Are you familiar with a business named Chispa?
I’m not talking about Chispa Project, the nonprofit my daughter Sara founded to establish children’s libraries in Honduras.
I mean the Latino dating app. The platform’s website says Chispa is “Fluent in Amor.” It claims to be “the perfect dating app for single Latina women and single Latino men.”
Chispa is Spanish for spark. That’s why both the dating app and literacy organization chose the name. Both are appropriately identified. After all, your love life and books you read can light up your life and change your future.

I mention the dating app because my daughter’s Chispa Project gets many misdirected phone calls from lovelorn people. They ask: “Why is my account blocked?”
“Why isn’t she calling me?”
“I haven’t found anyone, can I get a refund?”
The surprising part isn’t how they find Sara’s number, but how sure they are they’ve reached the right number.
Sara clarifies her opening line to avoid confusion. “Hello, this is Sara at Chispa Project, the nonprofit in Honduras.”
“Hi, I’m trying to access my account.”
“Ooh, so sorry!” Sara says. “You’ve reached Chispa Project, the nonprofit in Honduras.”
“I really need to get on your site ASAP,” the caller insists.
“Sorry, we’re not related to the Chispa dating app. Wrong number.”
They often beg, “Can’t you connect me to the right person?”
Listening to Sara explain she’s not tech support for a dating app reminds me of how often Jesus had to clarify his mission. People sought a political savior or miracle worker. Jesus emphasized a different purpose.
Despite all the parables, analogies, metaphors and symbols Jesus used, he was clear and repetitive about one thing. 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 connection, purpose and transformation.
Like a single chispa that ignites 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.
I’m not endorsing any dating apps. I’m locked into a lifetime subscription with Becky, my wife.
It’s not the fleeting spark of romance I seek, but a different kind of spark, one that ignites compassion, healing and humility—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? A love that humbles us across differences?
In Greek, this type of love is described as “agape,” a love unconditional, selfless, sacrificial. The choice to love regardless of circumstances or feelings.
In English, it might seem Chispa the app and Chispa Project offer the same thing—a spark of love. Both are important and necessary. But they are different.
The app offers a chance at romantic love. The nonprofit encourages “agape”-worthy love for our neighbors.
I keep telling Sara she should charge a minimum donation for every crisscrossed call she gets. She mutters something about honesty and goofy dad ideas.
Norris Burkes can be reached at comment@thechaplain.net. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @insidesacramento. Burkes is available for public speaking at civic organizations, places of worship, veterans groups and more. For details and fees, visit thechaplain.net.