Compassion International News From Ambassador

April 25: World Malaria Day

2012-04-25T00:00:00-06:00

A child with the malaria parasite becomes so sick with chills and fever, every part of their little body aches until often they go into a coma. And it's at this near-fatal point before a child in places like Sierra Leone and other parts of Africa are brought to a clinic where some are saved. And when there is no clinic, death's a certainty.

Millions die each year of malaria. It's a staggering number impossible for me to wrap my mind around. Most of these children live in Africa where a child dies every minute from malaria. I can wrap my mind around one! I can help save one.

One mosquito net can save the life of one child. And frankly, I don't care which organization you choose to make it happen. My choice is Compassion International because I'm a child sponsor and I know the work they're doing to effectively distribute nets through churches in poverty who know these children by name. I've seen the nets in a child's home.

Malaria is curable and preventable. Progress is being made, but millions of children are still dying in Africa. How long will we let this disease linger? It hasn't been an issue in the U.S. since the late 1940s. We attacked it head on, and it's done.

One child, one net. What's the hold up?

Evelyn Gibson

World Water Day: March 22

2012-03-19T00:00:00-06:00

Did you know that water claims more lives through disease than any war claims through guns? Help raise awareness about the single largest killer in the developing world. This World Water Day (March 22), Compassion International is prepared to help raise awareness through a non-fundraising advocacy campaign.

Watch the video and then access the World Water Day Radio Resources, which include a special :60 PSA.

Thank you for "Speaking Up With Compassion" on World Water Day, March 22.

Katie Burke
Ambassador Advertising Agency: We Connect. Ministry and Media.

P.S. Have you heard the "Just a Minute"-themed features for "Speak Up With Compassion" on the air this month? If you're interested in interviewing Wess Stafford, author of the newly-released Just a Minute, please send an email request here.

It only takes a minute

2012-02-13T00:00:00-06:00

How long does it take to change a child's life? Compassion International's Wess Stafford knows it can take just a minute. Watch a short video as he shares why he's so glad that on one particular evening he made the decision not to send his 5-year-old to bed.

"Just a minute" is not only a great reminder about taking time for children -- it's also the title of Wess Stafford's new book. His collection of stories from well-recognized and unknown people alike offers great inspiration for how anyone can positively impact a child in just a moment.

It's a neat coincidence that "a minute" is also the length of Wess Stafford's daily feature "Speak Up With Compassion" where each day presents a challenge to "speak up" for a child -- whether that's a child in poverty, down the street or in your own home.

Stations who already air "Speak Up With Compassion" will hear special "Just a Minute"-themed features in March (3/5-30).

(Don't air "Speak Up With Compassion" and want to air just the 20 "Just a Minute" features? Ask for FTP directions).

Stations wanting to request an interview with Wess Stafford in connection with "Just a Minute" should visit justaminute.com (book excerpt, author bio, etc.) and send an email request here.

Katie Burke
Ambassador Advertising Agency: We Connect. Ministry and Media.

P.S. Going to NRB? Let us know so we can get you a copy of "Just a Minute" for airplane reading on the way home!

Take 5 for Compassion

2011-12-19T00:00:00-06:00

It's time for another edition of "Take 5 for Compassion" -- perfect timing for those in need of a little break from the Christmas hustle and bustle.

It's always time to speak up for children, and the Christmas season only highlights that reality as we think on one very special child who demonstrated His compassion for us!

So here's your invitation to see what's new, what's coming up and what's inspiring in the world of child advocacy from Compassion International.

1) MISSIONS IN ACTION. An outsider's look at what Compassion is doing in the Philippines.

2) You've heard how they use their skills to promote Compassion. Now check out this trick shot that gives new meaning to FISHING WITH A NET.

3) Finished with your CHRISTMAS SHOPPING? Was a goat on your list?

4) "Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them." WHO SAID THAT? Check out these famous quotes about children and poverty.

5) COOKING WITH COMPASSION. Enjoy our culinary tour around the world!

Katie Burke
Ambassador Advertising Agency: We Connect. Ministry and Media.

P.S. Of course, you can "Take 5" every week with Ambassador -- make sure you're on our email distribution list!

Making Poverty Personal during Thanksgiving

2011-10-31T00:00:00-06:00

Are you looking for ways to truly encourage thankful hearts during this Thanksgiving season? Start with making the reality of poverty "personal" with these ideas from Compassion International:

Live 58 Features

Isaiah 58 says: Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice--to set the oppressed free! to share your food with the hungry and provide the poor wanderer with shelter? "Speak Up With Compassion" is focusing on how we can be a part of ending extreme poverty in our liftetime. Live58.org is Compassion's global connection point--a place to gather to take action together. Listeners will hear about the kind of "fast" for children that will make a difference--right now!

Act: Contact Katie to air the special "Live 58" features on "Speak Up With Compassion" 11/14-11/30

Slavery Footprint
Do you know how many slaves work on your behalf? Your "total slavery footprint" represents the number of forced laborers that were likely to be involved in creating and manufacturing the products you buy.

Act: Check out your slavery footprint

One Meal One Day

Daily 143 million children worldwide don't get enough to eat. That's a big problem. It needs a big solution. But what if that big solution came in a small package? One Meal One Day is a way for you to show that solution to students in your church and community. This annual event brings together thousands of students, as they skip a meal and give the money they would have spent to help feed hungry children.

Act: Skip a meal, change your world--see how!

Don't forget...poverty becomes "personal" every day on "Speak Up With Compassion" when Compassion's President Wess Stafford responds to real prayers from children in poverty.

Katie Burke
Ambassador Advertising Agency: We Connect. Ministry and Media.