What Is the History of Compassion International?
In this video, you’ll see how Compassion International first began and the heart behind its mission to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
The history of Compassion International started in 1952, when Reverend Everett Swanson traveled to South Korea during the Korean War and came face-to-face with children experiencing hunger, abandonment and deep loss. What he witnessed stayed with him. Instead of turning away, he chose to respond to the call God placed in His heart — beginning a work that would grow far beyond that moment.
How the Mission Grew Over Time
What started as one man’s response slowly became something much bigger. Over the years, Compassion International expanded into new parts of the world, including Latin America and Asia, always working through local churches to care for children in their own communities.
As the video shows, this growth wasn’t just about numbers; it was about meeting real needs through education, healthcare, and consistent encouragement rooted in faith. Even as the ministry grew, its focus remained the same: serving children with compassion and dignity.
Read the Full Video Transcript: Compassion International’s 70 Year Journey to Help Children Escape Poverty
What does it mean to change a life? Over 70 years ago, one man saw heartbreak on the streets of war-torn South Korea and said yes to compassion.
Hi and welcome. In this video, we're exploring the powerful, real story behind Compassion International, a global ministry that's been releasing children from poverty in Jesus's name since 1952.
It all began with Reverend Everett Swanson, who traveled to Korea during the war and witnessed a tragedy that shook him to his core. orphans frozen in the street with no one to care for them. He returned home with a mission. Never let another child be forgotten.
And that mission sparked what would become compassion international. Now serving 2.3 million children in 29 countries. From a basement in Chicago to a worldwide movement, Compassion has walked decade by decade with one goal. To give children the hope of Jesus and a path out of poverty.
In the 1960s, we went global. In the 1970s, growth exploded across Latin America and Asia. In the 1980s, education, health, and vocational training became our focus. By the 2000s, over 1 million children were sponsored, and the numbers keep growing.
But this story isn't just about the past. It's about you. Your Yes to Child sponsorship continues this legacy, offering hope, dignity, and opportunity in Jesus's name. Today, we invite you to be a part of this life-changing journey. One child, one sponsor, one story of hope, over 70 years of compassion, millions of lives changed, and this is just the beginning.
If this story resonated with you, we invite you to take the next step. Like this video to help more people discover the mission. Share your thoughts or your questions in the comments. We would love to hear from you. and subscribe if you want to hear more about the work happening around the world through compassion.
This transcript reflects the spoken content of the video and is provided for accessibility and reference.