A Christmas Gift for my Children.

This year I was adamant that I was not going to buy any more toys for my kids for Christmas. They will get toys from their aunts and uncles anyway so I didn't see a point in wasting money on something that they won't appreciate. I have always wanted to get them something that would be really meaningful to them. We always tell them how lucky they are to live in a country like Australia. They don't understand but I think their gift this year will open their minds and hearts. This year we sponsored a child!

I was walking in the shopping mall and was approached by a lady who worked for Child Fund Australia. I remember feeling a bit strange as I dislike being confronted by sales people but I knew I had to listen and I knew I couldn't say No. I knew what she was going to say as she held up the water bottle filled with dirty muddy water. I knew there were children who were dying from something as simple as not having drinking water and access to basic health care. In the back of my mind I tried not to cry as she went on about success stories etc. Wierd, I know but I knew I was going to be a part of something life changing, not only for my sponsor child but for myself; for my children.

So there we were, with my youngest daughter waiting patiently sprawled out on the floor of the shopping centre I signed up and in two weeks we will recieve news of a child that would be a part of our lives. I know hubby is a bit of a skeptic as some organisations do not use all their funds directly in aid to the families in need but he was fine with it. It is not up to us to judge what actually happens with our money. Jesus knows everything, you know. We are all accountable to Jesus.

I am confident that Child Fund Australia will use my money wisely. They use to be Childrens Christian Fund and before that China's Children Fund. ChildFund Australia is a member of the Australia Council for International Development (ACFID) and a signatory to the ACFID Code of Conduct. The Code requires members to meet high standards of corporate governance, public accountability and financial management. As evidence of this accountability, ChildFund Australia is accredited by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) to receive government grants. This accounts for around 10 per cent of ChildFund Australia's revenue.

So, if you are looking for a special gift this year then I suggest you sponsor a child. It will be the single most important and best decision you have made in your life.