatment,

as well as including her in other trainings that would help the family to have more

economic opportunities. Sokha’s mother attended agriculture training for things such as

raising chickens. She also participated in hygiene and health training. Sokha always helps her mother to do housework, and she is eager to learn.

With bright eyes, Sokha said, “My mother planted vegetables and raised chickens at

home after she attended the training. Before, nobody would buy the vegetables that my

mother planted because they were afraid of getting the sickness from her. Now I have

lots of friends and my mother has good relationships with all the neighbors. My mother

looks healthy and stronger, and I always remind her to take anti-retroviral treatment

regularly on time everyday.”

On the brink of tears, Sokha said, “I don’t want to think of our life in the past, because

it’s such a nightmare for me. We didn’t have good food to eat. Mostly we ate potatoes

and tapioca root, which my grandmother and I searched in the bush near the village. I

don’t know my father’s face. I had diarrhea very often because I drank only unboiled

water from the pond and well. I only know and have my mother and my grandmother.

Now I have World Vision staff who love and care about my family. I dream to be a

teacher, and I will educate everyone in the community to stop hating HIV and AIDS

patients like my mother. She never hurts others even if she lives with HIV.”

Sokha always spends her time with her mother; she reads her folktale stories because

her mother doesn’t know how to read and write. “I always get school supplies from

World Vision, and this really encourages me to study hard for my future,” said Sokha. “I

believe that my mother will stay healthy always so that she can be with me until I grow

up.”

When you sponsor a child like Sokha, you change their world – for just $35 a month. Your sponsorship will provide that child with clean water, good food, an education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and spiritual nurture. You’ll also be part of lifting an entire community out of poverty as World Vision works to make communities self-sustaining in 15-20 years. Best of all, it’s an opportunity to serve the Lord and glorify him by caring for the poor, the sick, and the hungry in his name.

I have a table in the back with children, like Sokha, who are waiting for the hope of sponsorship. I’ll be happy to help you find the child that’s waiting for you.

Thank you!

Conquering Three Common Fears

I never thought I was a fearful person. My family, for example, would probably describe me as pretty daring. But, in this ministry, I've had to dig deep for a level of boldness that stretches me. I'm writing this for those of us who feel a little overwhelmed terrified at times. For those who, like me, may feel a little stretched beyond their comfort level.

I am not a natural public speaker. In my mind, I can speak freely in front of a group but, in the actual moment, I feel frozen in fear. Can you relate? We aren't alone in this fear. Moses, for example, had a fear of speaking:

"Then Moses said to the LORD, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”The LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? “Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.” Exodus 4:10-12

Know that the Lord can and will use you in spite of your fear. He will give you the words to say. He will speak through you and help you prepare. He will be with you.

Maybe it isn't a fear of speaking but a fear of imposing. Often we are so afraid of making someone else uncomfortable that we don't want to share with them about sponsorship. We don't want to ask them if they would like to sponsor a child because we worry about putting them "on the spot." 

I share this fear, too. Maybe it has something to do with my reserved Scandinavian and British roots! But, I memorize verses like these as reminders of what God desires from me: 

"Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." Isaiah 1:17

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

Knowing the Lord's heart for the "least of these" helps me be bolder than I feel. When I remember why I wanted to be a child ambassador, (so I can serve him by loving what he loves) I can take a deep breath and make the ask in spite of my more natural timidity.

Sometimes, I just plain have a fear of hearing "no." I'm afraid it could be awkward for them and, well, awkward for me. In that case, I go to my memory bank of sponsorship stories. When I remember the children who have been helped and the children in desperate need of help, than my own fear of the awkwardness of a "no" suddenly seems so unimportant. To create your own memory bank of sponsorship stories, read your World Vision magazines, watch World Vision videos like "Because I Sponsor" and "Touch the Invisible" and volunteer at Artist Associate events (like concerts and Women of Faith). You will hear amazing stories of changed lives.

Finally, I try to remember what Mother Teresa said, “I do not pray for success, I ask for faithfulness.” For me, it's not about the numbers, it's about being faithful. 

I don't know your individual fears but the Lord does and he has given you all you need to overcome them. 

"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Be Bold, my friends. The Lord will give you the courage and strength you need!