07.10.08 1400

Compassion just let me know that for the fiscal year that just ended over 1400 kids were sponsored at my concerts, speaking gigs and through this site (1472, to be exact).  1400 kids who now receive letters of encouragement from sponsors.  1400 kids who are fed, educated, have a safe place to play and lots of friends to play with, and who are being told and shown daily that Jesus loves them and God has a plan mapped out for their life.  And 1400 sponsors who are bringing the kingdom to the developing world and having their own perspective shifted at the same time.

Thanks to Becky for doing life without me for almost half the year, for taking care of our kids so well while I’m out asking people to take care of someone else’s. Thanks to Brian for teaching me how to speak better wen he was my road manager - specifically, how much to speak.  Thanks to Brody for road managing and manning the Compassion table for me for part of this last year - for getting me to the gigs and being quick and kind under pressure with all those sponsors crowding around him with cash and paperwork in hand.  Thanks to Ben for taking up those positions as well as booking me for the last few months - for masterfully covering the details and for asking first how many kids were sponsored and then whether it was a good show.  Thanks to Bush for traveling with me when Ben couldn’t - for the constant sincere words of encouragement.  Thanks to Keely for filling the holes in my schedule when Ben and I can’t - for hearing “no” hundreds of times and still working for the “yes.” Thanks to every promoter, sound guy, church custodian, college chaplain and activities director, caterer, hotel clerk, rental car agent, pilot, and flight attendant who has played their part well.  Thanks to our church and our neighbors for looking after my wife and kids when I was out of town.

And thanks to YOU - the folks who come to shows and bring friends, send digital inspiration to my inbox, link to my blog, pass my name and a hearty recommendation on to friends who book me or come out to see a show.  On behalf of 1472 kids (and that’s just this last year), thank you VERY much.

Because of you all only a handful of artists’ audiences sponsored more children last year (five, actually).  I don’t mention that because this is a contest - it is not - but to put that number in perspective for you. It’s pretty incredible.  I’ve got no record deal, no radio single, no thousands of butts in the seats.  All I have is y’all - a compassionate army doing many small but great things to change the lives of children.  Thank you!  We truly did this together.