Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. Founded by the Rev. Everett Swanson in 1952, Compassion began providing Korean War orphans with food, shelter, education and health care, as well as Christian training. Now over 50 years later Compassion has networked with thousands of churches in developing countries and the United States to carry out Christ’s commands to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
Currently, Compassion helps more than one million children in 26 developing countries. Children registered in the program receive help and hope addressing the spiritual, economic, social, physical and emotional needs of children exclusively through their church-based programs. By bringing local children to the church and developing them holistically, the church has the perfect opportunity to meet the needs and bring hope to families through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Compassion International is:
Christ-centered: Introducing the life-changing gospel message to every child in a culturally relevant way.
Child-focused: Ministering to children, helping them develop their full potential in every aspect of life.
Church-Based: Partnering exclusively with indigenous churches so that local believers can teach, serve and mentor children in their own communities.