Pray for Children Impacted by Armed Conflict

"There is no trust more sacred than the one the world holds with children. There is no duty more important than ensuring that their rights are respected, that their welfare is protected, that their lives are free from fear and want and that they can grow up in peace."
— Kofi Annan

The world is facing the worst refugee crisis in history, as people flee their homes due to both violence and economic collapse. In countries like Venezuela, hyperinflation is driving families into starvation. Millions of people are now displaced and vulnerable. In such circumstances, children are most impacted.

There are more countries experiencing violent conflicts now than in the last 30 years, according to UNICEF. As a result, more than 30 million children have been displaced. In 2022, the latest year for which research is available, an estimated 468 million children globally lived in areas affected by armed conflict. Within the world's most lethal war zones live nearly 200 million children — the highest number in over a decade. Now, with the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict underway, those numbers are likely much higher.

The profound impact of armed conflict in the lives of children is evident. It disrupts their education and social relationships. It can prevent them from accessing good nutrition, hygiene and sanitation. Children in areas of conflict are at higher risk of exploitation by traffickers. They live in constant fear — consumed by stress and anxiety that are detrimental to their mental health.

And because every child registered in our program is known and loved by local church staff, they are at lower risk of exploitation and the social and emotional effects of instability as a result of conflict.

Compassion At Work: Jesús’ Story

Jesús is a teenage boy whose life was turned upside down by instability and conflict. He and his family lived in Venezuela before the country’s economic collapse led to a rise in violence. Jesús’ family fled their home in the middle of the night to Colombia, where they and thousands of others from his country are now living as refugees. But they’re not facing their future alone.

Thirteen churches in partnership with Compassion near the Venezuela-Colombia border have partnered together to support refugees like Jesús and his family. They’re providing medical care, counseling, income-generating activities, food, clothing, education and more.

Martha Rocio Ortiz Camancho is a psychologist who works with the migrants. “It’s a situation that, unquestionably, is going to mark their lives,” she says. “But if we know how to approach it, have a professional team, and the church protects them, it will only be a memory.”

Will you pray for vulnerable children?

One of the most powerful ways you can support children impacted by conflict is through prayer.

Please pray…

• That God will rescue children from unsafe situations.
• That God will protect children from abuse, especially in times of instability.
• That God will keep children healthy in the midst of unsanitary environments.
• That God will provide families with safe homes and communities, so children can thrive and grow.