World Vision Effort in Vietnam
I shall start with a huge thank you to the World Vision staff of both Singapore & Vietnam. Without them, this eye-opening trip would not have been made possible. Your tireless dedication has moved my heart, to the point of tears, yes. You could easily have gone on to do something 'easier' that brings in bigger salaries. But you chose to make a real impact in the lives and hearts of the poor, helping them to tackle the problems they face and to move on to a brighter future. I dare not say that I have a heart for the poor, because there is nothing I have done, close to what you all have done.
To the WV folks in Vietnam, thank you for dedicating your time and effort to helping your own countrymen. It must pain your heart to witness the plight of your own people, but few actually get their hands dirty and walk with them shoulder-to-shoulder. Even when you are not Christians, you have such a big and kind heart, how much more we as Christians when we are bounded by the love of Jesus. I feel ashamed of myself that I have not acceded to the tugs in my heart when I see and hear the cries of the poor.
To the WV folks in Singapore, you have also poured so much of your time into helping those across the globe, and at the same time, trying to impress those nearby to see the world through your eyes. For those who have just joined, I am so proud that there are still young people who care and that we have not become a selfish generation of youths who turn a deaf ear to those in need and seek only to satisfy our own desires.
What I saw in Vietnam was a clear reminder of Lesotho. No matter how little they had, they always made do, were content, but at the same time searched for a better tomorrow. The poor gave what they had to the poorer. It was hard for me to grasp the truth that disparity existed on such a wide scale. My $2 donation pales in comparison to how they help each other. I give out of much; they give out of little. Indeed, it is not what we give, or how much we give, but the value and worth of that sacrifice.
I started volunteering with World Vision in Y2K. At that time, I viewed each receipt I folded and a stamp stuck on the envelope as 'a child is being sponsored'; someone is receiving help to a brighter tomorrow, a better life. Then I went on to sponsor a child, and I felt happy to be able to help someone. When I went to Lesotho, it warmed my heart that the kids treasure our letters and postal gifts. I began writing to my child, and was happy to hear their thoughts, hopes, aspirations, and dreams. Lesotho showed me that they were in genuine need of road infrastructure, piping systems for clean water, and shoes for the kids. They followed us on foot while we rode in jeeps! But I could never see beyond the words of World Vision when they listed their needs, "irrigation, skills, sanitation, clean water, hygiene, medical facilities'. What I saw in Tien Lu was exactly what WV had been telling me. They do need clean water and irrigation systems! Phu Cu fully reinforced that statement because I saw a field with a more efficient irrigation system and their yield has now increased from one to two a year! Their needs are absolutely basic and yet they lack even that. How can I ever say that I 'need' something??? The trip showed us more than just needy children; it helped me understand the full-pronged approach WV takes to assist those in need. Everything was exactly as the video clips I had seen and articles I had read. There was nothing more to it; and when that realisation dawned on me, a mix of feelings convulsed on me. I felt sad and determined; heart-broken and hopeful; all at the same time. I knew there were things I had to do when I return. You can't go on a trip like this, see what I saw, and return to your life as it were, like nothing ever happened. I cannot. If I do, I will live in guilt forever, that I did not act, knowing what I have known.
Another thing I was really fascinated with was the way Child Sponsorship happens. This helps me, as a Child Sponsor, to understand the relationship between the ADP and my kid. WV enters and determines the area where help is most needed via some statistics compared against certain standards. Once the area is decided, a team is formed. Here on, they will agree on certain goals and targets to achieve from this project. The Area Development Project now has KPIs which they must meet. Since projects are short-term and end when the goals are met, the KPIs will also mark the time WV must pull-out from that area so they can focus their resources on other areas. Once the KPIs are determined, dollar amounts are tagged to them, and then they determine how many children are required in order to fund this project. Families in the village will opt for their kids to be in the programme. Info on these kids are then sent to the country of funding, in this case, SG. The SG team will then set out to source for sponsors for each child, setting up this personal relationship between the two. So the children I am sponsoring, the $ I give to WV SG is helping their village build roads, irrigation systems, microloan boosts, and so much more! Finally, I could understand the direct link between child sponsorship, and World Vision's mission!
If anything, the trip has been nothing but life-changing. It has got me thinking about my own life. What have I done in the last 28 years? Did I make a difference in someone's life? I was always with children, playing, managing, handling, teaching, guiding, mentoring them, and then I left what my heart loved to do. I loved God fiercely with all my heart, reaching out to him each time, when I was weak, and then I walked away from my Saviour. My dream was, that I would one day travel around the world and give gifts to children, and see that sparkle of joy in their eye when they would laugh and chuckle as they felt comfortable with me. I felt that when I was in Vietnam. Those who looked away shyly, those who sat on my lap, those who climbed on me, those who played with me, those who laughed with me. No one, and more so, no child should be subject to what I saw. They are too innocent and pure to be dealt such hardships. And my fuel was Jesus's love for me, and I am miles away from that. Returning seems to be just as difficult as moving forward, but I know this is a consequence I have to bear for the wrong I have done, and I only wish I had the courage to try, to turn around, and walk back to my loving Father.
In the multitude of people I saw, no two were ever alike. Each are special, and have a unique purpose in this life.
And these are the WV staff, both SG & VN.
Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.
To the WV folks in Vietnam, thank you for dedicating your time and effort to helping your own countrymen. It must pain your heart to witness the plight of your own people, but few actually get their hands dirty and walk with them shoulder-to-shoulder. Even when you are not Christians, you have such a big and kind heart, how much more we as Christians when we are bounded by the love of Jesus. I feel ashamed of myself that I have not acceded to the tugs in my heart when I see and hear the cries of the poor.
To the WV folks in Singapore, you have also poured so much of your time into helping those across the globe, and at the same time, trying to impress those nearby to see the world through your eyes. For those who have just joined, I am so proud that there are still young people who care and that we have not become a selfish generation of youths who turn a deaf ear to those in need and seek only to satisfy our own desires.
What I saw in Vietnam was a clear reminder of Lesotho. No matter how little they had, they always made do, were content, but at the same time searched for a better tomorrow. The poor gave what they had to the poorer. It was hard for me to grasp the truth that disparity existed on such a wide scale. My $2 donation pales in comparison to how they help each other. I give out of much; they give out of little. Indeed, it is not what we give, or how much we give, but the value and worth of that sacrifice.
I started volunteering with World Vision in Y2K. At that time, I viewed each receipt I folded and a stamp stuck on the envelope as 'a child is being sponsored'; someone is receiving help to a brighter tomorrow, a better life. Then I went on to sponsor a child, and I felt happy to be able to help someone. When I went to Lesotho, it warmed my heart that the kids treasure our letters and postal gifts. I began writing to my child, and was happy to hear their thoughts, hopes, aspirations, and dreams. Lesotho showed me that they were in genuine need of road infrastructure, piping systems for clean water, and shoes for the kids. They followed us on foot while we rode in jeeps! But I could never see beyond the words of World Vision when they listed their needs, "irrigation, skills, sanitation, clean water, hygiene, medical facilities'. What I saw in Tien Lu was exactly what WV had been telling me. They do need clean water and irrigation systems! Phu Cu fully reinforced that statement because I saw a field with a more efficient irrigation system and their yield has now increased from one to two a year! Their needs are absolutely basic and yet they lack even that. How can I ever say that I 'need' something??? The trip showed us more than just needy children; it helped me understand the full-pronged approach WV takes to assist those in need. Everything was exactly as the video clips I had seen and articles I had read. There was nothing more to it; and when that realisation dawned on me, a mix of feelings convulsed on me. I felt sad and determined; heart-broken and hopeful; all at the same time. I knew there were things I had to do when I return. You can't go on a trip like this, see what I saw, and return to your life as it were, like nothing ever happened. I cannot. If I do, I will live in guilt forever, that I did not act, knowing what I have known.
Another thing I was really fascinated with was the way Child Sponsorship happens. This helps me, as a Child Sponsor, to understand the relationship between the ADP and my kid. WV enters and determines the area where help is most needed via some statistics compared against certain standards. Once the area is decided, a team is formed. Here on, they will agree on certain goals and targets to achieve from this project. The Area Development Project now has KPIs which they must meet. Since projects are short-term and end when the goals are met, the KPIs will also mark the time WV must pull-out from that area so they can focus their resources on other areas. Once the KPIs are determined, dollar amounts are tagged to them, and then they determine how many children are required in order to fund this project. Families in the village will opt for their kids to be in the programme. Info on these kids are then sent to the country of funding, in this case, SG. The SG team will then set out to source for sponsors for each child, setting up this personal relationship between the two. So the children I am sponsoring, the $ I give to WV SG is helping their village build roads, irrigation systems, microloan boosts, and so much more! Finally, I could understand the direct link between child sponsorship, and World Vision's mission!
If anything, the trip has been nothing but life-changing. It has got me thinking about my own life. What have I done in the last 28 years? Did I make a difference in someone's life? I was always with children, playing, managing, handling, teaching, guiding, mentoring them, and then I left what my heart loved to do. I loved God fiercely with all my heart, reaching out to him each time, when I was weak, and then I walked away from my Saviour. My dream was, that I would one day travel around the world and give gifts to children, and see that sparkle of joy in their eye when they would laugh and chuckle as they felt comfortable with me. I felt that when I was in Vietnam. Those who looked away shyly, those who sat on my lap, those who climbed on me, those who played with me, those who laughed with me. No one, and more so, no child should be subject to what I saw. They are too innocent and pure to be dealt such hardships. And my fuel was Jesus's love for me, and I am miles away from that. Returning seems to be just as difficult as moving forward, but I know this is a consequence I have to bear for the wrong I have done, and I only wish I had the courage to try, to turn around, and walk back to my loving Father.
In the multitude of people I saw, no two were ever alike. Each are special, and have a unique purpose in this life.
And these are the WV staff, both SG & VN.
Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.