Carol* is an attorney working in the federal court system.  A long-time supporter of WWCS with a heart for India, she recently corresponded with us about why she feels compelled to help others, and how she does it.  These were her answers to our questions.

WWCS: What (or who) inspires you to give?

C: Scripture, which teaches sacrificial giving, and a desire to share life’s bounties with less fortunate people.  It is only fair to do so.  Certain heroes of mine, including Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Archbishop Oscar Romero, who gave their lives for oppressed people, have also inspired me.  Frederick Beuchner said, “The life you clutch, hoard, guard, and play safe with is in the end a life worth little to anybody, including yourself, and only a life given away for love’s sake is a life worth living.”

WWCS: Do you have a particular region or population you are passionate about? Why?

C: I am deeply passionate about the plight of poor women and children because they often are the most vulnerable members of a society, and statistics indicate that they are disproportionately poor among the world’s population. I wish that I could do more to help them.

WWCS: You are a long-time supporter of WWCS. Why have you chosen this particular ministry?

C: I choose to support WWCS because it makes the Good News of the Gospel available to people without forcing it on them.  WWCS works with, through, and for people regardless of race, faith, denomination, or age, and provides education to children who might not otherwise have access to schooling. The education is a tool for jobs, which in turn provide income for basic necessities.  WWCS directly or indirectly protects, nourishes, and sustains children physically, emotionally, and spiritually. For example, in India, WWCS provides lunch money for poor children, many of whom have an alcoholic parent.

WWCS: How is it that generosity has remained so important to you in these hard economic times?

C: I have been blessed immeasurably with a job that permits me to continue giving even in difficult economic times. Beyond that, the needs of the poor are greater now than ever. There is an ongoing global food crisis due to drought and natural disasters, changes in the global economy, and the use of crops for bio-fuels. Education gives people the tools needed to break the cycle of poverty.

WWCS: What would you say to someone who thinks they have nothing to contribute?

C: Read Scripture (especially the Gospels) and walk with the poor. Educate yourself about the causes of poverty and the issues facing indigenous populations; serve in a soup kitchen; build a school through WWCS or construct a house for the homeless; go on a mission trip or minister to those in your own community; and, above all, pray for the poor, for the people and organizations who serve them, for people in positions of authority here and in other countries, for permanent solutions to poverty, and for increased sensitivity to those in need.

*At her request, this supporter’s real name was not used in the published interview.  She wishes to remain anonymous.

Do you feel compelled to give?  Tell us why by commenting on this post.

Well, we’re back in Kolkata for a quick break before heading on to the next school - a chance to recharge our batteries, both literally and figuratively.

Having shot over 1300 images in 24 hours, you’d think I’d feel exhausted.  I haven’t felt this alive in a long time.  I’m sleeping less - waking at 3 am each day, feeling as if I could take on the world (but unfortunately am stuck in a train and can’t even take on the next car).

We took a train 16 hours from Kalkata to Kesinga, in Orissa, to visit New Life Orphanage and School.  What I experienced there was one of the sweetest times of my life…..

As we drove up to the orphanage, these 75 children stood in line, all dressed up to present us with a welcome to their home.  75 Beautiful faces.  75 apprehensive smiles.  75 little hearts.  All in a row.

How do I even put in to words what these children have done to my heart??

“Sister, sister!” I heard over and over as they asked for another “snap” and to see the picture I took.

I got to hug, cuddle, tease and play.  I got to dance (Indian style, and apparently I’m pretty good at it).  I learned how to pop leaves in my hand, and saw that children who have no toys can turn their flip flops in to a game.

What I didn’t see was an orphanage lacking in love or hope.  These children are being lovingly raised by a family & staff who have dedicated their lives to serving others, and are being cared for and supported by prayer & donations.

These children praise God in ways I have never heard or experienced.  They may not know the love of their earthly father, but they do know God’s love, and you can see it on every one of their faces.

Of course I wanted to pack one up (ok, maybe two or three) and bring them home with me….but I also know that I didn’t leave them in a place lacking in love, grace, truth, and hope.

To learn more about new life, you can visit our website: http://us.wwcs.org/slumschools/slumschools_newlife.html

- Lynell Shooks, Staff Photographer for Student Sponsorship