Compassion International, one of the largest child development organisations, founded by Rev. Everett Swanson in 1952, has received the top four-star rating from the Charity Navigator, one of the leading financial accountability organisations.

Compassion International exists as an advocate for children, releasing them from spiritual, social and physical poverty, as well as providing them education, health care and Christian training. Compassion helps more than 655,000 children and is working with more than 65 denominations and many indigenous churches in Africa, Asia, Central and South America.

"The four-star rating immediately identifies Compassion International as an organisation that meets the high expectations of the funding community," said Trent Stamp, executive director of Charity Navigator, in news release.

Compassion’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Ed Anderson, emphasised on integrity. "We make extraordinary efforts to ensure that sponsors’ and donors’ money are used properly and effectively," expressed Anderson. "It’s all about trust-doing what we say we’re going to do with the donations we receive. That is a very high priority at Compassion."

Compassion has also been acknowledged for its financial integrity by many publications and financial groups, including The American Institute of Philanthropy and is a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

The organisation is also asking churches to participate in this year’s "Compassion Sunday" scheduled for 24th April and do something to make a huge difference in the lives of children living in poverty.

Compassion is hoping that churches will make a presentation regarding the organisation, show the Compassion Sunday video in a Sunday school class, or place inserts in church bulletins. "Many churches are participating by scheduling an alternate date," according to the Compassion website and they provide free of charge everything you will need for a successful event.

There are more than 19,000 children waiting for a caring sponsor. These children have no voice, no organisations and no way to be heard. That is why they are depending on the public to be a voice for them, they are depending on the Church to care for them and make a difference in their lives. Compassion International appeal for people not to be left out of this exciting and important event and urge all to schedule a Compassion Sunday on any day that suits their church.