Every time I see his picture, this big goofy grin stretches across my face. I can’t explain it. It’s like he’s so cute I can’t even handle it. But that’s not why I love him. Our interests aren’t totally the same- he’s more of a math kid while I prefer the language arts. But we both do like art- and soccer.
I’m not quite sure how he feels about me, but I’d venture to say he likes me a lot too. We don’t talk all the time, but I know our bond is legit. And despite the fact that our only communication occurs through written letters, I believe we’re quite the pair- a great match. A match literally made in heaven.
So just who is this guy? His name is Peerapong, and he is my sponsor child through the organization Compassion International. Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. Founded by the Rev. Everett Swanson in 1952, Compassion began providing Korean War orphans with food, shelter, education and health care, as well as Christian training. Today, Compassion helps more than 1 million children in 26 countries.
My Peerapong, who lives in a mountainous community in Thailand, is one of these million. He lives with his father and mother, who are sometimes employed as farmers. The oldest of 3 children, Peerapong is responsible for running errands and cleaning. My sponsorship allows the workers of the church child development center in Peerapong’s village to provide sponsored children with Christian education, Sunday school summer camp, health care and hygiene activities, health checkups, drug education, community service activities, tutoring, vocational training and writing and reading skills classes. Parents of sponsored children are provided with care and resources as well. Above all things, my sponsorship signifies to Peerapong that he matters. He’s not just one of millions, he’s one in a million to me.
He is a precious gift from the Lord, a reminder of how much Christ loves me. Although my love for Peerapong is an imperfect reflection of God’s love for me, I want to love him like Christ loves me. I liken him to my child; I want to be a better person for him. I want to fight against the lies I so often believe about myself, knowing that if I bow to these lies that say I’m worthless of disposable, how much more does a child living right above the poverty line believe them? I never want Peerapong to believe those lies. I want him to know that he matters- he matters to me! And even greater than the American girl who sends him letters and pictures and trinkets, he matters to the God who created the universe. The God who created the universe is crazy about him! The God of the universe loves him unconditionally and has great plans for his future.
For almost a year and a half now, I have had the special privilege of being a part of Peerapong's life through my sponsorship with Compassion International. I look forward to many more years of friendship, many more letters and drawings and pictures, and to witnessing this child grow and mature as both a person and fellow believer of Jesus Christ.
I extend the invitation to you friends; find your Peerapong today.
Please visit www.compassion.com to find out how you can play a role in releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
Here he is, the little man that captured my heart and pocketbook. I picked him because he looked grumpy and needed lots of love. I doubt he's really grumpy. But I hope he's turned that frown upside down!
