Celebrating 60 years
“Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” —Habakkuk 1:5 (NIV)
The year 2012 marks 60 years of ministry for Compassion International, the global network of both developing countries and funding partner countries, of which Compassion Australia is one. You’re invited to celebrate this anniversary with us, as together we look back with thankful hearts and look to the future with great anticipation.
In 1952 Compassion’s founder, Rev Everett Swanson, was moved with compassion in South Korea by the plight of the street children orphaned by the Korean Conflict. When Rev Swanson heard the Lord prompting “What are you going to do?” he responded with a simple, yet powerful plan to link caring Christians with children in need. Sixty years later that act of obedience has resulted in over 2 million children all across the world being touched by Compassion’s ministry. We currently work with 5500 local church partners in 26 countries worldwide.
As you might imagine, the last 60 years has seen countless stories of suffering, perseverance and hope. Here are a few of our favourites:
Thanks to the faithful generosity of Christians around the world, Compassion now has decades of experience providing a Christian response to children in poverty by addressing their spiritual, economic, social, physical and emotional needs. We are poised to play a pivotal role in the next great movement of the Church. We believe this generation of God’s people will rise up to prioritise children and end extreme poverty. We humbly anticipate the Lord will allow Compassion to play a significant role in that advancement.
With this bold vision for the future, Compassion will not waver from being Christ-centred, child-focused and church-based. And we will continue to serve God and our supporters with integrity. As we step boldly into the future, we will stay true to our heritage and true to the Lord’s call to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
SIDE NOTE: Check out the March 2012 issue of Compassion Magazine, which reflects back over key events and individuals in our history. It is dedicated to all Compassion supporters—past, present and future—who have made this incredible work possible.
