Couple Meets Sponsor Child and Sees Ministry’s Work First Hand
HOMEWOOD, Ill. – Rod & Kelly Burton recently traveled to Bogota, Columbia to see the work of Compassion International first-hand. The couple, who together work in various aspects of Gospel music, partnered with Compassion International earlier this year.
The couple spent four days in the foreign country – visiting Compassion International projects and spending time with families who are directly affected by the child-advocacy organization. The Burtons saw the wholistic development it offers with spiritual, education, social, and nutritional opportunities. In addition, the couple was blessed to meet their own sponsor child – Jhordan (5 years old), as well as Kelly’s brother’s sponsor child – Anyi (7 years old).
Kelly Burton said, “We hugged, sang, and danced with the children. We were served by them and on one day, served them. We were overwhelmed by the hospitality of the country’s Compassion staff and the organized, efficient, and Christlike work they are doing for thousands of children in areas saturated with poverty and in some cases, crime.â€
The Burtons share the work of Compassion International through their multiple areas of expertise in Gospel music – Rod’s music ministry, Kelly’s writing projects (SGN Scoops Digital), and Branson Gospel Music Revival, an annual event the couple organizes every year.
Kelly continued, “Being part of the work of Compassion and certainly traveling to Colombia has not just changed our life perspective – it has changed the focus of our ministry. I know we are blessed abundantly by living in America, but now we also believe with all our hearts that as Christians, it is our absolute responsibility to help rescue families from the curse of poverty – which often includes a hopelessness that we cannot begin to comprehend. It’s our job to show them the hope of Jesus!â€
“After holding a Compassion child in my arms while singing ‘Jesus Loves Me,’ the words of that song are more real than ever,†mentioned Rod Burton. “Jesus loves us all, and those of us who already have that knowledge need to be His hands here on Earth. With Compassion, we are helping equip those in need to make the journey from hopelessness to blessed hope.”
Friends and family can read more about The Burtons’ experience in Columbia and with Compassion International by visiting Rod’s website at http://www.rodburtonmusic.com .
Fans are encouraged to visit Rod’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/rodburtonmusicinc. Rod’s ShoutLife can be found at http://www.shoutlife.com/rodburtonmusic.
You can find out more about the other works of The Burtons by visiting http://www.bransongmr.com or http://www.sgnscoops.com .
About Rod Burton
Rod Burton is one of Southern Gospel’s favorite soloists. Described by family and friends as an interesting cross between big city businessman and down-home country boy, Rod is winning over fans all across the country. His current single is “Son of Man’s Man†from his critically acclaimed New Hope Productions release The Difference.