Tough Questions: “What Don’t People Understand About Life in Poverty?”

A mother brushes a daughter's hair. They are inside their home.

In Uganda, Olive smiles as a neighbor invites her to a family member’s wedding. But secretly, her heart sinks. She doesn’t own clothes nice enough for the occasion. These days, food is more important than fashion. She hates that her absence will make her look rude. It’s too embarrassing to explain, though.

Continue Reading ›

What Happens When an Unsponsored Child Needs Emergency Care?

A boy with a patch over his eye smiles.

Here’s how ministry supporters helped Compassion to step in and offer support for 4-year-old Yoskiel and his family in Indonesia when he was diagnosed with eye cancer at age 3 — just a few months after he joined our program and didn’t yet have a sponsor.

Continue Reading ›
A father and daughter are smiling together.

How Salt Saved the Day in This Indonesian Village

Salt is a highly sought-after commodity in the Indonesian village where Filia lives. Her father, Bagus, leads and mentors an income generation program for new farmers, initiated and funded by the local Compassion center.

Continue Reading ›
Four boys sitting in a green field. One is playing a small stringed instrument while the others smile and laugh.

Jakarta, Indonesia: 9 Photos From One of the World’s Most Populous Cities

Indonesia is the fourth-most populous country in the world, with over 275 million people. The Indonesian archipelago consists of over 17,000 islands — but of primary political, social and economic importance to the country is the island of Java. It is home to more than half of Indonesia’s population and is one of the most densely populated places on earth.

Continue Reading ›
An up-close photo of a Ugandan boy with blue eyes and a white stripe of skin down his forehead.

Best of the Blog 2020: Your Favorite Stories of the Year

As you might expect during an incredibly challenging year, your favorite stories on the Compassion USA blog were inspirational ones. The most popular blog posts we shared during 2020 were those that showed the resiliency of the human spirit and the ability for God to redeem the most desperate situations. Here they are — your five favorite stories on the blog during 2020. May they inspire you all over again — or for the first time if you missed them before!

Continue Reading ›
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!

Continue Reading ›
Happy, smiling, laughing children, boys and girls, males, females run outside in the grass surrounded by tropical, palm trees wearing blue, yellow shirts, white shorts, blue and white dress.

Facts About Indonesia: Unity in Diversity

Indonesia is a stunning country found on the archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Made of about 17,500 islands, Indonesia has unique geography. These fun facts about Indonesia will give you a deeper insight into the culture and traditions of this country where over 150,000 Compassion-assisted children live!

Continue Reading ›
Julius is wearing a black shirt and a navy hat. He is holding two fish. In front of him are fish on a bucket that he will sell in his neighborhood. Behind him are trees.

Give a Man a Fish Cooler …

Father of three, Julius, lost his job as a minibus driver due to COVID-19 quarantine restrictions. He began buying and selling freshly caught fish instead. But without a freezer, he could only purchase a small amount of fish or risk them spoiling. A financial gift from Compassion’s church partner provided him with a cooler, boosting his business and income.

Continue Reading ›
A boy stands at a fence holding a glass of water.

Kids Around the World: Where I Get My Water

Find out where these 13 kids from around the world get their water in these beautiful photographs that show the need for more accessible safe water.

Continue Reading ›
A group of children through confetti in the air, standing in front of a table with a birthday cake on it.

11 Sweet Photos of Birthdays Around the World

A birthday is more than gifts. It’s an opportunity to show children that they are valued and loved — and children in poverty shouldn’t have to miss out. Each culture might have its own unique traditions surrounding birthdays, and our staff ensures children feel celebrated within that tradition. Enjoy these sweet photos of children celebrating their birthdays around the world!

Continue Reading ›
A girl holds a floral scarf, blowing behind her, while she turns and smiles at the camera.

International Literacy Day: A Tale of Two Girls

Every child deserves the same access to quality education. But they don’t all get it. Meet two girls, both who live in poverty but whose educational stories are very different.

Continue Reading ›
A photo of a girl with Apert syndrome in a white shirt with a flower on it standing on a road in front of a village and mountain.

How This Amazing Girl Is Fighting Bullying and Changing Attitudes

When we first shared the story of Karunia, a young girl with Apert syndrome, she blessed so many of us. Recently, Compassion Australia caught up with Karunia and her family to learn how she is doing. Be inspired by these beautiful photos and this family’s love and bravery!

Continue Reading ›