Child Survival Project

Last week, we had the honor of visiting one of Compassion's Child Survival Projects. This was probably the most emotional day for me. Based out of a small church run by the Salvation Army, this project is reaching way out into their community. Their focus is children under the age of 3 and their mothers. I don't think the sanctury can hold 100 people, but they have like 75 women and children in their care (Not to mention the 50 or so kids in the Compassion project behind the church.)

They help the mothers with pre-natal care, well-baby checkups and everything they need during the early years. They also keep records of growth and development, giving these children the best start they can. In addition to the physical care, they also work to educate the mothers. They are impacting an entire generation in this community.

They introduced us to 2 of the 3 ladies that are the backbone of this ministry. They are the ones that travel from house to house, by whatever means possible, to build relationships and love on these women and children. It is great to talk about the programs, successes and all the numbers, but this is where the blood, sweat and tears are. The one-on-one interactions with the young women in this community are where it all happens.

While listening to all this, I was reminded of the Pregnancy Support Center back home. It is a great organization with lots of terrific programs, but it is in the counseling room and classroom where the rubber meets the road. It is in these trenches that the battle is won or lost.

To build on this thought, isn't this true for our churches too? We can have fancy buildings, rockin bands and mind-bending sermons, but in the end this is not what matters. Because church is really not about buildings and stuff. The church is really about me and you, representing Christ and penetrating our world. And it is in our relationships that God must be proclaimed.