And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord, and said, “If You will indeed deliver the people of Ammon into my hands, then it will be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the people of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.” Judges 11:30-31
I am appalled by World Vision’s president, Rich Stearns decision to recognize (in a 
positive manner) same-sex marriages as it pertains to their hiring practices and as an amendment to their code of conduct. However in my dismay, it is not their decision I want to discuss – it’s yours.
Are you a World Vision sponsor?
If you made a vow to sponsor a World Vision child until such a time that child would graduate the program, then I implore you to keep that commitment. On the other hand, if you are not a World Vision sponsor, then I would recommend you seek out another ministry, one that maintains a holy and Godly standard, unless of course World Vision decides to rescind their errant directive.
Here’s why…
“This is the thing which the Lord has commanded: If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.” Numbers 30:1-2
“When you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay to pay it; for the Lord your God will surely require it of you, and it would be sin to you But if you abstain from vowing, it shall not be sin to you.” Deuteronomy 23:21-22
For the Sake of Clarity
It’s worth repeating, “I am appalled by World Vision’s decision,” and unless they right the course they have taken, the church proper should respond by not supporting their ministry via new sponsorships. Hopefully when they recognize the decline, they will make a correction. But, if you currently support a child through World Vision, it would be wrong to dishonor that commitment.
I am appalled by World Vision’s decision.”
I will tell you that I have made such commitments (not with World Vision, but with a similar ministry), and when I noticed that they were straying from the narrow path, I was determined to leave. However, I did not abandon the children I vowed to support. Some have since graduated from the program, and others are nearing graduation age, but I am determined to honor the decision I made before God. When that last child leaves, so will I, supporting that ministry no longer.
If you are a current World Vision sponsor, I recommend you do the same. It’s the proper response.
When Jephthah came to his house at Mizpah, there was his daughter, coming out to meet him with timbrels and dancing; and she was his only child. Besides her he had neither son nor daughter. And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he tore his clothes, and said, “Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low! You are among those who trouble me! For I have given my word to the Lord, and I cannot go back on it.” So she said to him, “My father, if you have given your word to the Lord, do to me according to what has gone out of your mouth, because the Lord has avenged you of your enemies, the people of Ammon.” Judges 11:34-36
He Dwells -- The B'log in My Eye 