Category Archives: Stories

‘If he survives’ — memories from Papua New Guinea

Tune in to your local ABC station on the evening of December 16 for a special edition of “20/20” with Diane Sawyer and ABC’s Million Moms campaign as they examine modern-day health issues for children and mothers. For more from the ABC Million Moms Challenge, “like” their page on Facebook. *     *     * As a photojournalist with World Vision through much of the 1980s and 1990s, I long ago lost count of the number of rural health clinics I have visited. The vacant looks on the faces of the mothers, too tired and stressed to focus; the babies in their arms, some crying softly, some shrieking in fear and discomfort; others — too many — lethargic and still, seemingly lifeless...
Share

Jesus, the comic-book superhero

How often do you get the chance to read comic books at work? What about one that is centered around Jesus and the Christmas story — or one that benefits the work of an international humanitarian organization? Not often? Or never? That’s why we’ve asked Billy Tucci, a new World Vision partner, writer, and award-winning comic book illustrator, to guest-post for us on his newest comic book, A Child is Born. *     *     * “Dad, why do you want to do the birth of Jesus instead of a superhero book?” My eldest son wasn’t the first person to ask why, in a genre dominated by capes and cowls, would anyone do a comic book on the Christmas story?...
Share

A classic Christmas story goes Veggie!

I am usually a stickler on no-Christmas-stuff-until-Thanksgiving-is-done rule. I want to experience one holiday at a time — mixing pilgrims with Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree is just too much for me! But, this year, I caved. In November, I opened up my mailbox to find a new VeggieTales DVD — a Christmas Veggie Tales movie, “The Little Drummer Boy.” I couldn’t tell my kids to wait several weeks before we watched it, right? Right?! We had to sit down immediately and see what Bob and Larry were up to! And I’m so glad we did....
Share

Wars, floods and the gift of chickens (2011 True Spirit of Christmas)

Yesterday, November 28, marked the start of World Vision’s 2011 True Spirit of Christmas trip — a three-week quest to discover the true meaning of the season and to witness just how Gift Catalog donations impact children and families around the world.  This post was written by Kirsten Stearns, host for this year’s trip, on day 1 from the community of Horowpothana in Sri Lanka. Stay up to date with our team on the World Vision Facebook page and website. Although my time in Sri Lanka has been brief so far, I have learned a lot and am excited to spend more time with the community in the coming days. Our Sri Lanka trip is based in the community of...
Share

Rooftops, full bellies, and prayers (blessings 4-6)

We’re counting our blessings each day this week in celebration of Thanksgiving. Blessings #4, 5, and 6: for rooftops over our heads, food in our bellies, and prayers for provision for those who currently endure without these basics. *      *      * The holiday season has officially begun. Weeks before Thanksgiving, Christmas ads appeared on TV and in newspapers. Last week, I was in New York City, where the window displays and Christmas lights are an art form, which delights native New Yorkers and the thousands of tourists who flock there to experience this special time of year. I confess that I feel like a kid again — filled with wonder and awe — when I get to visit New York...
Share