Tag: sponsor trips

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.

A Glimpse Into the Life of a Compassion Trip Leader

I still remember walking through the doors of the Global Ministry Center, Compassion’s headquarters, for the first time. An indescribable feeling came over me — I had arrived home. I knew that I wanted to work for children, see God’s kingdom come by upholding the cause of the oppressed, and build a bridge between different cultures that need each other. But, never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that his plans for me included being a part of the Trips and Visits team at Compassion.

Dignity and Diversity: Honoring the Children You’re Helping

The Latin term “imago Dei” is one that I first heard in a college Bible study. I remember sprawling on the floor of our dorm lobby, rolling the funny words around in my mouth.

Imago Dei. Image of God. That phrase has meant a lot to me over the years. For an organization that works in 25 developing countries, each with its own cultures, languages and customs, it is so important to see the imago Dei in every church and child we work with. Simply put, we must always make sure we are honoring a child’s dignity.

What Poverty Tourism Gets Wrong

Is poverty tourism just a harmless way to gain insight into what it’s like to live in poverty? Sidney Muisyo explains the underlying and deeply flawed messages that slum tours are based on and can further ingrain in us. He also explains how you can visit an impoverished community in a way that is mutually honoring and beneficial.

6 Ways to Write Your Child As If You’ve Met Them

You may never have the chance to visit your sponsored child, but you can learn from those who have visited tips on how to write great letters!

Namesakes: Why Children in Uganda Are Named After This Woman

She’s not a politician or known worldwide. So why does this retired postal worker have three children in Uganda named after her and her husband?

Can the Enneagram Help You Respond to Poverty?

We serve a God who cares deeply for the marginalized in society. The Bible is filled with holy calls for justice and compassion. But sometimes this call seems so colossal, we don’t know where to begin. But when we understand how we’re wired, our journey in helping those around us can become much more robust and tangible.

One Thing Compassion’s President Has Learned as a Father

As a dad, granddad and president and CEO of Compassion International, one thing I’ve learned is how powerful extraordinary experiences are in a child’s life. It’s our privilege as parents, teachers, coaches and all people who love children to fill their lives with these types of experiences — experiences that will grow the heart and character of Jesus in them.

3 Inspiring Women Standing Up for Children in Poverty

We’re celebrating the inspiring Lifeway women who have made the incredible stand for kids in poverty by reaching 15,000 child sponsorships!

How Does Compassion Protect Sponsored Children From Abuse?

We are passionate about ensuring that children in poverty are known, loved and protected. Therefore, child protection is foundational to our ministry. That’s why we have developed, and continue to develop, robust training, policies and networks to both prevent and respond to abuse.