Ben was raised in the slums of Korogocho — or the “city of trash” — in Nairobi, Kenya. He often wondered if he would be another statistic — one who died from drug addiction or disease.

But today Ben tells us,

“Right now, I am living a dream I never dreamt. I never dreamt of being where I am today.”

MyCompassionSunday is an easy and unique way to bring life-giving change to children around the world — children like Ben.

Will you help change the story for a child living in poverty through MyCompassionSunday?

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Every day we are releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name. But where is the evidence?

What evidence of a changed life? Does it include an education? How about a relationship with Jesus?

What does a changed life look like to you?

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

After his father’s death, 5-year-old Samuel found himself on the streets. He felt abandoned and thought his fate was to become a drug addict or a thief.

Then his sponsor told him,

Samuel, it is possible to dream again. It is possible to have hope.

MyCompassionSunday is an easy and unique way to bring life-giving change to children around the world — children like Samuel.

Will you help change the story for a child living in poverty through MyCompassionSunday?

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

 More than 16 years ago Rebecca St. James traveled with us to Calcutta, India. On that trip, her heart was deeply stirred by all she experienced. Rebecca was impassioned to find sponsors for the poorest children around the world and she did — 32,197 children to be exact.

Rebecca is moving into a new season of life and we want to honor her and her artist’s heart. So on behalf of our ministry and 32,197 sponsored children, thank you, Rebecca. We are eternally grateful for you.

Subscribe to the audio podcast of our chapel messages via iTunes.

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At the age of 9, Jey was sent to prison for stealing a purse. It was from there he prayed,

“God, if you exist, please take me out of this prison. I don’t want to live this life anymore. And when you get me out of prison, please get me out of poverty.”

MyCompassionSunday is an easy and unique way to bring life-giving change to children around the world — children like Jey.

Will you help change the story for a child living in poverty through MyCompassionSunday?

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

When The Lord’s Resistance Army came into Olive’s town in Uganda, her family was forced to flee from their home. However, things dramatically changed when she was enrolled in our program.

Because of one sponsor, not only did her circumstances change, but today, Olive is a life changed.

MyCompassionSunday is an easy and unique way to bring life-giving change to children around the world. Will you help change the story for a child living in poverty through MyCompassionSunday?

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

I recently saw a photo essay that Feature Shoot characterized as Photos of Children From Around the World With Their Most Prized Possessions.

With that title I expected to see evocative photos capturing the strong personal connection between the child and whatever was most dear to him or her. However, what I got was interesting photos of children from around the world with their toys.

I’m not in a position to say that the most prized possession each of these children have isn’t a toy; however, the phrase “most prized possession” and its connection to children reminded me of a story about the immense value our sponsored children place on the letters we write and the relationships they represent.

I even know a little girl in Honduras whose house was flooded, and our project director went in and rescued her from the rising water.

It was up as high as her chest. And he picked her up and carried her out of her house and the whole time, she was reaching back toward the house, crying. And he thought: ‘She must have a puppy in there or she must have a doll or something that she doesn’t want to leave.’

When he put her down on dry ground, she turned around and ran back into that flooding house. She felt around in her little corner of the house until she found her little baggie with her sponsor’s letters in it, and only then, with that in her hand, was she willing to be rescued. She was not going to leave that behind.

That’s how precious it was to her. These sponsors are so much more important in that child’s life than they can possibly imagine.

~Wess Stafford, as recounted by Kees Boer

So, with that background, here’s a different look at what some children around the world consider their most prized possessions.

Burkina Faso

Nicaragua

Kenya

Bangladesh

Ghana

Peru

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Gertrude* has epilepsy. Her family initially rejoiced when she was born, but that soon changed. Three months after her birth, Gertrude started having epileptic seizures.

When her family realized her condition, they abandoned her and her mother because in their village, epilepsy is considered a curse.

In Adaboukope, Togo, where they live, nearly 80 percent of the population is animist.

They love Voodoo statues made with their own hands. When people there are overwhelmed, they resort to these gods.

Many times, Gertrude’s grandmother brought her to the sanctuary of these gods for ceremonies, yet she was not healed. Her grandmother almost gave up.

When the Assemblies of God Church Adaboukope opened, Gertrude was one of the first children to join the center.

A few months after registration, Gertrude began treatment for the epilepsy, and gradually her seizures have reduced.

Her family members started visiting her and no longer consider her a curse. She spends time with her family without being rejected.

Gertrude is overjoyed at starting school this year.

Voodoo is a major part of Togo’s culture. The Akodessewa Fetish Market is world’s largest fetish market and can be found in Lome, the capital of Togo.

*Not her real name.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Click on the infographic to view a larger image

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Water is essential to life but can also be very dangerous. It is something we need for survival but can be the cause of so many problems.

Tomorrow is World Water Day. When you go to drink a glass of water, will you remember the children and families in developing countries who need safe drinking water? And, will tell someone about how to make a difference in the lives of children around the globe?

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates