During the 1950’s, Evangelist Everett Swanson traveled to South Korea to preach the gospel to the troops in the Republic of Korea army. During his visit, he encountered children orphaned by the war hanging out in garbage dumps. They were searching for food, shelter, and hiding from the reality of their existence. Sometimes the garbage trucks would avoid them…sometimes they wouldn’t. Obviously, it burdened Swanson’s heart, but not knowing how to solve a mammoth problem, he headed home to the United States.
Soon after his return, Rev. Swanson was challenged by a missionary friend with a haunting question.
“What are you going to do about the orphans?”
He couldn’t continue without doing something, and from that burden, Compassion International began.
Today, Compassion International is changing the lives of children around the world. I love that Compassion connects to a local church and does ministry through that church. Compassion focuses on four aspects of the child’s life; social, physical, emotional, and spiritual. It is estimated that every child helped impacts 30 other people around the child.
Amazing what a small monthly amount can do!
Consider sponsoring a child today by going HERE.
BTW, what burden has God placed on your heart? What are YOU going to do about it?
In case you missed it, I’m in Ecuador this week with a group of pastors on behalf of Compassion International. Read more about it HERE.
Thanks Ron!
Ron, is this a good ministry? Maybe I'm thinking too much like an engineer, but I've always wondered how organizations like this feed kids on like $40 a month.
I've been increasing my giving this year. I'll check out this organization.
Great question! It was the plight of the orphan that God burdened me with a decade ago. By the grace of God, still going and doing. Praying for you and the other pastors as you serve w/ Compassion in Ecuador. Thanks for leading by faith and action!
Thanks Gary. In case readers miss it, I'll share your link: <a href="http://www.everyorphan.org” target=”_blank”>www.everyorphan.org I'm more convinced than ever that as believers we must be addressing this issue.
Love this post, Ron! Compassion I is such an awesome organization! My husband and I sponsor a cool little boy named Bwire. We love to get his letters and pictures! I am still chewing on this part of the post: "BTW, what burden has God placed on your heart? What are YOU going to do about it?"
Thanks. Let's me know how you answer that question.
Ron! I can relate to what you are saying in this entire post since I work for a similar organization called World Vision ( which again takes care of children through sponsors). World Vision was also founded by a similar personality called Bob Pierce during 1950s. ( during his visit to Korea!!!) .
Thanks Uma!