International (MNN) – If you could change the world, what would you like to see happen? The end of poverty? World peace? Equality? The answers come easily to that question, but not to this one: How?
For Compassion International, these questions are considered with an eternal mindset. The ministry believes that change can happen through child sponsorship. Their particular focus is on ending poverty. Poverty is especially harsh on children as it makes them vulnerable to sickness and exploitation.
Compassion’s child sponsorship program impacts the whole person—mind, body, and soul. But it isn’t just about meeting immediate needs. The ministry is sensitive to the fact that charity without sustainable strategies for the future can actually contribute to the harsh cycle of poverty.
(Photo and header photo courtesy of Compassion International)
And because everything they do is in Jesus’ name, they’re making a difference today, tomorrow, and for eternity. In fact, Compassion attacks poverty at two very biblical fronts: by living out the Great Commission (to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth) and obeying Great Commandment (to love God with all your heart, mind, and soul).
This concept is further explained on their website: One addresses physical needs. The other addresses spiritual needs. The two go hand in hand. We must provide hope. We must help the poor see that they have great worth. That they have God-given potential. That God loves them so much that he sent His Son to die for them! We do all of these things WHILE we’re addressing the brutal physical struggles that accompany living in poverty. That’s why we don’t think there’s a difference between evangelism and anti-poverty work. In fact, evangelism is the only TRUE and LASTING anti-poverty work. And it’s the most powerful solution to ending extreme poverty around the world.
As children receive adequate nutrition, education, medical care, and more, they are able to see a future ahead of them. As it happens, a child sponsored through Compassion is more likely to stay in school longer, secure reliable employment, and go on to be a leader in their community or church.
(Photo courtesy of Compassion Internationals)
Compassion’s annual report reveals that last year, 1.8 million children received valuable care through the sponsorship program. In addition, over 8,300 babies and moms received life-saving care that propelled them into a hopeful future.
Compassion also saw 45,000 young adults enrolled in higher education or vocational training. All of this was made possible through partnerships with over 6,700 churches and many more child sponsors.
The organization is also committed to financial transparency. Last year, 80.7 percent of donor dollars went directly towards helping release children from poverty. They are recognized on the Forbes’ 50 Largest U.S. Charities List, the Philanthropy 400 List, and The NonProfit Times Top 100 List. You can read more about Compassion in 2017 here.
As we walk through this next year, consider how your life could make the difference in a child’s life through sponsorship. It takes $38 a month to change the course of a child’s life for the better, but the potential impact is priceless. Get started, here.
Finally, ask God to guide Compassion in their ministries around the world. Pray for their continued operation, even in the darkest parts of the world most inflicted with poverty. Ask God to bless the hearts of children in their programs, and to call more people from the Body of Christ into supporting those most in need.
