Visitors to Hill City Church last weekend got a glimpse into the lives of children living in poverty halfway around the world without leaving Richmond.

The church hosted Compassion International’s “Compassion Experience” from Jan. 9-11, an immersive, family friendly exhibit designed to educate attendees about the impact of poverty on children. The display featured multiple interactive rooms sharing real-life stories of children whose lives were transformed through Compassion’s child development programs and local church partnerships. 

Keewani “Kiwi” Vallejo Cook, who stood outside the exhibit Sunday, knows that transformation firsthand. Now a physical therapist living in Dallas, Cook grew up in the Philippines. She was 7 years old when someone from Australia sponsored her through Compassion, which partnered with a local church to provide support throughout her childhood and college at Manila Central University. She moved to the U.S. 16 years ago and now travels with the Compassion Experience tour to share her story. 

“From firsthand experience, I believe that it really works,” Cook said. “Why not pass it on to the next generation? You can change other people’s lives just by the simple act of giving.” 

Cook and her husband now sponsor six children, all of whom they have met, including two who have since graduated. 

At the conclusion of the exhibit, visitors could sign up to sponsor a child. The nationwide tour has made eight stops so far, resulting in more than 2,600 children being sponsored. 

“Compassion Experience showcases the Church’s key role in providing life-changing care and creating an environment where hope can thrive,” said Santiago “Jimmy” Mellado, Compassion International president and CEO. “Our desire is that this experience will inspire others to join us in this incredibly powerful work.” 

The Colorado Springs-based organization partners with more than 8,500 local churches in 29 countries to provide spiritual, economic, social and physical care to over 2 million children living in poverty. According to UNICEF and World Bank data, more than 356 million children worldwide survive on less than $2.15 per day, often lacking access to safe drinking water, health care and education and facing mortality rates twice as high as their peers. 

A family explores the “Compassion Experience” at Hill City Church on Sunday. Hosted by Compassion International, the interactive exhibit highlighted stories of children affected by poverty and supported through the organization’s programs and local church partners. (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)