27 Wonders of the World
Margaret Lutley’s counter above her kitchen sink is framed with photos of more than 30 young people — at least one from each country where Compassion works — who are living better lives today because of her.
Living in Fear
Eduar’s mother begs him to come to church with her. Sometimes he refuses. He is too afraid. He knows his delicate, young mother cannot keep him safe on the trek through the neighborhood to the church. He hears the crack of gunshots day and night.
Female Literacy: Educating Girls in Poverty
When it comes to extreme poverty, many studies have shown that education is one of the best investments for helping release children from its hope-crushing grip. And educating girls—female literacy—creates ripples that extend for generations.
How to Share the Importance of Clean Water With Children
Through facts, ideas and special water challenges Jill shares the importance of safe drinking water with the children at Vacation Bible School.
“My World Turned Upside Down So I Could Live Right-side Up.”
Carolyn’s sponsorship story started almost 20 years ago after hearing a ministry presentation. The name of her first sponsored child was Danny and he was from Honduras.
Saddam {it’s more than a sponsorship}
Shauna Pilgreen, in the hospital for an unknown illness, can only think of one thing — her sponsored child Sadaam.
Life Lesson from a Tomato (Not Bob)
The children at the Santa Lucía student center are learning some valuable life lessons from growing their own tomatoes.
How Is Creativity in Education Changing Young Lives?
For us, education is as diverse as our children. From Taekwondo to bead making to surfing, our children do more than sit at a desk.
Living to Know Christ More
Recently we asked Olive Aneno about her career as a social worker. Why did she choose a career in social work? And, what are the differences she sees in the children of Uganda and the children she works with in the U.S.
The Day I Signed up to be a Compassion Sponsor
I had heard that cry only twice in my life, but the sound is burned into my memory. This cry … this lament … pierced my soul. Instinctively, I understood an emotion so great, I knew no words existed to express it.
It was 2009. Atlanta. I was attending a very hip conference held in a ginormous arena with a bijillion other people. It was one of those gatherings you attend to get inspired and hear lots of interesting lectures from a variety of people.
Some speakers hawk their books; some, with all the cunning of a very successful salesman, give you advice on managing finances; many speakers offer instructions on how to live a better life. It is an energetic time with all the creative, special effects of a music concert. Sometimes they even use a smoke machine and have jugglers.
This segment was wedged between a couple of things that I cannot remember now, which is crazy because this particular moment is chiseled into my brain.
The stage lights came up and there was well-dressed young man with a mic in his hand standing at the edge of the stage with the emcee. He was introduced to the crowd as Jimmy from Kenya. Jimmy was a now grown-up, sponsored child of Compassion International and was going to share his story.
I was very familiar with Compassion. Many of the churches and groups I had been associated with displayed Compassion brochures. I had met several people over the years who had sponsored children.
One of my favorite musicians and poets, Rich Mullins, was an advocate for Compassion during his life. Many times, at conferences like this one, I had walked past booths with rows of info cards bearing photographs of children in other countries waiting to be sponsored.
I would glance at them, smile at the person behind the table of photo faces and continue walking by.
When Jimmy began to speak, I was intrigued. He had a beautiful accent, a gentle and very intelligent delivery, and I liked his sweater vest.
Jimmy told of growing up in extreme poverty in Kenya. He was a street child, a garbage picker at age four. He watched his infant sister die of starvation in his mother’s arms. He wasn’t being dramatic, he wasn’t overly emotional, he was just speaking his truth. (more…)
A New Way to Give More to Your Sponsored Child
Beginning today through June 30, 2014, if you are a member of the Compassion Bloggers Network and you participate in at least three blogging assignments you will be eligible for our rewards program.
Do You Sponsor a Child in Ethiopia?
In 1993 Compassion’s ministry began in Ethiopia. This year, in celebration of 20 years of ministry our offices in Ethiopia are creating a special anniversary magazine and they’d like you to be a part of it!
