Empowering Communities: The Transformative Work of World Vision

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Personal Efforts

Even small, consistent actions can lead to significant change. Mark Grantham's story is a profound example of how personal challenges can be transformed into opportunities to help others. Despite being confined to a wheelchair, Mark dedicated over 30 years to raising funds for World Vision by selling chocolates. His commitment shows that individual efforts, no matter how small they may seem, can accumulate to make a substantial impact on the lives of many. This story encourages us to look beyond our limitations and find ways to contribute positively to the world around us. [38:35]

James 2:14-17 ESV
"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Reflection: What small action can you commit to this week that will make a difference in someone's life?

Day 2: Empowerment Leads to Sustainability

World Vision's approach in places like Sharankola and Luguru focuses on empowering local communities to eventually take charge of their development. This strategy ensures that interventions are not just temporary fixes but are sustainable over the long term, leading to self-sufficiency. By implementing programs for rainwater harvesting, improved sanitation, and child and mother nutrition, World Vision helps communities build the capacity to thrive independently. This model of sustainable development through local empowerment is crucial for creating lasting change. [53:27]

Deuteronomy 15:7-8 ESV
"If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be."

Reflection: How can you support initiatives that focus on empowering others rather than just providing temporary relief?

Day 3: The Far-reaching Impact of Child Sponsorship

Sponsoring a child does more than just meet their immediate needs; it gives them a chance at a better future. Through sponsorship, children receive access to essential services like education and healthcare, which can break the cycle of poverty. This approach not only addresses the immediate needs of children but also fosters their long-term development, ensuring they have the opportunities needed to succeed. Child sponsorship is a powerful tool in changing lives and is a testament to the importance of investing in the future of young individuals. [01:04:26]

Psalm 82:3-4 ESV
"Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."

Reflection: Consider the impact of sponsoring a child. How might this commitment change both the child's life and your own?

Day 4: Reversing Roles to Empower Children

The Chosen initiative, where children get to pick their sponsors, reverses the traditional sponsorship model and empowers children in a unique way. This innovative approach not only gives children a voice but also places them at the heart of the sponsorship experience. By allowing children to choose, we affirm their dignity and agency, which are crucial for their development and self-esteem. This method fosters a deeper connection between the child and the sponsor, enhancing the effectiveness of the support provided. [01:03:00]

1 Samuel 16:7 ESV
"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'"

Reflection: How can you apply the principle of empowering others to make choices in your interactions and support efforts?

Day 5: Comprehensive Programs for Community Transformation

World Vision's comprehensive programs address multiple aspects of community life from health and education to economic development. This holistic approach is crucial for creating environments where children and families can thrive. By tackling various facets of community life, these programs ensure that the improvements are sustainable and that the community can continue to develop independently after World Vision steps back. This model of community transformation through comprehensive programs exemplifies the effectiveness of addressing all areas of need simultaneously. [56:24]

Micah 6:8 ESV
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: What are some ways you can contribute to a comprehensive approach in solving community issues, ensuring that multiple needs are addressed?

Sermon Summary

Good morning, everyone. It's a privilege to be here today, sharing about the transformative work of World Vision and the profound impact it has on communities around the world. As I reflect on my journey with World Vision, it began over 25 years ago when my band and I decided to sponsor a child. This decision marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

Today, I want to focus on the incredible work being done in Sharankola, Bangladesh, and Luguru, Tanzania. These areas face severe challenges such as poverty, limited access to clean water, and lack of educational opportunities. In Sharankola, nearly half of the population lives in slums, and the majority of children are forced into labor to support their families. The situation in Luguru is similarly dire, with many children like Kija, who I met during my visit, having to drop out of school to care for their siblings after their mother passed away.

World Vision's initiatives in these regions are truly life-changing. In Sharankola, they are implementing programs for rainwater harvesting, improved sanitation, and child and mother nutrition, among others. These efforts are aimed at providing sustainable solutions that empower communities to eventually stand on their own. The goal is for World Vision to step back after a decade, leaving a self-sufficient community.

In Luguru, the transformation over the years has been remarkable. From the early phases of development to a community now poised to thrive independently, the progress is a testament to the effectiveness of World Vision's model. This model not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term development through education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

As we consider our role in this mission, it's important to remember that our contributions, whether big or small, make a significant difference. The story of my brother-in-law, Mark, who despite his own challenges has dedicated over 30 years to raising funds for World Vision, is a powerful example of how one person's efforts can impact many lives.

I encourage each of you to consider how you might support this cause. Whether through child sponsorship or other means, your involvement can help unlock the potential of these communities. As we close, let's stand together and sing a blessing over the children of Sharankola, carrying them in our hearts and committing to be part of their journey toward a brighter future.

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Key Takeaways

1. sufficiency. [53:27]
3. The Importance of Child Sponsorship
Sponsoring a child does more than just meet their immediate needs; it gives them a chance at a better future. Through sponsorship, children receive access to essential services like education and healthcare, which can break the cycle of poverty.

4. Innovation in Sponsorship: Chosen Initiative
The Chosen initiative, where children get to pick their sponsors, reverses the traditional sponsorship model and empowers children in a unique way. This approach not only gives them a voice but also places them at the heart of the sponsorship experience.

5. Community Transformation through Comprehensive Programs
World Vision's comprehensive programs address multiple aspects of community life from health and education to economic development. This holistic approach is crucial for creating environments where children and families can thrive.

### [53:27]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[32:44] - Introduction and Personal Background
[35:48] - Early Involvement with World Vision
[38:35] - Mark Grantham's Inspiring Story
[42:43] - Global Challenges and Personal Reflections
[47:03] - Visit to Luguru and Meeting Kija
[50:29] - Challenges in Bangladesh
[53:27] - World Vision's Impact in Sharankola
[56:24] - Results and Effectiveness of World Vision's Model
[63:00] - Chosen Initiative Explained
[64:26] - Call to Action: Sponsorship Appeal
[66:53] - Closing Remarks and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV) — > "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"

2. Matthew 6:10 (NIV)
> "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

Observation Questions

What specific challenges do the communities in Sharankola, Bangladesh, and Luguru, Tanzania face? [50:29]
How does World Vision aim to create sustainable development in the communities they serve? [53:27]
What is the Chosen initiative, and how does it differ from traditional child sponsorship models? [01:03:00]
What impact did Mark Grantham's dedication have on the children he sponsored through World Vision? [38:35]

Interpretation Questions

How does the passage from Matthew 25:35-40 relate to the work being done by World Vision in Sharankola and Luguru? [45:41]
In what ways does the concept of "Your kingdom come, your will be done" (Matthew 6:10) manifest in the efforts of World Vision? [44:09]
What does the story of Mark Grantham teach us about the power of individual contributions, even in the face of personal challenges? [38:35]
How does the Chosen initiative empower children and change the traditional dynamics of sponsorship? [01:03:00]

Application Questions

Reflecting on Matthew 25:35-40, how can you personally contribute to meeting the needs of "the least of these" in your community or globally? [45:41]
The sermon mentioned the transformative impact of small, consistent actions. What small action can you commit to this week to help those less fortunate? [38:35]
How can you support sustainable development in impoverished communities, either through organizations like World Vision or other means? [53:27]
The Chosen initiative allows children to pick their sponsors. How does this approach challenge your perspective on giving and receiving? [01:03:00]
Mark Grantham's story is one of overcoming personal challenges to help others. What personal challenges do you face, and how can you turn them into opportunities to serve others? [38:35]
The sermon highlighted the importance of child sponsorship. Have you ever considered sponsoring a child? If so, what steps can you take to start this journey? [01:04:26]
How can you raise awareness about the issues faced by communities like Sharankola and Luguru within your own social circles? [50:29]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Change will come if my brothers can get an education to get simple jobs and get some employment. And yeah, I was just explaining in the video that I'm so glad that World Vision are here in Luguru. One day I hope to be able to feed my entire family." [48:47]( | | )

2. "I don't know about you, but I often get quite overwhelmed skimming through the news and looking at what's going on around the world. You know, there are just so many examples of famine, disease, war, all sorts of tough things going on. And a lot of it, it just seems such a shame that it's human caused, you know, we're these intelligent beings. And for some reason, we've got this incredible capacity to like really create hardship and pain and suffering for ourselves." [42:43]( | | )

3. "I think if you can afford it, I think go for it. You will never regret it. I have, like I said, been sponsoring, we had three children that we sponsor. We've been doing it for years now and I've never regreted the money that I've given because I've seen firsthand, I'm lucky, I've seen firsthand how effective World Vision is and what a difference it makes." [01:04:26]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "Some of the plans that World Vision have for this area, that are just so critical and so important, to sort of eliminate this problem through water, which is just such a big part of, you know, people staying healthy, is rainwater harvesting is one of the big things that they want to tackle. Getting clean, non-contaminated water to everybody." [53:27]( | | )

2. "The World Vision model is so cool and it really works. Some of the results that, on average, World Vision achieve in a year, the first slide here says 91% of severely malnourished children make a full recovery. So it's effective, you know. What World Vision do works. You know, these kids are now alive and they have a hope and a future." [56:24]( | | )

3. "Instead of us, you know, hashtag blessed people getting to do the traditional model and choose a child we think looks cute or might fit the bill, as far as we're concerned, the idea of chosen is about stepping back and going, yeah, okay. I'm going to humble myself. I'm going to submit myself to this process and allow a child in Sharon caller to choose me, which yeah, automatically puts things in the right perspective." [01:03:00]( | | )

4. "But the thing I just want to draw your attention to is because, you know, that mention of overwhelm, you know, is such a big thing and it does feel a little bit hopeless at times. But he did say, truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. And I think it's important to remember individually, we can't, like, solve the world's problems, you know, and thinking that way is just a dead end." [45:41]( | | )

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