Jesus has a heart for children – so should we

Throughout the Bible, there are many references to children and their significance in society. Jesus Himself was the perfect example of child development: “And the child grew and became strong; He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.” Luke 2:40. These words guide us when addressing the needs of children.

Jesus spoke about children and their importance in the Kingdom: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14 (NIV). Therefore, as children share an equal part in God's kingdom, it is vital that they are nurtured and valued in their formative years.

Children who will be the leaders of tomorrow need to be nurtured today

It is during childhood that the most significant life changes can be made and positive patterns developed. Therefore, it is crucial that children receive the necessary care, nurture and training while they are still young.

Children, like ‘wet cement’, can be shaped and moulded in these early years to serve Christ. As they grow, they ‘solidify’ to become all that God intended them to be.

Since 1952, the core of Compassion’s ministry has been to introduce children to Jesus Christ – to provide them with hope and a future. By introducing children to Jesus at an early age, these children serve a vital role in promoting change within their families and communities.

Children are usually the major victims of poverty

Unfortunately it is always the children who are the hardest hit by the effects of extreme poverty, exploitation and abuse – they are the least able and have the fewest resources available to change their circumstances. Of the 2.2 billion children in our world today, nearly half are living in desperate conditions.* Compassion believes that one of the most effective ways to address poverty in a community is to begin by impacting and changing the lives of its children.

Compassion recognizes that it is not enough to care for the spiritual needs of children without addressing all other aspects of their lives. That’s why Compassion’s holistic child development programs provide for the spiritual, economic, social, physical and emotional needs of children living in poverty.

Compassion is committed to child protection

Compassion upholds the Statement of Commitment to Child Protection. Our commitment to Jesus Christ and concern for children is the cornerstone upon which Compassion Canada has been built.

* Source – UNICEF: The State of the World’s Children report 2008 (4544 KB PDF)