COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Moody Publishers is pleased to release a new book entitled What Are You Going to Do? which tells the inspiring true story of Everett Swanson and the humble beginnings of the global Christian ministry Compassion International. Authors Matt Bronleewe and Eric Wilson describe how one man’s answer to a simple question transformed the lives of millions of children.
In the fall of 1952, Rev. Everett Swanson flew from Chicago to South Korea to minister to American troops fighting in the Korean War. During his time there, he grew increasingly troubled by the sight of hundreds of war orphans who were homeless, where many died of starvation, exposure, and disease.
Broken by the plight of these children, Swanson was faced with a question: “What are you going to do?”
More than 70 years later, Compassion reaches over two million children around the world through its child development program – providing education, health care, nutrition, clean water, vocational training, Christian instruction, mentorship, recreational activities, and more. The organization partners with more than 8,500 local churches in 29 countries to help children thrive, reach their God-given potential and transcend what is often a generational legacy of poverty.
Santiago ‘Jimmy’ Mellado, president and CEO of Compassion, shares, “Reverend Everett Swanson unexpectedly became a world-changer. And I’m so glad his story is finally being told. His life serves as a testimony of what can happen when God calls and an obedient heart answers. You will be challenged. You will be inspired. But most of all, I pray you will be moved – moved with compassion to make a difference in the lives of others.”
“I’ve had the privilege of traveling with Compassion and know firsthand the tremendous work they do, but I didn’t know the amazing story of their founder, Everett Swanson,” explains Michael W. Smith, Grammy Award-winning Christian artist and Compassion advocate. “How incredible to read about one man taking a bold step, his vision for children in need, and the result that is this marvelous organization.”
What Are You Going to Do? is available at moodypublishers.com/what-are-you-going-to-do and wherever books are sold. To learn more about Everett Swanson and Compassion’s history, visit compassion.com/history.
About Compassion International
Compassion International is a Christian child development organization dedicated to releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name. Founded in 1952, Compassion partners with more than 8,500 local churches in 29 program countries to deliver spiritual, economic, social, and physical care to over two million babies, children, and young adults in poverty. Ranked No. 13 in Forbes’ America’s Top Charities List in 2023, Compassion is a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and an accredited charity with the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. For more information, visit compassion.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.
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