Buzz, buzz, buzz. BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.
Seriously? Even though it is only April and I’m still sleeping in flannel pajamas under a stack of blankets, several times a week I am pestered awake by the buzzing of a mosquito (the only insect I know in Chinese, that’s not a good thing, Mister!). Riddle me this, how do I have a mosquito bite on my flannel covered forearm?
Pesky, clever, hungry and annoying.
For me, that’s the main problem I have with mosquitoes and yes, annoying is … annoying.
For others, the list describing mosquitoes would start with deadly. Whoa! There is a world of difference between annoying and dangerous. Why deadly? Mosquitoes are the primary way malaria is spread (a mis-named disease as it isn’t the air that’s bad).
Malaria is preventable and treatable, but it kills 655,000 children per year. I can’t wrap my head around 655,000 kids. But I can picture James, Emily, Nathan, Katy, Katie, Kate, Anna, Aaron, Nate, Tommy, Chloe, Gabe, and Isabel. And you’ve got kids you can picture too.
April 25 is World Malaria Day.
The world has problems, big problems, and seems to keep throwing them in our faces. Well, I’m throwing something back. Compassion International started a Malaria Intervention fund.
Donations to this fund:
- provide households at risk with treated mosquito nets
- educate family members on malaria prevention
- treat children suffering from malaria, chagas disease and dengue fever
This fund was established by Compassion because it is one of the many ways to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. A simple mosquito net is all it takes to dramatically reduce the spread of malaria in Africa, Asia and South America.
Ten dollars.
One net.
Life saved.
As Compassion said, “A healthy child can go to school. A healthy child can learn and play and develop. A healthy child can walk to the nearby church and hear the message of Christ.”
Back to all those kids. Kind of overwhelming, isn’t it? Let’s bring it down to something tangible.
- When you hear the buzzing of a mosquito, pray against the spread of malaria.
- Leave a comment as a demonstration that you can’t turn a blind eye to kids dying (it can be something as simple as “I read this”). On Sunday night, China time, I’ll draw one person’s name and make a donation in your name to the Malaria Intervention fund.
- Share this message — tweet, repost on Facebook, email it, pin on Pinterest, or some other way of sharing. If you share (and tell me) you get entered TWICE in the drawing.
- And you can buy a net too.
James, Emily, Nathan, Katy, Katie, Kate, Anna, Aaron, Nate, Tommy, Chloe Gabe, and Isabel — I love you and would do all that I could for you if you were sick. This is a small thing I can do in your name. With love, Aunt Amy
I saw a mosquito in my boys’ room as I was reading to Basil tonight. I was annoyed at the prospect of bites in the morning. I was not scared for their lives. Thanks for posting this. I reposted it. I made a donation. If you draw my name, please make the donation in the name of one of my sons.
Kim, thanks for being a woman of action! I felt the same way … I’ve never been scared because of a bite. This information was a good reality check for me.
Thought of Anthony, Aleks, Hannah, Isaac, and Abby. Donated. :) Reposted. :)
Donated 2 nets.
Having been in Africa, Egypt and South America in the past year, I have seen the effects of tiny mosquito bites on the lives of young children! I too had previously found mosquitos annoying pests. Now that I have had several rounds of anti-malaria medication, I have been focused on making people aware of how much impact a small contribution can make! It doesn’t take much thought or effort to swat a mosquito buzzing around me – but I have decided to send a donation for every purchase I make of a repellant product – including all of those outdoor repellant candles! it’s the least I can do!
Thank you so much for sharing this with others! My first donation is on its way to Compassion International!
Now I’m curious the story behind the trips to those interesting countries! And thanks for another idea for action.
Thought of Gracie, John, Anthony, Mason, Rayleigh, Robert, Sophia, Andy, Lilah, Evan, and Chet…with love, Auntie Sarah
Proud Auntie, I salute you!
Thanks for reminding us that it’s NOT all about us! Donation given for two more nets – in honor of two more wonderful kids – Ian and Alana.
Those sure are good kids!
yes… I have purchased several dozen. It’s something that can be done. But then again, how many children have we sacrificed because of the DDT ban?
David, you raise a good point. These are complex issues!
Every Christian, single or in a family, should sponsor a Compassion child!
What a great learning opportunity for our children and a way for them to participate by writing letters and/or drawing pictures…sharing their story as well.
After just being in Kauai and getting BIT UP, this really made me stop to think. I itched a lot, but my life wasn’t threatened. Thinking of my own compassion child, praying and reposted!
Amy, I thought you might be interested in a short little article that I read in the April 29th edition of The Nation, the English language newspaper published in Bangkok. It was my leisure reading on my flight to Bangkok this past Monday. The article was titled “U.S. To Test Scanner For Fake Malaria Medication.” The scanner is called Counterfeit Detection Device, or CD-3, and it’s also used to screen cosmetics, foods, medical devices and cigarettes. ‘Cause, yeah, we want to make sure our cancer sticks are up to par! :-)
Anyway, I thought about you and this post when I read the little article, and the kids that will be protected because of your post. Thanks, again for nudging us in the direction of “the least of these.”
Hi! We’ve doing the same thing! I so commend you. I hope you get lots of help with yours. Our ministry tries to provide one to every child in the ministry program. It’s well over 700 at this point!
Caroline
Thanks Caroline! We’re slowly getting there!