A Compassionate Thanksgiving

I'm sure by now that many of you have been hearing about a child advocacy program called Compassion International. In fact, you can see ads for the organization on this very website, as well as groups like Legacy Five, the Hoppers, Hope's Call, Crystal River and CCM acts like Rebecca St. James, Bebo Norman, and Caedmon's Call also endorsing the program.

Our group, Sunday Edition, became a Compassion International artist last summer. We were unsure exactly how to approach the ministry in our own lives, let alone on the stage. Let's admit it - Southern Gospel music has never been known to sing about overseas missions work, so our catalog wasn't exactly full songs telling people to impact their world outside of the normal church walls. Amy & I had the honor of traveling to Mexico with Compassion last month. Needless to say, it was a life changing experience.

We had actually been booked for a couple of other trips (Nicaragua, Dominican Republic), but those trips ended up not working out, so we got to travel to Mexico with the organization. The great thing about our trip was that it was a very small group. In addition to us, the trip included Journey Records' Zane King, the National Quartet Convention's Clarke Beasley, Tim Lovelace, The Bates Family's Tony Bates, CCM worship artist Vicky Beeching and her friend, a photographer, and our trip guide. All of us grew closer as a group, both also through the time spent together and the emotional bond we now have due to what we experienced together on this trip.

We had the opportunity to visit a couple of programs (or school-like ministries based out of the local church) as well as several home visits of children in the programs. It was a striking reality check of just how fortunate we are here in the United States - just how much we have - and how little they have. My heart broke for the families as I said my own private prayers each night as we went back to our nice hotel rooms and ate our delicious meals just hours after visiting poverty stricken areas in Mexico City (one of the world's largest cities - 24 million to be exact).

Thinking about all that I have this Thanksgiving, I am thankful that God destined to make me one of the "privileged" - even though at times I don't feel like it. I am so honored that God chose to let me lead this life of luxury - so that I can in turn bless families halfway across the world. Our company, Southern Spin Entertainment, sponsors a child, Aldo, from East Indonesia, and I am also seeking out the right child that God would have me sponsor from this organization all on my own.

I am by no means suggesting that you should sponsor a child through Compassion, but if you have any questions - just click on the link at the top of the SGN mainpage and find out more info. I know that you won't be disappointed in the organization, nor in the life that you will get to interact with for the rest of your own life.

This Thanksgiving I am thankful for little Aldo. I am thankful for Compassion International, and believe it or not - I'm even thankful for each and every one of you.

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