Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.
Founded by the Rev. Everett Swanson in 1952, Compassion began providing Korean War orphans with food, shelter, education and health care, as well as Christian training.
Today, Compassion helps more than 1.2 million children in 26 countries. Every day over 4,000 children are dying of water-related diseases such as cholera and typhoid that are easily preventable. Many more are suffering sickness, diarrhea and acute stomach pains - illnesses that stop children going to school and growing up into healthy adults. Every $79 donated to Compassion Water of Life provides a safe water filtration system for life (over 1 million gallons) for a child and their family in developing countries. Education on improving hygiene and sanitation and support for improving community water and sanitation sources are also provided where needed.
Compassion takes stewardship seriously. More than 80 percent of their expenditures go to program activities helping children. That's one reason why "The Bus Stop Atheist" has chosen Compassion Water of Life as the beneficiary of any profits arising from its world premiere performances!