When I think about people and organizations around the world fighting against the brokenness and darkness of our fallen condition, one of the first non-profits that comes to mind is Compassion International. Of course, this is partially due to Compassion’s big name and widespread involvement with many churches and Christian events here in the states. But more than that, it is because this organization genuinely makes every effort to maximize its resources and opportunity to do the work of Jesus by giving hope to the poor and powerless.

Compassion describes its mission model as a three chord approach: Christ-center, church-based and child-focused, which encompasses why, how, and who they serve. One especially relevant element of this is the second item in this list, the non-profit’s partnership with the local church. This is a wise practice because non-profits and individuals with desire to create impact often have lofty dreams of how to help people in far-off places, yet lack an understanding of their real, every-day needs. By joining forces with the local churches, Compassion can gain a more accurate understanding of the legitimate needs and experiences of the children they serve. In so doing, they also recognize that it is the role of the church to be salt and light to the world, not of non-profit organizations. Therefore, instead of taking on a responsibility that the church desires to fulfill, Compassion uses its ability as a capable entity to empower the church in its calling.

Additionally, Compassion has demonstrated its entrepreneurial capabilities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. To see how Compassion has handled the outbreak of the virus, one has to investigate by country because the circumstances and corresponding approach has been different throughout the different areas where they work. For instance, Kenya was hit very hard by COVID, making it one of the last countries in East Africa to reopen schools. Because Compassion children were falling behind in their education and don’t have access to the technology utilized by American students, the local forces of the non-profit began work on a new idea, “Center Mtaani” meaning “Center at Home.” Since children couldn’t come to the center, they hired and sent out part-time teachers to provide the children learning on school curriculum, hygiene and disease prevention, food security, caregiver training, and Bible study. This creative, good work provided for so many children of God, acknowledging the value of their physical, mental, and spiritual health in a way that clearly demonstrates the non-profit’s active obedience to the call of building the kingdom of heaven. Onlooking non-profits and Christians alike have much to learn from Compassion’s successful, God-honoring approach to living out Christ’s redemptive work in the world.