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I'm sure you've seen the advertisements—pictures of hungry kids with words such as, "Sponsor a child today" or "Please give."

Many people see these ads as little more than junk mail or interruptions to be ignored.

When I see these ads, I remember my home country, El Salvador, where the richest of the poor live in cardboard boxes, while others have no shelter whatsoever.

Some of these ads include the words, "No obligation." This is ironic, because for Christians, there is an obligation. We are obligated to do our part to help the poor.

The Bible makes it clear we are to care for those less fortunate. Even Job, God's faithful servant who experienced so much suffering, said he was "a father to the needy" (Job 29:16).

Our generosity may not only save a life physically, but also spiritually, since it serves as a great opportunity to share our faith.

So, next time you come across one of these ads, consider it as more than just a plea for money, but a chance to follow God's commandment in Deuteronomy 15:11: "Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land."

Vanessa Rodriguez
York Mills Collegiate Institute
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Many people would say their hero is a pro athlete, a musician, a TV or movie star, or even a parent. While there's nothing wrong with having any of these people as role models—as long as they're good people—I still don't think they fit the definition of "hero."

To me, a hero portrays kindness, care, love, strength and goodness. And the only person I can think of who showed all these things, all the time, is Jesus Christ. If you want a "celebrity" for a hero, look no further than Jesus. Even though he lived 2,000 years ago, people still talk about him today. Why don't more people look up to him as a hero? Why do they look to ordinary men and women instead?

It's fine to have heroes, but if we model our lives after ordinary people, we will always be disappointed. Even if they're Christians, they will always stumble, and we will be let down.

We should model our lives after Jesus. He lived a perfect life, and told us that we too can live a Spirit-filled, fruitful life. He is the ultimate hero, and following him is the best thing we can do.

Peter Poff
Friendship High School
Lubbock, Texas

Editorials should be stated responsibly and from a Christian perspective. Opinions in "Speak Up!" do not necessarily reflect the views of Campus Life magazine. Send your opinions, in 200-400 words, to "Campus LifeEditorials"at the address below. Please include your full name, address, school, telephone number and—if you're sending via mail—a recent photograph of yourself. If we print your editorial, we will send you $25.

There's a heated debate on one of Campus Life's message boards about animal rights. Some excerpts:

Who cares if a couple of animals go extinct? Animals were put on the earth for us to use.
Tyronesss

Animals are pushed to extinction by that kind of thinking. You show no respect for what God has given us.
HEYjonnyaz

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