Moved By Compassion: A Bold Challenge
Kids in Wahpeton, North Dakota, made and sold items in an open-air market to raise funds to help Asia’s little ones.
Enthusiasm to help hungry kids in the Philippines spread throughout the whole church!
Compassion is the engine of Asia’s Little Ones’ outreach and assistance to children and families in need, but prayer is the fuel that powers it. Not everyone can give money, but everyone can pray.
When Dillon and Alyssa Urlacher heard the story of what ALO is doing and the needs the ministry is meeting, they asked themselves, “What are we doing?” They began praying about it, always keeping this question in mind. What would God have them do?
When they learned about one program struggling to raise funds to feed hungry children in the Philippines, it struck a chord. The Urlachers knew that the people in their church, Harvest Outreach Church in Wahpeton, North Dakota—in the heart of farm country—would understand the great need for food.
They set a big goal by starting where they were; the church’s zip code is 58075, so they set a three-month goal of raising $5,807.50—more than they’d typically raise in a year! Although the challenge was specifically geared toward the church’s children, the Urlachers challenged themselves as well as their entire church to help the kids and help this ministry by praying and giving more than ever before.
Moved by compassion and the challenge, the church rose to the occasion. BGMC coordinator Rebekah Christensen was instrumental in spearheading the gift to ALO through BGMC as God moved in hearts church wide. Many people offered ideas for different ways the kids could raise the money pledged. The enthusiasm was infectious!
Before long, adults in the church were volunteering and figuring out ways they could also raise funds for ALO. The efforts culminated in an open-air market where the kids sold many items they had made, including blankets, candy bags, earrings, paintings, bowls, farm-fresh eggs, and fruit.
In just three months, the kids had raised more than $7,000—far exceeding their ambitious goal! And God isn’t finished in Wahpeton. “Praise the Lord!” exclaimed Dillon Urlacher. “God is continuing to move in the hearts of the children and adults.”
Urlacher has a challenge for others moved by compassion for hungry, needy children: “Don’t be afraid to dream big and share that dream with others. Allow God to use you to encourage and motivate those around you. But don’t just challenge your organization; set a personal goal as well.”
God can do more than ever before to help children in need, but He works through us. You’ve seen what ALO is doing to help...what are you doing?
We’d love to hear your story! What moves you to compassion for Asia’s little ones? Include a note with your donation this month, or email us at alo@agmd.org.
Originally featured in ALO Update Vol 30 No 2