That's the name of the first little girl I sponsored through Compassion International.
I was 20 years old and had just moved to Fresno. I decided it was time for me to look into sponsorship. I wanted a little girl from Brazil because I had been to Brazil before and I really felt that's where my heart was. I was so blessed by being able to help this little girl and her family.
I eventually received a letter from Compassion International stating that Andreza was no longer eligible for membership. My heart was broken that I would no longer receive letters and drawings from her.
There wasn't a reason why, but I pray it was because her parents were now capable of fully providing for their family.
I saw today that World Vision announced they will now allow gay Christians to work for them. (This in the letter from the World Vision President to employees) This in no way affects anyone's membership, but for some reason so many are up in arms about this. I had no idea this would even be an issue. I'm reading comments from people who have already cancelled their sponsorship (this news broke today) and how people will probably now boycott this organization.
Why? Why is this such a huge deal? Why is the fact that they now employ gay Christians a bigger deal than these people helping children who are the poorest of the poor? These children are just like me and you in that they need food, shelter, clothing, love, and most importantly -- Jesus.
I've never liked the idea of boycotting a company because you disagree with them, but if you don't want to purchase a product because you don't agree with what the company stands for, then fine. This is different though. The child you sponsor is not a product. He/She isn't just a picture on a piece of paper. This child needs you. They count on you.
After reading all the negative comments against World Vision, I instantly thought of the song "What Matters More" by Derek Webb. Why are we so concerned with things that don't actually matter? Watch the video and listen to the lyrics. Read the lyrics here if you want.
At work, we currently sponsor a little girl through World Vision named Ballu Harding who lives in Sierra Leone. She was chosen because she's just she's just as old as our company and she is from Sierra Leone (we're SIERRA Specialty). She sends us drawings and letters. We have her picture up on our refrigerator at work. She's a person. She has a family. She also has hopes and dreams. Ballu needs us right now to help her get through life. It's because of us she's able to eat, go to school, be a kid, and learn about Jesus.
Sam and I currently sponsor a child through Compassion International. I even have Andreza's informational card in my Bible still. I pray for her whenever I come across it.
The company does wonderful things around the world to share Christ's love with His children. What's even better is there are Christians who want to help spread this love all around the world to people who may not have heard about Jesus otherwise. The change in the employment policy doesn't change the impact they make.
If you are considering canceling your sponsorship with World Vision -- please don't. Your gift of love to this child is so much more important than your disagreement with this company.
(Disclaimer: This isn't meant to start a debate about whether or not same-sex marriage is alright. It's about what is more important for us as Christians in the world.)
