Compassion UK

The blue water lily is the national flower of Sri Lanka, and children can't help but smile when they see this beautiful flower spreading joy and hope! Four friends from a Compassion project in Sri Lanka share what makes them happy at the project.

“I really like to dance and that makes me happy,” says Thasmika.

“Playing and drawing pictures make me happy,” says Sanshika

“What makes me happy is dancing and I get to do that at the project!” says Suvetha.

Patricia grew up neglected and vulnerable in Brazil. When she became pregnant at the age of nineteen, she considered leaving her baby in the hospital, certain she didn’t want him. Instead, God used Patricia’s son to change the whole course of her life, and to show her a depth of love she’d never imagined possible.

Want to read the full story? Head to our new blog! https://bit.ly/462cNZv

As we navigate life's challenges, we can draw strength from God's promises and extend his peace to those in need. 🙌

This Sunday, let's reflect on his love and compassion for us.

Compassion UK Releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name. Visit us, compassionuk.org

Thank you to Cedarwood Festival for having us last weekend! It was such an incredible time seeing God move, and we loved speaking to everyone who attended the Compassion stand!

Check out some of the photos below 👇

This year we're celebrating 25 years of Compassion UK! 🙌 🎉

Did you know the name 'Compassion' is based on Matthew 15:32? The scripture says,
“Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.”

Join us in celebrating God’s continued faithfulness as he works through his people to release children from poverty.

You can explore Compassion UK's role in the larger Compassion story and discover some of the key highlights from 1952-2024 in our new magazine!

Check it out here 👉

Compassion Magazine | Stories of Lives Changed | Compassion UK Be inspired by our magazine which contains incredible stories from Compassion graduates and kids in our child sponsorship programme.

Jael, 6-years-old, lives in a small fishing village in the Philippines with his mother, father and two siblings. His father is a fisherman who works hard to feed his family despite the dangers of fishing in open seas with outdated technology and little pay.

Eden, Jael’s mother, is grateful for Jael's sponsorship as it brings hope to the family that Jael can finish his studies and receive a good education.

Compassion stands alongside Jael's parents' and their sacrifices to raise their children. 💙

It's Youth Skills Day! Meet Daniela, a talented cake-maker and business owner at just 14-years-old!

Daniela has attended the Compassion project in El Salvador since she was born. As she grew up, the staff saw an entrepreneurial spirit in Daniela. They encouraged her, and she was given the opportunity to attend workshops to develop the skills needed to start her own business.

Daniela’s Pastry Shop has grown quickly over a short period of time; she’s now selling 40 cakes on average per month. While her business grows, she continues studying, serving at church, and saving money to take her business out of town. Her goal is to study gastronomy in the future.

“The part I enjoy most is the cake decorating because I can express myself and my creativity. It’s lovely to know that someday I was the child eating the cake. Now I’m the one who makes the cake!" says Daniela.

Children who are part of our Compassion projects are always making us smile!

We love this beautiful quote from Mother Teresa 💙

“My biggest motivation is to be able to study nursing. It’s mostly because of my mom and dad’s health.”

Leidy, a 21-year-old nursing student from Bolivia, has been part of the Compassion project since she was five. Her parents' health struggles inspired her to pursue nursing, with the support of her pastor. Her sponsor - a doctor from Kentucky - is also a reason why Leidy decided on a nursing career.

“She (Leidy's sponsor) is a person who motivates me through her letters. I know that she prays for me, for my family, and I’m quite grateful for that. Thanks to her I can also study,” says Leidy.

The Compassion project stands alongside Leidy and her family through their challenges, allowing her to focus on her studies and make a positive impact on her community.

Learn more about sponsorship here 👉 https://bit.ly/3L0dHxg

Compassion UK Releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name. Visit us, compassionuk.org

At Compassion, Jesus is at the centre of everything we do. 💙 ⛪

Matthew 6:33 is always a great reminder to continue to seek the Kingdom of God first and foremost!

Compassion UK Releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name. Visit us, compassionuk.org

It's time for Akshara's first medical check up!

Part of our holistic programme at Compassion is to ensure children are healthy and strong to reach their full potential. In Akshara's local community in Sri Lanka, nutritional deficiencies, skin disease and dental issues are some of the most common health issues children face.

Many families in this community only go to the doctors after they get very sick. But through regular medical check ups, children who are part of the Compassion project are able to be treated before becoming ill.

Your sponsorship provides regular health checks for children like Akshara. If you're interested in learning more about sponsorship, head here! https://bit.ly/3L0dHxg

God desires our lives to overflow with mercy, love, and compassion — true signs of His Kingdom.

As followers of Jesus, we have a choice: to respond to the troubling realities of our world with fear, or to follow His example by addressing the greatest needs of our time with love and hope. At Compassion, we choose to serve and release children from poverty in the name of Jesus.

This Sunday, let's reflect on this beautiful scripture from Matthew and commit to living out these values every day.

Have you secured a general ballot place for the 2025 London Marathon? 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

We’re looking for runners like YOU to join Compassion’s team and help raise funds for children living in poverty around the world!

Why run with us?
👉 Enjoy team perks, including a Compassion UK running t-shirt
👉 Receive fundraising support and resources
👉 Hear stories from the children and families you’re helping support
👉 Be part of a dedicated team who are making a global impact

So, are you ready to run for Compassion? 🏅

DM us if you're interested and head here https://bit.ly/3RN9r6F for more info!

Thank you to everyone who recently took part in Compassion Sunday across the UK - here's what you had to say!

We are so grateful for the hard work of each volunteer speaker, pastor, church congregation and individual who was part of the day, and we praise God for each child who was sponsored!

If you feel God has placed sponsorship on your heart, why not find out more about our programme? https://bit.ly/4bks34P

Exciting news - we'll be at Cedarwood Festival next month!

We're eagerly anticipating what God has in store for everyone throughout the weekend. Be sure to check out the Compassion stand - you can't miss the big blue elephant!. 🐘💙

Will we see you there?

👋👋 Meet Pastor Fred!
He’s faithfully leading the work of the church in a community on the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda. Pastor Fred partners with Compassion UK to support infants, youth, and children at his church.
He says, “This partnership with Compassion has been running since 2013. We come as equal partners to serve a community and equip the church to enable it to fulfil its role in society. The Church is the salt and, of course, the light to provide healing and hope in otherwise very challenging times. Things may be difficult, but there is hope.”
Don’t forget to check out Compassion’s stand at Cedarwood Festival 2024 Cedarwood Festival if you’d like to know more about their work!

Have you got writer's block? Don't worry, it's normal!

Sometimes it can be hard to know what to write to your sponsored child. ✏️ That's why we've created a handy guide with our top letter writing tips that will bless their hearts.

Check out the guide here! 👉

How to write a wonderful letter to your sponsored child | Compassion UK Awesome ideas to help you overcome writer's block when writing letters to the child you sponsor

"The first time I spoke in front of people I was 12 years old. It was in Sunday school where I first began to develop self-confidence," says Cess, now 22-years-old.

Cess recently graduated from the Compassion project and university, earning a bachelor's degree in accounting. She continues to volunteer at the project as a youth leader for a small group of women, and also teaches children during Sunday school.

“I enjoy leading our small group so much,” Cess says. “They share their stories, their laughter, their tears. I learn a lot from their stories, their experiences. They share with me their problems and I can see how God is working in them.”

Cess is an inspiring young leader in her community and we're so encouraged by the impact she's making on other young women and children around her!

On World Refugee Day, we recognise the 117.3 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, of which 37.6 million are refugees as a result of persecution, conflict, and human rights violations.

At Compassion we care deeply about the world’s children. We’re passionate about seeing justice for the most vulnerable. Please take a moment out of your day today to pray with us for the millions affected by the refugee crisis. 🙏

We've created a prayer guide for you 👉 www.compassionuk.org/prayers/prayers-for-refugees/

*UNHCR

Here's a look into a classroom at a Compassion project in Rwanda! 📘

During a typical day, children have a specific time to write letters to their sponsors. The project tutors help younger kids write their letters and may write prompts on the blackboard to get their writing juices flowing. 📝

Older children work with the tutors to discover their gifts, strengths and interests and set goals for their future. They also receive vocational skills training in areas like computer training, carpentry, motor vehicle repair, dressmaking, cooking and hairdressing.

Through pastors, tutors, church staff and volunteers, children are cared for and invested in by members of their own communities, who encourage them to discover their unique gifts, passions and abilities.

We thank God for each one of the people who dedicate their lives to serving children!

Happy Father's Day!

Melianus, father of baby Alvaro, shares a Father's Day encouragement for other dads;

"I wish that my children can grow up healthy and finish school, unlike myself who didn’t finish school. I even wish they can go to university. I hope that my sons can become men who fear God.

For all the fathers out there, I also wish you can be the person that your family needs you to be, to live in the fear of God, and be the example for your children to follow."

We pray a blessing over all father's today!

Compassion UK | Releasing Children From Poverty In Jesus’ Name Sponsor a child and empower them to overcome poverty. Independent research proves our child sponsorship programme works. Your sponsorship will bring hope.

Don't know how to begin praying for the climate crisis? We've got you 🙏 🌲

We must do everything we can to help protect God’s creation, especially as climate change disproportionately impacts people living in poverty. We're called to love and protect our neighbours, wherever they are. This Great Big Green Week, will you join us in prayer for our planet and people?

Read the full prayer guide here https://bit.ly/3yVONKR

How does the climate crisis impact people living in poverty?

Children who live in poverty are disproportionally impacted by climate change. “Almost every child on earth is exposed to at least one climate and environmental hazard, shock or stress such as heatwaves, cyclones, air pollution, flooding and water scarcity,” UNICEF.

In Indonesia, Aniek is a Compassion graduate and teacher. She gives back to her community through a waste collection and recycling programme. Twice a week, she takes her students from the project to clean up and recycle the plastic waste that accumulates on their local beach, which otherwise pollutes waterways and has contributed to the decline in sea turtle population.

“I know what these children and I do is something small, but it is better do something small - and do it now - rather than do nothing," says Aniek.

Read more about how Compassion's local church partners are improving futures for people in rural communities! https://bit.ly/4aYIweX