Why Should I Sponsor a Child? 

We asked five Compassion ambassadors—Graham Kendrick, Gemma Hunt, Viktor Omosebi, Philippa Hanna and Sarah Teibo—to share their own experiences.

From the moment they decided to sponsor to the joy of seeing a child grow, their answers reveal what they value most, how sponsorship works in practice, and why they believe it changes lives.

Read their short interviews and discover what learn how sponsorship enables relationship, hope and faith in action.

Graham Kendrick

Graham Kendrick

Graham Kendrick is a worship leader, songwriter and author whose music is well-known and well-loved all around the world. He’s been a passionate supporter of Compassion for many years.

What first moved you to sponsor a child?

I actually went to the village where the project was operating. I think God helped me and moved my heart towards a particular child…I realised that this child was in very desperate need. The father was disabled; they had no income. They were living in appalling conditions.

I met the mother. She's a lovely, caring lady, but there was no doubt that what I was going to do by sponsoring this child was going to make a big, big difference.

What do you value most about sponsorship?

“If you sponsor one child, it helps the whole family. In many ways, it gives hope. That's a big thing: one gets sponsored, and the whole family is lifted up and given hope.”

What reassures you that sponsorship really works?

I went back about 10 years later. They brought out a ring binder file and showed me and it was tracking this girl's life, health checks, attendance at the project, how she was getting on.

And I thought: this is really brilliant. Somebody's not just giving a bit of temporary help. This is a long term journey of personal care and support.

What does having a relationship with one child make possible?

We all have this sense of being overwhelmed by the needs out there and the danger is that we then do nothing because we think it's all pointless, that it's just a drop in the ocean. But to actually be able to help in that personal way over a long period of time, and to make a difference, to be able to think: ‘yes, I'm making a difference to a particular person in a particular setting,’ through an organisation I trust.

How has sponsorship connected with your faith?

[Sponsorship] is worship. You begin to understand that, whatever you do, you should be doing it to the glory of God. Ephesians 5:2 says be imitators of God, and then it talks about Christ and how he lived a life of love and that life of love was a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God, and that's worship too.

What would you say to someone who’s still undecided?

Well, just do it! I don't think you'll regret it. And of course, some people might find it a struggle financially, but if you partner with some other people, maybe a friend or two or a home group or neighbours.... You can do it and share the joy together.

Gemma Hunt

Gemma Hunt

Gemma Hunt is a children’s TV presenter, author and speaker, best known for her work on Songs of Praise and CBeebies. She is passionate about faith, family and helping children flourish.

What inspired you to sponsor a child with Compassion?

I’ve known about Compassion for years through a friend who began sponsoring a child when she had her first daughter. It felt like such a beautiful way to extend love.

Fast forward 18 years and here I am – a mum myself! I felt a nudge from God: Gemma, it’s your turn.

What do you love most about being a sponsor?

I often check the Compassion app before praying for Eva, noticing the weather or the time there. It helps me picture her real life. We’ve stuck her photos around our house and written down the things we’re praying for her.

Seeing her drawings and reading her words is pure joy, a reminder that sponsorship is about connection… She told us that her family prays for us too, which moved me deeply.

How does sponsorship impact a child’s family?

Sponsorship lifts a real weight. It’s hope made practical.

As parents, we know how stressful it can be to make ends meet. Supporting Eva doesn’t just change her life, it blesses her whole family.

What would you say to someone considering sponsoring?

It’s like having a pen pal – with eternal impact! 
 
Your sponsorship is more than just financial support. It’s relationship, hope, and partnering with God to transform a life. In the process, he will transform yours too.

Read Gemma’s full sponsorship story in Premier’s Christianity Magazine.

Viktor Omosebi

Viktor Omosebi (middle)

Viktor is the founder of Warehouse Worship. His commitment to sponsorship grew once he saw the impact Compassion has in children’s lives.

What first inspired you to sponsor a child with Compassion?

What inspired me is seeing how one consistent act of love can make a difference in one child's life. I began to see the impact Compassion were making all around the world — the letters, the updates, the lives changed — and that inspired me to make a difference myself in some children’s lives.

What reassures you that sponsorship really works?

Warehouse Worship went as a group out to Uganda. We were able to see graduates from the Compassion programme: how they were sponsored through the years and what they’ve become right now. It gives me confidence that it’s effective.

Plus, seeing how happy the children were at the project, seeing the differences, and knowing Compassion teaches people skills to help them survive… that’s what makes me confident sponsorship actually does work. It’s something that helps their future.

What do you value most about sponsorship?

What I value most is the relationship with the child I sponsor. I want the child to know I’m not doing this just to make myself feel better, but because I care and I want them to have a better future.

I’ve also been changed myself – it's changed my view on gratitude in general, and on being more grateful for all I have.

What would you say to someone who’s undecided about whether to sponsor?

I’d say, you’re not just giving money, you’re giving hope, helping a child know they’re seen and loved by Christ. We all need hope in life.

If you’re waiting for a miracle, this is a leap of faith you can take. Sponsor a child, give them hope, and watch what God does in your life, too.

Philippa Hanna

Philippa Hanna

Philippa Hanna is an award-winning singer-songwriter and author who has toured internationally and released multiple albums. She has been a committed advocate for Compassion for many years.

How did you first come across Compassion?

I literally bumped into a Compassion stand – and I immediately felt led to sponsor.

That relationship with the first child I sponsored, Carlos, has been such a blessing in my life.

What about Compassion’s work captured your heart?

I love that Compassion is Christ-centred. For me, the eternal impact of children getting to hear about Jesus is priceless.

What brings you joy as a sponsor?

I love to see the children I sponsor growing, learning and smiling… it gives me hope in a world which faces so many challenges.

What would you say to someone thinking about sponsoring a child?

I’ve never for a moment regretted my decision… They bless my life, and I’m so grateful to be impacting theirs.

Sarah Teibo

Sarah Teibo

Sarah Teibo is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, worship leader and MOBO-nominated artist, known for her powerful voice and faith-filled music.

What drew you to Compassion’s work?

Seeing and hearing the real-life testimonies of accomplished adults who were sponsored through Compassion… Knowing that there are hundreds of thousands more children who need to be reached… made me want to play my small part.

Who is the child you sponsor?

I sponsor a young girl called Abigail from Ghana… I enjoy getting regular updates from her where she tells me about how she’s getting on in school, how her family is doing and about her involvement in her local church.

What brings you joy in sponsorship?

I started sponsoring Abigail when she was only four… and it has been a joy watching her develop alongside my own children.

How does sponsorship shape a child’s future?

It could mean as a child, they feel even more valued and loved. Someone is taking the time not only to invest in them financially, but also with emotional support.

What would you say to someone thinking about taking that step?

Your act of love in action could make the biggest difference in a child’s life… It’s a truly rewarding experience, and I would highly encourage people to consider it. Sponsor a child for £32 a month and help them access:

• Nutritional support

• Medical check-ups

• Protection from threats

• Educational resources

As you move with compassion, children receive practical support and learn about Jesus' love from our trusted church partners. Lives are changed, families are strengthened, and communities are transformed - ending the cycle of poverty for good. Join the 86,000 others who are changing lives with Compassion UK and sponsor a child today.