When my agent asked me if I wanted to speak on behalf of Compassion International two years ago, I was intrigued. I’ve always loved their work, and our church has a project in Nicaragua.
But you know how these things go – we had a couple of conversations, but it never really went anywhere. Yes, we sponsored a child, but I didn’t really have a story that was compelling for audiences about Compassion and the idea of supporting kids.
About six months ago, I hired a new booking agent, Julie. Julie has a huge heart, is super talented, and oh – she used to work for Compassion with their Artist Program (working with speakers and musicians.)
So I told Julie about my desire to work with Compassion – and she set up the call. The call that changed it all…
When we talked with Nate with Compassion, he said yes, we’d love for you to speak on behalf of Compassion. Then he asked, “Do you already have a Compassion child?” When I told him that yes, we sponsored Roger in Nicaragua, Nate suddenly got very quiet. Finally he asked, “What are you doing November third through seventh?”
Ummmm…
That’s when Nate invited me to go to Nicaragua to meet Roger and see the work that Compassion was doing there. Then Nate asked, “Do you want to go?”
And my first thought was “Um – NO!”
I’m not ready.
I need to speak Spanish first.
I need to lose more weight first.
I need to be in better shape.
I need to write more letters to Roger.
I’m not ready.
But good thing I didn’t say that out loud.
What I did say was, “Let me talk to my husband and pray about it.”
In other words, I did the Jesus-y stall tactic.
As much as I feared going. (“What if I held other people back? What if I got sick from bug bites like in Japan and had to be hospitalized again? What if…”) What I realized I feared more was not going.
Not doing what so clearly felt like a divine God-only opportunity.
Not doing what I knew I wanted to do, but feared.
So we said yes.
My Roger (my husband) is also going. We are taking the typhoid meds, we are learning very bad Spanish, and we are shopping for shoes and T-shirts for little Roger, who we get to meet in just over a week.
Fear almost kept me from the God-adventure of a lifetime. But I refuse to let fear have a foothold in my life. Fear is the one thing that will keep me from saying yes to God. I want fear to have no room to get comfortable in my life.
Wow! That’s so awesome, Kathi! I’d have gone down that exact same list too. I don’t want fear to hold me back either. Hugs!
Kathi– If by chance you are going to León you are in for a treat. I volunteer with http://www.doceiglesias.com. Three of our 12 churches have Compassion schools. Amazing work! I got to see them for the first time in September, looking forward to going back in December!
Beth – we did get to go the Leon and it was amazing. I’m going to check out the link you posted. I’m so glad that they have Compassion schools – the work that compassion does in these kid’s lives is simply amazing!
How very exciting!! What an amazing opportunity you will have with your husband as you see first hand how Compassion and the local churches are making a big difference for children and their families. Looking forward to hearing more about your trip!
Yay! I have been following the Compassion bloggers trip for awhile now. I can’t wait to hear how it goes. We’ll be praying for you!
Praying for all aspects of this trip. How wonderful you and your husband can both go and share the experience. Peace be with you. Courage be with you as you experience and write and with us even as we read and respond.
Kathi,
Love this since I would probably feel the same thing. My sister and her husband are in Nicaragua right now with a group called CEPAD (Christian Evangeilcal/Protestant) for a week finding they can do do help the people, etc. She has been leary of this trip so I’m looking forward to hearing about yours.
Bravo for you that you didn’t let fear keep you from God’s best in your life!
I’m proud of you and Roger (husband) for taking God-orchestrated adventure! Praying for you…and can’t wait to hear the stories when you return 🙂
Thank you for sharing this Kathi. Can’t wait to hear stories after the trip. Will continue to pray for God’s blessing, protection and insights for both you and Roger.
Your Ginger friend in ATX 🙂