QUESTIONS...
WHAT KIND OF LIFE-CHANGER ARE YOU?
Expertise, kindness, authority, money. These are just some of the many things it takes to put a child at risk on a new track towards a better future. But you rarely find all of these things in one place. That’s why Viva loves networks so much, because they bring all these elements together. Every person has their part to play, each bringing something different to the table, and the end result is a much wider, stronger safety net for children than any one individual could provide alone. But which part would you play in the team it takes to change a child’s life? Take our quiz and find out...
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Walking home from work one evening you almost trip over a young girl sitting on the pavement. Although it’s hard to tell through the layers of dirt, you guess that she’s probably only about eight years old. She doesn’t even make eye contact as she holds out her hand to ask for money. What will you do?
Q4. Your biggest concern is A Mental - what her future will be, if she’ll even have one
Q1. Your first instinct is to
B Relational - her lack of family, of people to trust and care for her
A Buy her some food while you decide what to do next
C Holistic - where she will sleep tonight, when she will eat next
B Take her to a local shelter or police station to get help
D Emotional - she must feel so unloved, unhappy and fearful
C Find out her story and learn why she is begging
Q5. Looking around, you think
D Give her whatever money is in your wallet
Q2. The first question you ask is A What’s your name?
A Why did she choose this spot, what made her end up here? B There are lots of people around, why hasn’t someone else helped her? C This area isn’t safe, she could easily be attacked or kidnapped
B Where are your parents?
D I can’t believe she has to live like this, she’s so young and vulnerable
C Have you got somewhere safe to sleep tonight?
Q6. As you continue on your way home you
D Are you ok?
A Call someone you know who has the resources to help her further
Q3. While she speaks you are A Wondering what went wrong in her life to bring her to this point
B Are thinking about the kind of systems that could be put in place to
stop girls ending up in her situation
B Thinking of who you know that could help her
C Take her with you, sure that you can find some way to help her
C Praying for God to help you know what to say and how to help
D Feel guilty that you couldn’t do more and resolve to go back and find
D Completely focused on her, just listening
her the next day
You are most like... Mostly A: THE CONSULTANT Overseeing the development of the network and offering training, guidance and support. A good communicator with a positive outlook on life, people consider you interesting, friendly and fun. You’re well organised and your clear-headedness makes you an ideal person to have around in a crisis. You possess a great ability to see and shape the big picture, but this can sometimes mean that the details get neglected, so make sure others keep you tuned in to the impact of your plans on children’s everyday lives. But don’t stop your strategic thinking your insight, intelligence and passion are vital for transforming whole cities for children.
Mostly B: THE NETWORKER Running the network and building links with key local officials, organisations and churches. You are a very creative person, full of ideas and always ready to accept a
challenge. You love being around people and are often the one to bring different individuals and groups together. Sometimes your enthusiasm can run away with you, so you need to surround yourself with people who can help you put your ideas into action. But keep on dreaming and scheming - the problems facing children are complex and constantly changing and we need people with your ingenuity, courage and persistence to help solve them.
Mostly C: THE LEADER Leading a church or community project, a prominent member of the network. You always seem to know exactly what people need and how to help them, and your confident yet compassionate leadership is greatly respected. You are serving a lot of diverse groups, which means that it’s impossible to have expertise in every area, so remember to look to others for advice on helping children in the best and most relevant way. But don’t underestimate your
influence on those around you - children in your community would be greatly blessed if more people imitated your can-do attitude and your commitment to practically demonstrating Jesus’ love every day.
Mostly D: THE CAREGIVER Working directly with children in a local project or church. When faced with the problems of the world, your response is to get on with making a difference in your corner of it. Your steady, patient manner earns you people’s trust and you’re known to be reliable, encouraging and kind. Although the sheer numbers of children at risk can seem overwhelming, don’t forgot to take an occasional look at the bigger picture there are always new skills to learn and helpful people to meet and team up with. But at the end of the day there isn’t a child on earth that doesn’t need what you have to offer: a listening ear, a gentle heart and an inexhaustible smile.
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