Norris Burkes: Wrong numbers and the search for love — a chaplain offers dating advice
No, I'm not talking about Chispa Project, the nonprofit my daughter Sara founded in 2015 to establish children's libraries in Honduras. Just now, they are working on library No. 100. No small feat for their small but powerful Honduran team.
But the Chispa I'm referring to is the No. 1 Latino dating app. According to their website, they are 'Fluent in Amor.' This Chispa claims to have made 'the perfect dating app for single Latina women and single Latino men.'
'Chispa' is Spanish for 'spark,' which is why both the dating app and a literacy organization chose the name. Both organizations are appropriately named. After all, your love life and the books you read can radically light up your life and change your future.
I only mention Chispa, the dating app, because Chispa Project, the non-profit, takes many misdirected phone calls from lovelorn folks asking:
'Why is my account blocked?'
'Why isn't SHE calling me?'
'I haven't found anyone, can I get a refund?'
The incredulous part isn't how they find Sara's number in the first place, but how crazy-certain they are that they've reached the right number — no matter how many times Sara tells them otherwise.
She's tried clarifying her opening line to avoid confusion: 'Hello, this is Sara at Chispa Project, the non-profit in Honduras!'
'Hi, I'm trying to access my account and …'
'Ooh, so sorry!' Sara says in perfect Spanish, 'You've reached Chispa Project, the non-profit in Honduras.'
'I really need to get on your site ASAP …' insists the caller.
'Sorry, we're not related to the Chispa dating app. Wrong number.'
They beg her, 'Can't you connect me to the right person?'
Listening to Sara patiently explain — again and again — that she's not tech support for a dating app reminds me of how often Jesus had to clarify his mission for those who misunderstood him. People sought a political savior or miracle worker, but Jesus kept emphasizing a different purpose.
Despite all the parables, analogies, metaphors, and symbols Jesus used, he was clear and repetitive about one thing in particular — love — the chispa that lights everything else.
When he said to 'love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind,' and to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (Matthew 22:37–39), he pointed to the fire that kindles true connection, purpose, and transformation.
Like a single chispa that can ignite a flame, love sets everything in motion — whether it's changing a life through a children's book, finding a life partner, or growing closer to God by following Jesus' example.
To be clear, this columnist does not endorse the dating app in question. I'm already locked into a lifetime subscription with my wife, Becky.
It's not the fleeting spark of romance I'm looking for, but a different kind of spark: one that ignites compassion, healing, and humility. These days, I find myself affirming the love that kindles true connection, purpose, and transformation — like Jesus taught.
How can we all become more fluent in the amor that demonstrates empathy? An amor that humbles us across differences?
In Greek, this type of amor is described as agape — a love that is unconditional, selfless, sacrificial. It's the choice to love regardless of circumstances or feelings.
In English, it might seem that Chispa, the app, and Chispa Project, the non-profit, offer the same thing — a spark of love. Make no mistake, both are important and necessary, but they are different.
Chispa, the app, offers a chance at romantic love. Chispa Project, the non-profit, encourages the agape love for our neighbors.
I keep telling Sara that she should charge a minimum donation for each of the crisscrossed Chispa calls she gets, but she always mutters something about honesty and goofy dad ideas.
But now the choice is yours — what will you do to spark agape in whatever Chispa you end up calling? What chispa will you ignite in your community?
Celebrate Chispa's 100th library with me by donating $100 today at www.chispaproject.org/100 or send a check made out to Chispa Project at 10556 Combie Road, Suite 6643, Auburn, CA 95602.
Learn more at chispaproject.org. Email Norris at comments@thechaplain.net.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Dating advice from former chaplain Norris Burkes
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