What Is Compassion International?
Compassion International is a Christian ministry dedicated to releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name. We seek to build God’s kingdom by equipping churches in impoverished communities to reach the world’s most vulnerable children with the transformative hope of the gospel.
What We Do
Through our child sponsorship program and other child-focused initiatives, we offer support directly to and in partnership with local churches.
This support meets the immediate needs of children living in poverty, such as food and medical care. It also provides tools they can use to build brighter futures, such as education and opportunities to generate income.
Most importantly, children are introduced to the gospel. They learn that Jesus loves them and that there’s hope despite their circumstances.
The practical and spiritual care we deliver is personal and tailored to fit each child's unique physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs. With the right resources at the right time, children are empowered to become thriving followers of Jesus with the tools needed to journey out of poverty.
Behind “Compassion”: Suffering with Children in Need
The word “compassion” comes from the Latin compati, which means “to suffer with." To show compassion is to see the suffering of others, deeply care about their suffering and take action to stop it. This is what we do as an organization.
It was this very spirit of compassion that sparked our founding when, in 1952, Rev. Everett Swanson flew to South Korea to minister to American troops fighting in the Korean War. During his time there, he grew increasingly troubled by the sight of hundreds of war orphans living on the streets, abandoned by society.
Rev. Swanson began sharing what he had seen during his revival meetings in the U.S. Christians responded with compassion, donating funds to purchase rice and other resources for the children in need. This ministry would later become Compassion International.
Join Compassion International in Our Mission
Compassion International is working to release children from poverty in Jesus' name. You can help us in this mission. Learn how you can get involved.
Our Leadership
Our leadership team is composed of a Board of Directors that serves to define and protect Compassion’s mission. They also help guide the adoption of new policy and ensure all corporate activities are aligned with our strategic ministry objectives.
The leadership team also includes our Global Executive Team, which oversees the development and effectiveness of the worldwide ministry of Compassion. They’re responsible for strategy development, planning, resource allocation, coordination and change management.
