Meet Lisa, Named After Her Father’s Sponsor

A father holds his daughter, who is holding a photo of a woman

Though a popular name in the Western world, Lisa is an unusual name for an Ethiopian girl. But even before his wife became pregnant, 29-year-old Sintayehu had this name picked out!

“When my wife and I decided to have a child, I told her if it is a girl, we would name her Lisa, after my sponsor,” Sintayehu says.

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A Wedding Surprise Highlights Her Incredible Sponsorship Story

For an unsuspecting family in Colombia celebrating a wedding rehearsal dinner, a single word was powerful enough to bring every member to tears: “Sorpresa!”

Wondering what the surprise could be, the family turned to see the last person they could have expected: the Compassion sponsor of the groom, Mateo. For eight months, sponsor Kristen had been regretfully telling Mateo and his family that she wouldn’t be able to make a trip to Colombia for his wedding. But what they didn’t know was that she was determined to be there — and Compassion staff were helping to make it a surprise.

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A girl wearing a yellow shirt is holdng a sickle in one hand and a plant she harvested in her other hand. Other people are behind her and are helping with the harvest.

Extraordinary Teens in Ethiopia Help Farmers Save Crops During Locust Crisis

For 46-year-old Behailu, a farmer in Ethiopia, hearing of locusts reminds him of stories told by his father’s generation of farmers. But today the threat of locusts is no longer just a folk tale for Behailu and other farmers in East Africa — it’s a nightmarish reality.

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A girl wearing braids and a red shirt sits in a grassy field

How a Brave 12-Year-Old Girl Escaped Child Marriage

Yerosen* shudders every time she remembers that day — the last Thursday of May 2020. As much as she tries to forget the three months she spent in the hands of her abductor, the nightmare still haunts her. It probably always will.

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A girl in Brazil wears a Santa hat. She is smiling down at a candle. The room is dimly lit, and Christmas lights sparkle behind her.

10 of the Most Unique Christmas Traditions Around the World

Christmas traditions vary from family to family as well as culture to culture. Travel the world with us as we explore unique, quirky and wonderful Christmas traditions across the globe!

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A group of smiling and laughing children wearing blue, camouflage, green, red and yellow are crowded together. There are more children in the background.

Facts About Ethiopia: The Land of Origins

Ethiopia is a stunning nation found on the Horn of Africa. This landlocked country is one of the oldest in the world, and its people are proud of their rich heritage. Alongside the breathtaking vistas and fascinating traditions, there is deep need and suffering due to poverty.

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Kenenisa is wearing a blue shirt. He is sitting on a small ledge by the front door of his house and is looking through his sponsor's letters. His house is tan.

Not Convinced Your Letters Matter? Meet Kenenisa.

Letters. They are a source of joy and discouragement for nearly every sponsor I’ve met. If you sponsor a child, you might wonder: Do my letters really matter? To answer that question, let me introduce you to 6-year-old Kenenisa in Ethiopia!

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Sofia and Abukeker standing in a doorway

How the Church (and YOU) Saved Sofia From Homelessness

When COVID-19 hit, single mother Sofia lost her ability to work and was facing homelessness with her three children. A local church was able to give her rent assistance, from generous donors like you. Now her family is housed, safe and together.

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Two women drinking coffee, smiling at each other.

11 Beautiful Photos of the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony

One of the things many of us are missing right now is the chance to have long talks with good friends over a cup of coffee. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is an important social event that brings communities together. These beautiful photos will help you experience it yourself!

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Dr. Addisalem Gebresilassie wearing scrubs and surgical mask

From Sponsored Children to Health Care Heroes!

We’re so inspired by all the health care workers around the world who are sacrificing to save others. Meet five amazing people who grew up sponsored and are now giving back in a big way!

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A young woman and girl sit on a front step of a church.

This Sponsored Girl Now Supports Another Little Girl

Sosina grew up in extreme poverty in Ethiopia, but now she’s in veterinary school! Though she lives on just $12 a month, she gives a quarter of it away to help a girl in need — just as she was once helped.

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One girl stands behind another girl with her hands on her shoulders.

A Beautiful Orphan Story: Finding Jesus After Trauma

This story of twin orphans will break your heart, while also reminding you of the love, beauty and hope in the world. “We are stronger than ever.”

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