A Reminder of Nothing
Today was a monumental day as most of the compassion bloggers had the opportunity to meet their sponsor child (I wish you could have seen Anne with her little boy).
Brandi and I have sponsored Samvasiva Rao Kokkitegodda (we call him Sammy) for the last six months. Sammy is from the coastal community of Penumudi, India and unfortunately couldn’t make it to Calcutta because of the distance of travel. Several of the kids traveled by train for up to 48 hours just to meet their sponsor!
Angie and Melissa each had two children and since Angie was so rotten to me in her post yesterday I chose to help Melissa out instead. I was secretly hoping Angie’s kids would run her ragged. 
We visited an adventure science museum which randomly had a gondola (more on that later) and then took the kids out to eat. For all of our sponsor children this was the first time they had ever done anything quite like this. It was amazing to watch them walk around just soaking it up every aspect of the visit.
As the kids were leaving this afternoon one of the English speaking employees of the science museum who had been observing us interact with the kids, stopped me and asked “Why?”
I responded, “Excuse me?”
He said, “Why did you guys come all this way to do this?”
I smiled at him and simply responded with the first word that came to my mind, “Jesus. We do this because we are Christians and this is one of the ways we follow our God by serving others.”
He eagerly smiled back.
But I’m still thinking about his question. Why do we do this? Why have so many of us sponsored children? Surely there has to be a better answer than “because we can.”
For my family I think there are two reasons we sponsor Sammy.
First, our faith compels us to. In Luke 4 Jesus reminded us…
“The Lord has put his Spirit in me, because he appointed me to tell the Good News to the poor. He has sent me to tell the captives they are free and to tell the blind that they can see again. God sent me to free those who have been treated unfairly and to announce the time when the Lord will show his kindness.”
Secondly, we want our kids to know just how blessed they are. We want our kids at an early age to develop a compassionate heart, a spirit of empathy. My kids are growing up in a situation where they pretty much can get everything they want or could ever need. They’re trained in very subtle ways by our culture that there are those who matter and those who don’t.
John Berger said…
The poverty of our century is unlike that of any other. It is not, as poverty was before, the result of natural scarcity, but of a set of priorities imposed upon the rest of the world by the rich. Consequently, the modern poor are not pitied…but written off as trash. The twentieth-century consumer economy has produced the first culture for which a beggar is a reminder of nothing.
To fight this we allow “Sammy” to be a constant reminder of our blessings and calling. Sammy is on our fridge. Sammy gets prayed for every evening at dinner. Sammy gets letters written to him all the time. We refuse to let the poor be “a reminder of nothing” to our children.
Here’s a picture of Brandi and the boys from earlier this week holding up our latest letter from Sammy. Just look a their excitement.
I’m so thankful for so many of you who sponsored kids this week. Your generosity has floored me and restored a new hope within. For those of you who have been thinking about it….why not now?
CLICK HERE and make a difference.
P.S. I took a little video of our gondola ride. Thought you might enjoy it. And just in case Beth Moore ever reads this… Mrs. Moore I want you to know I had absolutely nothing to do with your daughter being on this contraption. However she does need to start “Breaking Free” from some of her fears.
44 Comments:
I loved that video “The kids are dancing and we are praying”
Caused me to laugh out loud at work.
Saying a prayer for a safe flight home! : )
Kelley’s last blog post..
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Kelley
11:51 am
I thought all night about what you all are doing there and how the little things are touching each heart in ways that God will only see, far after you are gone from India. I looked at all your posted pictures and vidieo and thougt that could be the little girl we are adopting living a life that will have many struggles, and it touched my heart. The only thing that is different is home she currently has in a christian orphanage and the love and heartache her unwed mother must of had to protector from the streets that would have been their home had she kept her as a single mom. I pray everyday for India and the work that christians both indian and missionaries do.
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jennifer Brooks
12:02 pm
Pete,
I have wanted to sponsor a child for months. My desire to do this has really grown in the past 5-6 months….only problem is my husband isn’t really on board! He has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know, he’s just a little skeptical. I’m hoping this weekend I’ll get a chance to show him all of your teams blogs and videos. In the meantime, it just dawned on me to pray that this will be my Mother’s Day gift… a precious little sponsor child. Oh, how I want to help change the life of a little child.
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Kim
12:06 pm
This video just melts my hearts. I see smiles everyday but these smiles were truly genuine and just so beautiful. I feel guilty that I cannot afford to sponsor a child due to my nursing tuition fees but I spoke with my Aunt about Compassion and she is looking up the website as I type
xxx.
Rebecca’s last blog post..A Friend Out of the Ordinary.
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Rebecca
12:12 pm
I have no words Pete. Other than awesome.
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Terry Williamson
12:16 pm
HAHAHAHA! Oh, poor Melissa! It was fun getting to hear her, though, because after 13 Beth Moore studies, I feel like I know her! The kids’ lack of fear could just be a kid thing, but I wondered if they’ve faced much worse in their young lives? They probably had never felt safer than with you guys (and Jesus!) sailing through the skies!
Leslie’s last blog post..Dearly loved…
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Leslie
12:35 pm
@Leslie, I like to think it was a day they will never forget. At least that’s what I’m praying tonight!
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Pete Wilson
12:48 pm
So wonderful to watch that video. Gosh, you guys amaze me. I am excited to see the world through your new eyes going forward. You are blessed with an unbelievable experience. Have a safe journey home.
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Gina
12:52 pm
Those little stinkers dancing while you were scared was the cutest thing ever!
I can’t tell you how much this makes me want to go to India. I know I can’t, but I appreciate SO MUCH that you all took us with you. Truly.
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gitz
1:02 pm
The smiles on the faces of those children have me in tears…big time tears of joy and hope, and so much more than I can explain. Someday I will meet our two girls in India, but I’m pretty sure I’m going to skip the Gondola ride.
Thank you doesn’t begin to cover what you all have allowed me to see and feel this week, not even close.
Lisa M’s last blog post..More Please, Thank You!
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Lisa M
1:06 pm
Pete,
You are so funny! So glad to share this trip with all of you!
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Sharon Meekins
1:10 pm
You have had me in sobbing tears all week Pete. This is so monumental in my perspective of how I look at life now. Right now, there’s no way we could sponsor a child BUT the hundreds or thousands that are, I am praying..
Heidi’s last blog post..Hope
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Heidi
1:17 pm
How wonderful! My little ones have been praying for our dear sweet Komal all week they really want to meet her ! Hoping maybe one day we can
On a side note showing them the pictures and explaining to them how she lives has changed their little hearts…and not to mention mine
Natalie went to her closet and began bringing me clothes to send to her new sister….
lisa gardiner’s last blog post..Community
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lisa gardiner
1:20 pm
Just reading what we are doing has me all choked up, tears welling up in my eyes. We do this for “Jesus”, nothing else needs to be said. Thank you Pete
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Gina
1:24 pm
Pete;
There is no greater thing than to do it , as you said, “because of Jesus, and the fact that we are compelled.
I have had similar experiences with children in far away places too. never forget what God has given YOU responsibility over. Especially your flock, and YOUR shepherding of them.
To whom much has been given, much is required.
PS – Love the selection of the Fray tune too.
Bill
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Bill Lurwick
1:27 pm
yeah..you and melissa seemed a little stressed out.
And, why do we do this???
JESUS!
Thanks Pete.
Fran’s last blog post..I’m such a follower
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Fran
1:41 pm
hahaha! Well it sure looked interesting!
Thanks for the post Pete! It was awesome as usual!
Tiffany’s last blog post..Blog=Fail
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Tiffany
2:09 pm
Thanks for letting us in on your journey to the wonderful world of India!! I’m so blessed to be able to sponser a child. Jesus commands us to pray and be there for the orphans and widows and that is what I want to do. Only HE has made it possible for me to do so and I can’t wait to sponser another child soon, possibly in Etiophia
Safe travels to all!
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Falguni
2:24 pm
Been touched by your travels this week… really. Live chat last night was amazing as well.
That’s my husband’s current favorite song in the background.
Whit’s last blog post..TRP- Church
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Whit
3:29 pm
I have cried through so many of your posts this week. Thank you for taking us on the journey with you…it was amazing.
That Gondola looks scary! It was quite funny though….and those kids are adorable!
Praying for safe travels.
Christy’s last blog post..Rest.
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Christy
3:31 pm
Great video!
Thanks for sharing such an amazing week with us all, Pete.
@Kim, I also want to sponsor a child, it’s been on my heart for a long time, but especially lately… and my husband is not on board, either. (But I think for different reasons, it sounds like.) Just wanted to let you know I’ll pray for you, that you’ll get your husband’s blessing to sponsor a child.
Susan’s last blog post..A few words about Compassion
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Susan
4:28 pm
I just did it….I hit submit and I can’t wait to learn more about my little boy. Thank you to all the Compassion bloggers for spilling your hearts so we can be moved.
Pete, glad you are feeling better.
Kathy’s last blog post..He’s Such A Girl
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Kathy
4:36 pm
@Kathy, Yes!!!!!! I’m so excited for you. I’m so excited for him.
You’ll be blessed!
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Pete Wilson
5:10 pm
I am watching “slumdog millionaire” prayin for you, bro.
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Jody
5:40 pm
Way to go. Well done. Love the humor, transparency, compassion and Christ-centered-ness of these posts. What a life changing experience for all.
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Patty V.
5:57 pm
@Jody, you’re coming with me next time!!!!
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Pete Wilson
6:28 pm
Pete- after going on my first mission trip I got the youth at my church to sponsor a child. It was amazing how much they learned about the child I told them about, from maps, pictures and letters sent to us. I definitely think every family should sponsor a child or family- whether it is overseas or in their own city. I can definitely tell, seeing the vast array of children I see everyday, the difference between children who are exposed to poverty and differences and those who are not. I know you will be returning soon and I hope you all have a safe trip!
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Jessica
6:41 pm
Pete – I linked to your site through Beth Moore’s blog earlier this week, and have been really enjoying seeing this trip through a few different perspectives. Thank you so much for sharing the videos – it helps bring the photos to life.
I left a comment for Melissa saying the same thing, but my husband and I have sponsored two young boys through Compassion for two years now. Your posts motivated me to write both of them this week and renew my commitment to be more consistent about it – I can’t remember when I’d written them last.
Christy
Los Angeles
PS – I’m really enjoying all the banter between you and Angie and Melissa – it’s made me laugh out loud a few times this week.
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Christy T.
8:12 pm
That’s funny! My kids are loving your videos and stories, too. Fun for the whole family!
Safe travels
Eve Annunziato’s last blog post..WHO ARE YOUR VIPs?
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Eve Annunziato
9:13 pm
I so loved this video! My heart was beating fast when y’all were stuck! Those sweet children has such a sparkle in their eyes.
Thanks again, for taking us with you!
Shalom,
Denise
Denise’s last blog post..A Night’s Reprieve
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Denise
9:36 pm
@Eve, From India right into your living room in Pegram. Isn’t technology fun???
See you Monday.
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Pete Wilson
12:58 am
I just wanted to say thank you! I feel as if I have been to India with you guys! I love how only the Holy Spirit does that! I can’t even begin to tell you how much you all have been on my heart all week! God has used your trip with Compassion to reach and change some of the deepest places in my heart! I just wanted to say thank you for letting God use you! Y’all are hysterical too! I am going to miss you being over there!
Praying for safe travels!
God Bless Emmy
I so want to go to Hati now to visit my Compassion child!
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Emmy
5:24 am
Very glad the trip went soooo well. I enjoyed reading all the posts and watching the videos!
Maureen’s last blog post..Protected: April Newsletter
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Maureen
9:14 am
Wish I could get through just one of your posts without crying. The video was funny though. I have to confess that I’m so bad about remembering to write to the little girl we sponsor in Africa. I’m making it a priority to write a letter today.
Brenda’s last blog post..Chocolate Moose Mousse
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Brenda
11:34 am
@brenda, these kids love to get letters. Most homes we visited had saved every single letter they have ever received.
I would encourage all of you who sponsor to write as often as you can. It really lifts their spirits.
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pete wilson
7:56 am
This link is to focus on the family’s plugged in site. Not judging your family movie choices we’ve just found it a real blessing and it has helped us avoid exposing our kids to a lot of sinful content and overall garbage. Be blessed, pete.
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Christina
6:58 pm
http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0004412.cfm
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Christina
6:58 pm
I laughed out loud when i saw “and then we got stuck”. Completely awesome!!! Nothing better then that. Thanks for sharing the video
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Kristina
9:16 pm
This is such a perfect post. It sums up exactly the reasons we have chosen to sponsor four children this week, one for each of our own children. So that we may always have compassion in our hearts and never forget.
Thank you for taking us with you. It has moved me in ways I never imagined.
Jen @ amazingtrips’s last blog post..sunday morning
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Jen @ amazingtrips
11:02 pm
@Kristina, to say it’s a moment I will never forget is a total understatement.
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Pete Wilson
8:04 am
Pete~I love what I’ve seen. I’m excited about sponsoring a child but I can’t stop myself from saying:
What were you thinking getting on that thing??????As a “worse case scenario” kind of Mom I’m gonna say: first off: NO WAY should you get on something like that…
and second off: NO WAY should you get on something like that…
I’m going to keep all that COULD have happened to myself…
Hummmm~
Robin’s last blog post..Living My Legacy~9~Even in the dark times…
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Robin
9:00 am
Pete, as I followed along with the journey of the five of you, I was moved to tears and my knees.
Just reading and seeing photographs of the journey for me was indescribable. I can only imagine… to be there in person, see these children, see them praise our Lord!
I believe for the many who followed along, there lives have changed for the better.
Mare’s last blog post..Forever Changed- Part 1
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Mare
9:12 am
Hey Pete, Thanks for your blogs about India, and all that you are doing. I’m actually leaving for India in about 2 weeks for a 5 weeks to work with some missionary doctors in Chennai. I’m a medical student going with 4 other medical students. We’ll also have the opportunity to share Christ with the people, and work in orphanages. Do you have any advice for being in India – spiritually, that is. It’s hard to imagine how to deal with the injustice and poverty we will encounter – while at the same time feeling so powerless.
Thanks – Melissa
Melissa Mashni’s last blog post..India
[Reply]
Melissa Mashni
1:10 pm
Pete,
BUT I DIGRESS…I was so moved by your blog and the whole India experience – I did it…I adopted my own little one and I’m so incredibly excited. (I had been praying for compassion, literally for COMPASSION and it was like God just jumped out at me from your post – He’s so cool like that!!!) I haven’t gotten my packet yet but I can’t wait. Thank you for your servant leadership and for inspiring me. Sorry to write a book here. 
Take care, my friend.
I was catching up my reading on the Beth Moore blog (I like to check in every few days because, well, because she’s awesome and I love reading what she and her daughters share) and imagine my shock and awe to see my favorite Pastor Pete mentioned! Seriously, I knew you were cool but Beth Moore’s blog – I’m totally impressed!
Joni Autrey’s last blog post..Freedom
[Reply]
Joni Autrey
11:37 pm
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