how to share compassion with your church · 6. explain how compassion’s sponsorship programme...

HOW TO SHARE COMPASSION WITH YOUR CHURCH

FOR CHILDRENLIVING INPOVERTY

IT BEGINS WITH YOU

Thank you for being willing to speak up for children in poverty. By sharing Compassion with others, you are helping to change the world, one child at a time.

This guide contains easy steps to help you plan how you are going to share Compassion with others. As you begin your preparations, we encourage you to think big as God takes your step of faith and uses it to transform lives.

Don’t forget that we are here to help. We would love to hear from you if you have any questions.

If you have any questions about your presentation,

please call us on 01 287 2618 or email [email protected].

2 www.compassion.ie

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To encourage others to sponsor a child, you can share your Compassion sponsorship story and the work of Compassion in many di�erent ways:

A presentation at your church (see page 4)

By sharing with your small group (see page 14)

By telling a friend

By sharing our blog, films and posts via social media

Compassion Ireland

@CompassionIRE

Compassion Ireland

IT BEGINS WITH YOU

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WHY PRESENT COMPASSION?Giving a short presentation on behalf of children living in poverty is a small step that can bring about big changes. As you speak, your voice has the power to release children from a lifetime of hardship.

Presenting Compassion will help you and your church:

Respond to the Bible’s call to help those in need

Focus on the millions of children trapped in poverty

Inspire new sponsors

Engage with issues of poverty practically and creatively

Deepen prayer, worship and ministry

Spark a new sense of mission

Most of all, by encouraging Christians to pray and take action in this way, you’ll be giving children the chance to escape desperate poverty and look forward to a better future.

This booklet leads you step-by-step in how to plan a successful presentation, especially if you are doing this for the first time. There is also a handy section at the back for you to write your own notes while preparing.

SHARING ABOUT COMPASSION IS EASY

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SHARING WITH OTHERS IS EASY The following steps will help to make your Compassion presentation a significant event in the life of your church — and in the lives of the children who will benefit as a result.

REVIEW THE INFORMATION AND PRAY

Before going any further, it’s a good idea to read through these steps and view the Compassion �lms on our website www.compassion.ie/volunteer-resources

Think through what the best presentation format would be for your church. Our experience over the years suggests that combining an oral presentation with a film and Compassion table is highly e�ective. Then commit your planning and preparations to God in prayer.

SPEAK TO YOUR CHURCH LEADER

Now you are ready to meet with your church leader as you’ll need their permission to host a Compassion presentation. Share your passion for serving the poor and answer any questions they may have. If your church leader is not already familiar with Compassion, our key distinctives for ministry can be found online at www.compassion.ie/what-we-do.

The support of your church leadership will substantially increase the impact of your event. Ask if they would be willing to link your presentation with other activities in your church. Mention other ideas that could be featured in the service, including film clips, a PowerPoint presentation and notices in your church newsletter.

If your church leadership gives the go ahead, agree on the date for your Compassion presentation and thank them for giving you their support.


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SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT YOUR PRESENTATION

Let people in your church know about your presentation – get them excited about it!

Tips for spreading the word:

Arrange for announcements to be made in services leading up to your scheduled event.

Print notices in your church bulletin or newsletter.

Put a Compassion poster up in your church.

Post about your presentation on Facebook, Twitter or any other social networks you belong to. If your church has a page on a social network site, also consider placing an announcement there.

Word of mouth always works well so try to invite people personally when possible.

PREPARE

As you make your initial preparations, think about involving others in your church to help plan, organise and support your presentation.

Do you know of other sponsors in your church? Is there a missions coordinator who might assist in some way?

Tips for preparing:

Plan in advance to have a table set up. If you have a large church, you may need more than one.

On the day of your event, it helps to place Compassion leaflets on every seat.

Before the event, take a look at any Child Profiles you may have so you can answer questions about how to fill them out. This is also a good opportunity to pray for each of the children who are awaiting sponsorship.

Make sure any audio-visual equipment you need is available at your church and check to make sure it is working properly on the day of your presentation.

Meet with those who will be helping you before the service and ask God to bless your e�orts. Relax in the knowledge that you are simply sharing from your own experience about a life-changing ministry.

Ask God to prompt people to become sponsors and pray that He will use your presentation to help the world’s poorest children.


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ORDERING CHILD PROFILES

CHILD PROFILES Child Profiles contain photographs and information of children waiting for sponsorship. If you don’t already have some, we highly recommend ordering a quantity for your event. Each profile has a sponsorship form attached that can be collected on the day and posted back to Compassion.

ORDERING ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

T-SHIRT Wearing a Compassion t-shirt is a great way to be recognised on the day of your presentation.

COMPASSION LEAFLETS These leaflets contain information about Compassion and how sponsorship works. Use these if someone has a question about Compassion. They are also useful if you run out of child profiles as each one contains a sponsorship form.

POSTER With the permission of your church leadership, put your poster up at church a few weeks before your presentation. If possible, display it in a busy area.

RETURN ENVELOPE Use this envelope to send the completed sponsorship forms, along with any cheques you may receive, back to Compassion.

* Our resources sometimes change, the above images are a guide representation.

For more information or to order resources, please call 01 287 2618 or email [email protected].


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YOUR PRESENTATION

Your Compassion presentation can be short or the focus of an entire service — it’s up to you and your church leadership.

You can either share your own Compassion sponsorship story from the heart or use our presentation guide below to help you.

1. Give an introduction Sample introduction: Hi, my name is _____. It’s great to be with you today to share a little about the work of Compassion and how we, as a group of believers, can release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.

2. Share Bible verses on poverty The word of God says [include a verse of two that you would like to share - we’ve listed some ideas below].

3. Share some poverty facts to highlight the need Millions of people in the world are a�ected by poverty and children are especially vulnerable [include a few poverty facts in your presentation - we’ve listed some ideas below].

4. Play a film of your choice I would like to show you a short film that demonstrates the incredible di�erence that we can make in the lives of children by sponsoring through Compassion.

5. Share your personal sponsorship story Tell others why you decided to sponsor, show a photograph of your sponsored child and read a letter from your child if you would like to.

6. Explain how Compassion’s sponsorship programme works Compassion sponsorship helps children in every aspect of their development.

Compassion works in partnership with local churches who identify children with the greatest need.

At Compassion projects, children are known, loved and protected. They are encouraged to develop according to their individual talents.

Most importantly, each child is given the opportunity to develop a life-long relationship with God.


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BIBLE VERSES

Here are some key verses to draw on for your presentation.

“ Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” LUKE 18:16 ( NIV)

“ He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; he will crush the oppressor.” PSALM 72:4 ( NIV)

“ Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has not my soul grieved for the poor?” JOB 30:25 ( NIV)

“ Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” JAMES 1:27 ( NIV)

“ Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.” PSALM 82:3 ( NIV)

Each child sponsored through Compassion has just one sponsor. Through prayers, letters and words of encouragement, each sponsor plays a vital role in building the confidence of their sponsored child and affirming their worth in Christ.

7. Give an invitation to sponsor a child Sample invitation: Today, I want to invite you to sponsor a child. This is an opportunity to change a life through your financial support, prayers, letters and encouragement. After the service, please come and speak to me to begin your sponsorship journey today. [Share any final thoughts as God leads you.] I look forward to seeing you after the service. Thank you.


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POVERTY FACTS

Here are some useful facts to include in your presentation. Choose one or two from the following list to add to the points you are making.

Remember that speaking from your heart about sponsoring a child is always the most dynamic and e�ective way of sharing the issues surrounding child poverty.

• One third of the world’s children live in extreme poverty.

A child dies from hunger every �ve seconds.•

• One in every six children aged between five and 14 years of age is involved in child labour.

• Every day, 1,600 women and more than 10,000 newborns die globally due to preventable childbirth complications.

• More than ten million children under the age of five die each year. Two thirds of these deaths — more than six million — are preventable.

• Approximately 15 million children under the age of 18 have lost one or both parents to AIDS.

For additional resources on poverty, injustice and the value God places on children, visit www.compassion.com/children-and-poverty.htm.

SOURCES: www.unicef.org www.one.org www.freeworldacademy.comwww.unep.org www.who.int www.nationmaster.com


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SETTING UP A COMPASSION TABLE

If you have any child profiles, it’s important to have a table set up so that you can display them prominently.

Here are some tips for setting up:

Arrange a table in advance Check with your church before the day of your presentation and ask if they have a table that you can use. If not, make sure that you bring one of your own. Larger churches may require more than one.

Location Some churches will have specific areas where they will want you to set up your table. However, if your church gives you permission to set your table up where you choose, busy areas such as the foyer or near the refreshment area are best.

Arrive early It’s a good idea to arrive about an hour before the service to set up your table.

Table cover Arrange to have a clean, dark table cloth or bring one of your own.

Arranging the items on the table The table should be as uncluttered as possible. Only display Child Profiles, leaflets and pens.

Child Profiles The children should be the focal point of your table. Spread the profiles out without overlapping them as it’s best to see each child’s complete photo. Place pens around the table within easy reach.


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2 EASY STEPS TO COMPLETE A SPONSORSHIP FORM

These steps will help you guide a sponsor to complete the sponsorship form, whether from the child profile or the leaflet.

SPONSOR I NFORMATION The sponsorship form should be filled out legibly in capital letters using a ballpoint pen.

Please check that complete addresses are �lled in along with an email and/or phone number.

DIRECT DEBIT FORM If a potential sponsor does not have their bank details with them, please askthem to �ll in all their contact details, ensuring they sign the form too. The Compassion o�ce will contact them by phone within a few days to taketheir bank details.

ADDITIONAL PAYMENT OPTIONS• If a sponsor wishes to pay by a method other than

Direct Debit, simply ensure that they fill out their contact details and note their preferred method of payment at the top of the form.

• within a few days to set up their payment option.The compassion o�ce will contact them by phone

HELPING NEW SPONSORS TO SIGN UP

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IMPORTANT CHECKLIST

Inform the sponsor that the sponsorship begins when the first payment is processed by Compassion. Direct Debits are processed on the 5th of every month and at the moment,

this date cannot be changed due to guidelines set by the Bank. The sponsor may not receive a letter from the child for three to six months.

Don’t leave any completed sponsorship forms unattended. We find it helps to place the completed forms into the return envelope as you receive them.

Before the sponsor leaves your table, please scan their form to make sure nothing

is missing.

Please send all completed forms to our office as soon as possible so that we can process the sponsorships quickly.

TOP TIPS

Greet and engage with people. Smile, be friendly

and as helpful as you can in answering questions.

If you have one, remember to wear your

Compassion t-shirt.

Make sure you have plenty of ballpoint pens available.

Bring a stapler or paper clips to attach cheques

to the appropriate sponsorship forms.

Go to the Compassion table immediately after the service.

You may get a crowd of people at your table needing attention at once. If that happens, it helps to hold up a child profile, speak loudly enough for everyone to hear you, and give instructions about how to fill in the sponsorship form.

Ask those waiting at your table if they have questions, or if they are ready to sponsor. Invite those who are ready to select a child and instruct them how to fill out the sponsorship form.

If someone has a question that you are unable to answer, refer them to

[email protected], give them a Compassion leaflet or ask them to call the Compassion office on 01 5133 719 .

HELPING NEW SPONSORS TO SIGN UP

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SHARING WITH YOUR SMALL GROUP

You can explore God’s word on poverty together and make it the theme of your small group. You can also share how sponsorship made a di�erence to your sponsored child. You’ll �nd a resource online at www.compassion.ie/volun-teer-resources called ‘How to share Compassion with your Small Group’, with ideas for how to run your small group gathering around this theme.


HOW TO SHARE COMPASSION WITH YOUR SMALL GROUP

SPEAK UP FOR CHILDREN LIVING IN POVERTY

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NOW YOU’RE READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Your enthusiasm and passion are your key strengths. Your vision, the support of friends and the knowledge that God is in this with you will make presenting Compassion exciting and rewarding.

Even if you can encourage just one person to sponsor a child, you will have made a huge di�erence to a child’s life, hope and future.

SPEAK UP FOR CHILDREN LIVING IN POVERTY


Compassion Child Sponsorship

changes the world one child at

a time. It may seem a drop in

the ocean, but the ripples are

far reaching. Sponsorship has a

lasting impact on children,

their families, their homes, their

churches and their communities.

COMPASSION IRELAND CHRISTIAN CHILD DEVELOPMENT Suite 3 Eden Gate Centre, Delgany, Co. Wicklow. Tel: 01 5133 719 | Direct: 01 287 2618 Email: [email protected] | www.compassion.ie Registered Charity No. CHY19426 Registered in Ireland No. 493955

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