Children living in poverty around the world get clean water in all kinds of ways. Some are blessed enough to have pipes deliver water directly to their home. Other children walk to an improved water source like a community tap or well to fill up their jerry cans with clean water. But some children — especially those who live in […]
Growing up, Maria’s mom did “easy work,” as the neighbors called it. She was a prostitute. Sometimes Maria and her younger brother were left at neighbors’ houses in Montero, Bolivia, while her mother went to work. Other times, the children came with her. Even though Maria was just a little girl, she understood what was going on. “I remember where […]
Twenty years ago, I was in college — a time when a young adult solidifies a worldview and an understanding of how they fit into the world. At that time, nearly one out of every third person in the world lived in extreme poverty. Twenty-nine percent of people lived on less than $1.25 a day — not enough to provide […]
Men working at sewing machines may seem like an unconventional picture in some parts of the world — even more so when you realize they are sewing reusable feminine hygiene products! But for several men in Mulatsi, Uganda, this is a regular practice that is strengthening their community, generating income and empowering their daughters. Men in Mulatsi, Uganda, create reusable […]
In the new report The Good News About Global Poverty produced by the Barna Group in partnership with Compassion, Barna polled U.S. adults on their beliefs about global poverty. They dove into their perceptions regarding the state of global poverty, level of concerns for poverty, and belief in their ability to affect change. What they found is that there is […]
At Compassion, we strive to fulfill the God-given mission of the global Church to care for the impoverished. We know that pastors and their churches desire to develop disciples who deeply engage in caring for “the least of these.” This is why we are excited to announce a new research project we commissioned with the Barna Group entitled The Good […]
“God has done so much in my life. He is helping me to overcome my fears and shyness and I am better every day. I am who I am thanks to Him.” Carmen showed signs at an early age that she had the flexibility to one day become a competitive gymnast. Her mother recalls that, at just 4 years old, […]
As we reflect back over 2017 on the blog, we’re reminded of the One Word that fueled us this year: IGNITE. We shared ways to ignite your compassion, stories of hope, opportunites to act, inspiration for letters to the children you sponsor, and much more. All with the purpose to fuel the fire that God has placed in us. Take […]
Every day, I’m hit with a headline in the news that leaves me feeling helpless. Acts of violence and hate seem to be happening more than ever. Compassion fatigue has hit me big time. I recently stumbled upon Mandisa’s new album, “Out of the Dark,” on Spotify. Her song, “We All Bleed the Same,” couldn’t have encouraged me at a […]
We’re escorted into a Honduran neighborhood with a reputation so dangerous even the police won’t go there, yet we’re welcomed by the gang leaders who control it. We spend the next two hours with Heimi, the community pastor who stares fear in the face every day. He’s like the local Clint Eastwood. Gang leaders love him because he loves their […]
I don’t like being called a millennial. It seems that negative words always follow to describe us. Restless. Unreliable. Always wanting something more, whether that be the next iPhone or next experience. Do millennials want more? Absolutely. And that’s why we take action and are constantly opening new doors. The next generation has this same spirit. They are bold and […]
Sometimes there are stories that just bother you, that rattle your soul, cause a lingering heartache and won’t let go. A few weeks ago, I heard about a tragic event that happened in Ethiopia and it hasn’t left my mind … or my heart. It started with a headline that you will likely never see in any western media outlet: […]
Head to toe. Mind, body, heart and soul. When it comes to releasing a child from the most extreme poverty, it’s important to address a child’s needs holistically. We dig deep into what it takes to make tiny humans “unfold” into healthy people. People who have the right tools to break the negative cycles poverty has brought into their lives. […]
You’ve made it. It’s the end of 2016. And while many of us are shaking the dust off our feet as we’re leaving the old year, it’s wise to take a few moments to look back before entering the new year. These are the most popular blog posts of 2016 with a little extra “behind the scenes” peek at how […]
I’m really proud of our Instagram feed. When I scroll through the images and videos that we’ve shared, here’s the thing I immediately notice: Faces. Instagram is full of faces. Faces of kids. Of families. Of sponsors. Of people. These faces reflect pain and joy and hope. And I think that’s why I notice them – because life is filled […]
It was a perfect December day to listen to Christmas music. I was out running errands, driving in a light, winter snow. A lesser known Christmas song filled the car – “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” I’d heard the song on the radio before. But this time I paid attention to the lyrics. And what I heard stunned and saddened […]
If you’re like me, you are welcoming 2017 with open arms. Forget you, 2016. You were hard! Bring it in for a hug, 2017. I will be walking boldly away from a year where our world faced hurt, hate and heartache. But if you’re really like me, you also don’t want to head into the new year without looking back […]
It’s full blown autumn in our neck of the woods. Leaves are changing colors, falling off the trees, and finding their way into our yards. The changing of seasons always causes us to reflect: on life, work, family, purpose. This month for Totally Worth It, we’re asking you to reflect as well. It’s easy to concentrate on what’s been hard […]
These girls are like any girls, anywhere in the world: They have best friends to laugh and cry with, teachers to please and chores to do. They love to dream about their futures. We see ourselves in these girls; we see our daughters, sisters, friends and aunts. But there is something extraordinary about these girls, too. Their resilience is astounding. […]
When you read that news article that totally rocks your perspective on something. When you see that Instagram picture that makes you wish there was something more than just a little “heart” to express how much you like it. When you hear that story that fills your heart and you can’t help sharing with all your friends. That’s this blog […]
