Judd Field sings with the Melbourne Gospel Choir, in October 2010 he went to India to visit some of World Vision’s projects. Here Judd reflects upon his journey and what he learnt.

“I went to India thinking I would get a handle on what the problems [such as global poverty and injustice] were, and how we could fix them, but have come back thinking that in many ways we in the west are the ones with the problems; [of] selfishness and greed. This whole India journey was a realisation that I need to live for more than just myself.”

Judd shares some stories about the people he met.

“I was blowing bubbles playing on the floor at an AIDS support clinic with HIV infected children. I caught a bubble, and passed it from my finger to a little orphan girl who is the same age as my daughter. As I watched the bubble burst on her finger, I couldn’t help think that it was just like her life ... gone too soon. And then she asked if I would come back and visit soon; it broke my heart.

I met a little slave boy in a slum who is the same age as my son, but is polishing little gemstones all day ... for nothing but a meal, just so we can all buy something a little bit cheaper in our western shops.”

Having seen the positive impact of World Vision’s Child Rescue Program firsthand, Judd feels a responsibility to spread the word.

“A line in Brooke Fraser’s beautiful song “Albertine” says it all: ‘now that I have seen, I am responsible’. Now that I have seen the amazing projects which are part of World Vision’s Child Rescue Program and how they are helping [protect] the poorest of the poor from slavery and abuse, I am responsible to tell you.

I saw about 20 babies in the slum I visited who used to be badly malnourished, but after World Vision had taught the mothers good nutrition skills, they are all smiling and healthy and their mothers are now running workshops teaching their friends the skills. World Vision even put spice grinding machines and sewing machines into the slum so the mothers could earn their own money.”

Judd tells us what we can do to help support World Vision’s vital Child Rescue Program work.

“Having seen how fastidious World Vision are with ensuring every cent is accounted for and is spent wisely with careful planning to ensure best possible outcomes I must tell the world what I’ve seen - I must ask you to please sponsor the Child Rescue Program!

I’ve seen with my own eyes this great program at work and your dollars really do reach the poorest of the poor.