During January of 2020 I had the incredible opportunity to visit Uganda on a mission trip with an organization called Compassion International. This trip was an amazing and life changing experience, however I have never reflected on how Compassion International started and grew so that I could have this opportunity.
Compassion International was started by Reverend Everett Swanson seventy years ago. Swanson traveled to South Korea to minister to the American troops fighting in the Korean war. However, during his time there he was very troubled by the sight of hundred of war orphans on the streets.
Compassion International is a child-development ministry. According to their website, they are ” dedicated to releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name. through sponsorships and donations, we empower local churches to provide individual and holistic care to children i poverty so they are free to learn, grown, play, and dream.”
Compassion international states that they are “suffering with” children in need. They include this in their mission because of the etymology in the word compassion stems from Latin com meaning “with, together” and the Latin pati “to suffer.” Compassion literally. means to suffer with. This definition is what has driven Compassion International to continue to grow and suffer with children in need. Compassion International also is fueled by God’s love.
The mission and vision of Compassion International is clear through the way they continue to grow and suffer with children to help them and their families and lead them to Christ.
Wow, how incredible you got to experience that first hand! I have not heard of Compassion International’s background either, so I am glad you shared. I had a ton of friends go on these missions trips and come back completely changed, in the best way. I particularly like their motto of “suffering with” the children in need… This story is so compelling and inspirational to read!
Thanks for sharing and good job!
It is great to hear about Compassion International’s origins and how their name so vividly marks what their ministry is about in growing and suffering with children in need. While there are many needy children out there in developing countries, it is powerful to see this is at the heart of the mission of Compassion International.
The youth is something that is very important to our culture because they are who we need to work with and help bring up into this world. Getting them to learn about and know Christ is very important so that they can walk with God early and understand His love.