Compassion International is a child-advocacy ministry that pairs compassionate people with those who are suffering from poverty. The ministry releases children from spiritual, economic, social, and physical poverty. The goal is for each child to become a responsible and fulfilled adult.

Compassion’s work has grown from modest beginnings in South Korea in 1952 when American evangelist Rev. Everett Swanson felt compelled to help 35 children orphaned by the Korean conflict. Today it is a worldwide ministry where millions of children are now reaping the benefits of one man’s clear, God-given vision.

Releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name

In response to the Great Commission, Compassion International exists as an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults.

More than sixty years ago, a preacher from Chicago flew to South Korea to minister to American troops fighting in the Korean War. During his time in Seoul, the Rev. Everett Swanson grew increasingly troubled by the sight of hundreds of war orphans living on the streets, abandoned by society.

One morning he saw city workers scoop up what looked like piles of rags and toss them into the back of a truck. He walked up to the truck for a closer look — and was horrified to see that the “piles” were not rags, but the frozen bodies of orphans who had died overnight in the streets.
Swanson could not turn his back on these unwanted children and vowed to find a way to help them. He raised money to support a Korean orphanage and soon established a unique program that allowed an individual in the Western world to provide Bible-based education, food, clothing, shelter and medical care for a Korean orphan for a few dollars a month.

Embracing children in need remains at the heart of who we are and has been honed over six decades of ministry.

“In response to the Great Commission…”

“In response to the Great Commission” makes it abundantly clear that we are not only a social ministry but also a ministry committed to evangelism and discipleship.

The name Compassion communicates that we are a “love thy neighbor” ministry. We look after the health, education and welfare of impoverished children. This aspect of Compassion puts us in the context of “Great Commandment” ministries. We love God and we demonstrate that love by extending care for others.

However, the opening phrase of our mission statement makes it clear that we are also a “Great Commission” ministry, that we are engaged in the proclamation of the Gospel and also align ourselves with Christian mission organizations.

The strength of our commitment to Christian holism, to the demonstration and the proclamation of the Gospel, makes us unique among major child sponsorship organizations.

For more information on compassion please visit www.compassion.com