63 years sponsoring children in poverty—our new hero!

For some of us, the decision to support Compassion came in the wake of a Hillsong concert, a Christian conference or word of mouth. For others, Compassion has just always been in their blood. 88-year-old Jean Toole hails from the breezy Maritimes of Halifax, Nova Scotia. For 63 years, she has been faithfully sponsoring children […]

Struggle no more: Letter writing made easy

One of the most unique and beautiful parts of child sponsorship is the opportunity to build a relationship with the child you sponsor through letter-writing. But many sponsors find it difficult to write for a wide variety of reasons. It can be hard to find time to write. What should you say? Isn’t letter writing […]

When do youth graduate from Compassion sponsorship?

Sponsors often wonder when youth graduate from our sponsorship program. In North America, we typically view an 18-year-old as an adult and apply that thinking to children in other countries. It’s important to understand that children living in poverty around the world may start school later or have limited resources compared to Canadian children—which is […]

A horrific attack by fire: One year later

Warning: This account contains disturbing details of violence. Along the riverside one Sunday afternoon, Steven’s life took a radical turn. 11-year old Steven grew up on the Pacific coast of Ecuador, in the coastal city of Esmeraldas—a unique community surrounded by lush jungle and beautiful beaches. For a city with eternal summer temperatures, the Esmeraldas […]

Does child sponsorship empower youth to get jobs?

Through child sponsorship, children in Compassion’s program are developed in so many ways—physically, emotionally, cognitively and spiritually. But does sponsorship actually equip children to get jobs once they graduate? As we have developed our program over the years, we have moved to put an even greater emphasis on equipping young people to provide for themselves. […]

5 strong women of the Bible and their modern counterparts

Strong women inspire me. From young girls using their voices to grandmothers raising up the next generation to be confident in themselves, it’s amazing to witness courageous women in action. And in a time where equality is still fiercely fought for, we want to honour some of the great women of the Bible whose strength […]

Miss Wheelchair Canada: God will restore what was lost

Trigger warning: This interview includes content about miscarriage which may be triggering. When you talk to Vahen King, who became the first ever Miss Wheelchair Canada in 2017, you immediately sense her unwavering confidence and her fiery grit. You become accustomed to her shared nuggets of wisdom, treasures from a shelf of lived truths. Her […]

After genocide: An astonishing story of forgiveness and redemption

Warning: This account contains disturbing details of violence. Jean Claude, a Compassion alumnus, forgave the one who tortured and murdered his family—and even provided for his son’s education.*  I was born in the country of Rwanda in Kigali City, but I was born in a poor family where getting food was a problem. Where going […]

Shakul: The story behind the striking face

His sparkling blue eyes first capture your attention, drawing you in. Then you notice the bold streak of light-coloured skin on his forehead and his lighter hands. His appearance is striking. You may recall a photo that we shared of this boy on Instagram. Meet Shakul Born in rural Uganda to young, unmarried parents, Shakul’s […]