Last Sunday, we read of God’s character in church: ‘My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused.’ (Hosea 11v8). God sees the depth of sin & rebellion in His people, and is stirred to compassion, moderating his justified anger. Christ had the same heart of compassion when he saw people harassed & helpless, without a shepherd (Matt 9v36). His compassion flowed to action: empowering His disciples to overcome this world’s brokenness & proclaim God’s coming Kingdom.

God’s compassionate inclination shapes us. I had the privilege in late August, to see God’s powerful work in Indonesia. The organisation ‘Compassion in Christ’s name’ is committed to raising children from poverty – physically & spiritually (https://www.compassion.com.au/). They say of their purpose:

Compassion is a Christian international holistic child development organisation. Through our Child Sponsorship Program, more than 2 million children are currently being released from poverty in Jesus’ name. With over seven decades of experience, Compassion’s unique approach to solving poverty works: research proves it.

With a small groups of pastors (other Anglicans & leaders in the FIEC network) I saw what the research proves. There’s a lot I could share, but 3 reflections:

1) Compassion is Effective

The personal sponsorship of children from wealthier nations, is worked through local churches. I saw 3 projects, in urban and rural areas. Each church ran programmes – combining life skills (schooling and introducing potential small business) and spiritual growth (like kids church on steroids), all done with fun and plenty of enthusiastic moments singing Christian songs. It was more than programmes, it was personal. The centres have a team of dedicated mentors, who personally visit the children in their care each week. They assist in practical areas of schooling, and take seriously the spiritual role of praying and encouraging children to know God’s Word.

While the majority were Christian households, I was honoured to be invited into a Hindu household, were they knew of the power of spirits, and did rituals for protection. They allowed me to speak of Christ’s power over the evil one. Compassion is having real impact now, and into eternity. I had dinner with a young man, originally of Hindu background, who came through Compassion sponsorship and is now about to pastor a church. The organisation struck me as not only a reflection of God’s gracious heart, but a strategic way to grow His kingdom through locals in a way that outside Missionaries couldn’t.

2) Compassion is Trustworthy

The money given goes to the ministry and those who need it. The monthly book of receipts from the centre was openly shown – all spending accounted for. Photos are taken of food hamper deliveries to families – evidence that what was bought, got to those it was meant for. The leaders have real, lively, personal faiths in Christ and a love for the children in their care. Children don’t know the organisation ‘Compassion’. It doesn’t feature on posters or signage. That’s because Compassion want the children to see the hero is Jesus – not compassion or their international sponsors.

3) Compassion is a blessing

It blesses the children who are lifted from the burden of poverty, and it blesses them as they are introduced to Christ and discipled in the faith. It blesses the local churches, to be able to do powerful ministry, being able to love in action, gives their proclamation a hearing, even with those who aren’t yet believers.

It blessed me personally. I was humbled by the hospitality I received from those with so little. Invited into people’s ‘homes’ when they didn’t know me. I was humbled by the honour afforded us from local churches and pastors. It was a delight to hear their stories of faithful gospel work, and pray with them. A faithful couple had started a church in a rural village, after leaving Hinduism for Christ. It’s been decades, with small fruit. But God is now bringing a harvest. They baptised 4 families recently & another 4 families are considering it (counting the cost). As a family, we’ve sponsored children through Compassion for some years. It was a good reminder that the letters and contact have an impact – a challenge to actually commit to an area I’ve not been good at.

Ultimately, it was a powerful demonstration of God’s heart at work & His willingness to pour out blessings.

In Him

Mark Smith 
Senior Minister (8am, 10am, 5pm & 7pm)