“Sponsoring children in need is
breaking the cycle of poverty.” Such is the message of children’s charity
Compassion International. This Christian child advocacy ministry has helped
more than 1.2 million children in 26 countries, making sure that each child’s
needs – may it be spiritual, economic, social, or physical – is provided for.
Compassion International was founded
by the Rev. Everett Swanson, as a response to the needs of orphans during
1952’s Korean War. Together with a few volunteers from the ministry, the Rev.
Swanson gathered food and donated it to the young victims of war, and over time
also provided them shelter, health care, education, and also Christian
training. Ever since, the organization has been committed to turning children
into responsible and fulfilled Christian adults.
Among their programs is Sponsor a Child,
where individuals can choose a particular child, establish a relationship with
them, and make tax-deductible contribution of $38 for their benefit. This small
amount makes sure that the child has access to food and clean water, health
care, educational opportunities, life-skills training, and ministry. According
to the organization, a child does not only get all these when he or she is
chosen as a beneficiary. Above all else, he or she is given hope.
Another one of Compassion
International’s programs is Rescue
Babies and Mothers, which addresses the lack of proper health care to women
and their children in poverty-stricken nations. The organization has teamed up
with local health or ministry centers that have programs for mothers of at-risk
babies and toddlers. From their website,
benefactors can choose a specific center and make a one-time of monthly
donation.
These are just some of Compassion
International’s projects for ending the cycle of poverty. With their dedication
in giving these children a brighter future, the organization lives up to their
mission of showing compassion to those who most need it.
