They sparkle and shine when the sun is out,
but when the darkness sets in
their true beauty is revealed
only if there is a light within.
-Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
73-Year-Old Man Begins 8,000-Mile Walk in Solidarity With the Poor
Bob Hentzen is 73 years old. Starting out in Guatemala this very day, Bob has begun an over 8,000-mile walk through 12 countries across Central and South America that will conclude in April, 2011, shortly after his 75th birthday. Bob is co-founder of the Christian Foundation for Children & Aging (CFCA) and he is continuing the walk he began in 1996 when he walked 4,000+ miles from Kansas City, KS, home to the international headquarters of CFCA. The first walk was one of gratitude and love for all the sponsored members; this walk is to help “counterbalance the isolation of people living in poverty, and show them that someone cares. By walking with them, we are saying you are not alone. We are listening to you and learning from you.” Along the way, Hentzen will be walking with and meeting with thousands of individuals and families, children, youth, and the aging, who are sponsored by CFCA supporters.
I am the proud sponsor of a young girl in San Lucas Toliman, Herlinda, and have had the privilege and joy of meeting with her, her single mother, and her siblings on more than one occasion. It is such a blessing to know that my simple monthly donation is helping this family to eat and for Herlinda to attend school. I get regular correspondences from her, translated by a family member or staff member of CFCA. I have met Bob Hentzen, as well, as he and his wife live just outside of San Lucas Toliman and he drives his horse and buggy over to the parroquia for lunch and a visit with pastor (and one of my real-life heroes), Fr. Greg Schaffer.
You can do something about poverty. Sponsor a child, youth or aging friend and help break the cycle of poverty in the world.
If you are looking to make a financial donation to a worthy organization before the end of the year, I highly recommend CFCA. 94.6% of all monies raised goes directly to projects that benefit children, youth & the elderly they serve. Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest evaluator of charities, gives CFCA its highest 4-star rating. This is the eighth consecutive year they have received this highest rating and CFCA was listed in Charity Navigator’s top 10 charities with the most consecutive 4-star evaluations. Less than 1% of all rated charities have received at least eight consecutive years with this high 4-star rating. The American Institute of Philanthropy also gives CFCA its top rating, giving it an A+ - the only child sponsorship organization to receive this rating from them. In addition, they’ve also met 20 rigorous standards created by the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance and were among the 200 largest U.S. charities included in the 2009 Forbes Magazine annual list of top nonprofits.
To sponsor a child or an elderly person, or to make a financial contribution, CFCA’s website is: http://www.cfcausa.org. You can follow Bob Hentzen’s walk at: http://www.walk2gether.org. From this site you can link to Facebook and Twitter to receive regular updates.
I just found out about this heroic walk today, the very day Bob set out with his first step, and I’m so glad I did. When I read about it, I was moved to tears. This man is 73 years old and is so filled with love and passion for those throughout the world who live in great poverty, and he has such respect and regard for them, that he left the comfort of home to walk more than 8,000 miles to be with them in love and solidarity. I, among many, will be walking with him in spirit and in prayer. It is a great privilege. I invite you to join us.
In Christ, who is the light of the world,
~Cindy
