The following story illustrates one way that you can demonstrate God's love.
I am very happy because in a far place called Oklahoma lives a person who loves me.
Thus began the letter by six-year-old Ruth, one of the many children in South America living in poverty.
I was sad because my father doesn't think about my needs.
One day Ruth's father left home and never returned. Now Ruth's mother struggled to provide for her two daughters. To make matters worse, Ruth's older sister Lizbe was stricken with epilepsy and needed medical attention.
When I receive your letters, my mother helps me to read them. I am happy for this. My mother smiles to see how I am happy.
Thankfully, God had not forgotten the girls. The church that they attended had teamed up with Compassion International to begin a program to provide for the needs of children like Ruth and Lizbe. But in order for the girls to participate, they needed padrinos (sponsors).
I accept your help. Thank you for your wish of being my sponsor.
One day Ruth's mother received welcomed news. Both of her girls had been sponsored. Not only would the family receive much-needed financial help, but also Lizbe would receive much-needed medical attention. Best of all, the family would hear about God's love and see that love in action.
My mother and my sister greet you. God bless you. I send hugs and kisses to you. God bless you forever.
Several years have passed since that original letter was written. Ruth and Lizbe thrived because of the help that they received from Compassion International's child sponsorship program. Yes, it is necessary to preach the Gospel to people living in poverty, but it is equally necessary to provide the practical help described in the Lord's parable of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25). In 1997 the Wall Street Journal named Compassion International one of the USA's top ten charities because of the ministry's high financial integrity.
In July 1999 Ruth sent another letter to her sponsor:
Hello my loved Dad. I hope your life is bright and that you have the best friendship with the best friend we can have, our good God. I am enjoying the project and learning from God's Word. Please pray that God will bring prosperity to our project as I am not the only one here. There are many other teenagers and children who receive many benefits because of the great help you are giving us. I have to say bye. Remember that I love you and that you are my great support. Your daughter, Ruth.
Not only did Ruth and Lizbe gain the tools that they needed to escape from poverty, they also gave their lives to Jesus as a result of the love that had been demonstrated to them by their sponsors.
Sometimes people claim that child sponsorship is a worthless fraud. Try telling that to Ruth and Lizbe.
Your opportunity to demonstrate God's love