Compassion International CEO on expansion: 'We believe God is calling Compassion to extend its Christ-centered church-driven, child-focused ministry'

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Compassion International has expanded its ministry to four additional countries. | Unsplash/Charlein Gracia

Compassion International has expanded its ministry to four additional countries, confirming its presence in Malawi, Zambia, Cambodia and Myanmar, according to a press release. The addition brings the total number of countries explored by the organization to 29.

"We stand at an unprecedented moment in Compassion's history. The needs of the poor are unbelievably urgent, and the resources entrusted by God to his global church have never been greater,” Santiago "Jimmy" Mellado, president and CEO of Compassion, said. “Given the scale of the need, we believe God is calling Compassion to extend its Christ-centered church-driven, child-focused ministry to a greater number of children and youth than ever before.”

Established in 1952, the child development organization partners with local churches to offer physical, social, economic and spiritual care to children living in poor conditions.

Approximately 356 million children currently live in extreme poverty, living in a household earning less than $2.15 per day and lacking access to basic human resources such as water, health care, housing, nutrition, educational opportunities and social services. These children are exposed to a higher rate of exploitation, child labor, abuse and preventable disease.

"A child born in Cambodia today will be only 49% as productive when grown as she could be if she enjoyed complete education, good health and proper nutrition during childhood,” the World Bank reports.

“When the need feels overwhelming in impoverished countries, that's when Compassion deploys its not-so-secret weapon: Its partnership with the local church,” a recent press release stated. “Launch leaders look for churches in poor regions who demonstrate a vision and a burden for children. These local churches know their communities best, and partnering with Compassion grows their reach and ability to care for children.”

The company confirmed plans to prioritize the expansion and pause its child sponsorship, and other financial support opportunities.

"We are embarking on this initiative with God-sized expectations for the work he will do in these nations, transforming communities and breaking generational cycles of poverty for good,” a recent press release stated. “We hope to reach millions more children and youth."