Feature Articles

Compassion International

Zane and I recently went on a trip with a group to Guatemala. We went with Compassion International, a child development organization unlike any other out there. To say the least- the experience has changed our lives! We saw first hand how the organization operates and what they focus on – the Great Commission. They take NO government funding- so they stay FOCUSED on doing everything for children IN JESUS NAME. You know, in our numbered days, we may not all have the chance to travel and see such poverty in a third-world country. We were disturbed by what we saw and learned. Just to mention a few statistics that we found ALARMING as Christians and as parents:

• 300 million of the world's children are orphaned or homeless
• 360 million of the world's children are trapped in illiteracy, with little hope of staying in school long enough to change that- if they even have access to school to begin with
• An estimated 250 million of the world's children work - 120 million of them work full time. And many of them in horrific working conditions - sweat shops – inordinate hours/horrid living conditions
• Of those who work full time - school attendance is sporadic at best
• At the end of 2004, 2,200,000 of the world's children were living with the HIV virus - a majority of which received it from their mothers.
• 15 million children - most of who are impoverished - have lost one or both parents to AIDS.
• Today, worldwide, nearly 80% of children never hear or have an OPPORTUNITY TO respond to the message of Jesus.

Compassion International is changing lives by giving children an opportunity to rise up out of poverty. With the message of God’s gift of His Son and the grace that He has provided, they are able to teach children a purpose for living and skills to lift themselves up out of poverty. They don’t provide a “handout” - but a “hand up”. And as obedient children of God, WE feel it is our responsibility to be involved to change children’s lives through this ministry called Compassion International. It is our prayer and plea that you too would consider getting involved by offering to sponsor a child with as little as $1.00 a day. Thirty-two dollars a month can change a child’s future and bless your life more than you can imagine! That’s only giving up one soda a day! We know when we are obedient as God’s children; He always honors that obedience with grace and provision. So- if you would like to join us in this ministry and sponsor a child- please click here and sign up today.

Debbie and Zane King
Compassion International