At Compassion, our mission is to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. How do we do it? By offering Christ-centered, church-driven and child-focused programs that provide what children need to journey out of poverty.
Here, we dive into what these three C’s mean and how they impact children in need around the world.
- Christ-Centered: Sharing Christ in Word and Action
- Church-Driven: Partnering With Local Churches
- Child-Focused: Caring for the Whole Child
Christ-Centered: Sharing Christ in Word and Action
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. — John 10:10, NIV
Poverty is a thief, stealing a child’s health, voice and ability to dream. Poverty destroys hope, leaving children unable to see a brighter future. But through Jesus, all of us are promised fullness of life. And that’s exactly what Compassion is actively chasing down for children living in poverty.
Jesus is at the center of everything we do, so every child in our program hears the gospel and sees it in action through local church pastors, volunteers and sponsors around the world.
Jesus’ love inspired him to act. He cared for the sick, fed the hungry and proclaimed the good news of the gospel. He shared the gospel in both word and action. At Compassion, we want to do the same.
Every child in our program hears the gospel. They receive a Bible and get connected with pastors and volunteers that encourage them in their faith. We also show Jesus’ love through action, delivering care in the form of nutrition, medical care and education.
Why do we focus on the gospel? True release from poverty requires the gospel of Jesus, which inspires children to see beyond their current circumstances and into eternal hope.
Related Read: See the Impact of Compassion’s Program
Church-Driven: Partnering With Local Churches
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14-16, NIV
Around the world, 333 million children live in extreme poverty. We can’t reach all those little ones on our own. But we weren’t meant to. As the Church, we’re called to work together to share the light of Jesus with all, including those in poverty.
We empower local churches in impoverished communities to serve children in need. This allows churches to become sources of light and hope, helping them represent Christ and make disciples in their communities.
These local churches are established in their communities and know the unique needs of the families around them. They’re a trusted source of help, hope and care. They’ve earned the right to share the gospel in their community because it’s their community.
We don’t deliver aid and then leave. Through the local church, children are served and supported by pastors, volunteers and friends who live right down the road. This caring support system stays active in the community over the long term as children journey out of poverty.
Related Read: A Day-in-the-Life at a Compassion Center in Colombia
Child-Focused: Caring for the Whole Child
May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together — spirit, soul and body — and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. — 1 Thessalonians 5:23, MSG
When children are made whole through the gospel, they become multipliers in the kingdom of God. With hope in their hearts, they act as change-makers, transforming their families, communities and nations.
By caring for and empowering one child, we can create a ripple effect that changes the lives of many.
We exist to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. As children grow into thriving followers of Jesus, they can transform their families, communities and nations.
But release from poverty requires care for every way it impacts a child. After all, poverty impacts every aspect of a child’s life.
A child who’s hungry can’t focus on learning in school, so they can’t get the skills they’ll need to support themselves as adults. A child whose family must find work and can’t afford childcare is left alone and vulnerable to exploitation and violence.
And children facing these terrifying consequences are left without hope. That’s why, through the local church, we provide for each child’s unique right-now and long-term needs.
For example, while we provide for immediate needs like nutrition and medical care, we also provide education and vocational training. This ensures children have what they need to thrive now and in the future.
We share the whole gospel with the whole child, mirroring Jesus’ ministry to share the good news and offer help at the same time.
By caring for the whole child, we empower children to grow into adults with the health, strength and confidence they need to break the chains of poverty in their lives and the lives of others.
Related Read: What Is Whole Child Development?
Irakoze, from Rwanda, receives his very first medical checkup and is thrilled to know he’s healthy.
Since 1952, we’ve seen the life-changing impact of being Christ-centered, church-driven and child-focused time and time again. In fact, a recent study found that 97% of Compassion alumni surveyed said they were released from poverty.
Compassion serves 2.3 million children (and counting) across 29 countries. And with your support and sponsorship, we can continue to grow, releasing more children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
Learn More About How We Release Children From Poverty in Jesus’ Name
A key way we provide life-changing care to children in poverty is through child sponsorship. Learn more about how you can get involved.
