Children throughout the world are important and we must invest in them to make a difference in shaping the future.
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"This might even be a 5 star when I am finished with it. I am reading this book now. Dr. Stafford writes with such passion, this book is truly inspiring. Taking from his life living in a remote African jungle, Stafford blends an eye opening look into the lives of children who live in poverty. He challenges how we think about poverty and the way we view children. This book will open your eyes and expand your heart!"
— Kristy (4 out of 5 stars)
" Not sure how to describe this book. It is excellent and thought provoking. Kids are the most important blessing we could have and the author brings out just how important kids are. There is a part of the book that is quite emotional and is a chapter in the authors life that defined the course his life would take. "
— mark, 8/28/2020" One of the best and most moving books I have read in a long time! It's a must-read for anyone who interacts with children, which is pretty much everyone. I loved reading Wess Stafford's stories of growing up as a missionary kid in Africa. He also shared many other stories - both heart-warming ones and tragic ones. It is awesome to see so much good that has come out of his horrific childhood experiences. "
— Wendy, 2/18/2014" I was given a copy of this book free at a leadership conference I attended at my church. The author Wess Stafford is the CEO of Compassion International. In the book he talks about his childhood as a missionary child in Africa and the great things he learned from the people of the African village he grew up in, but also the horrendous things he experienced at a boarding school for missionary kids. He uses the backdrop of his life's story to talk about how children are our most important investment and how God is calling us to help out children in need. "
— Danielle, 2/11/2014" One of my favorite books. Anyone who has calling to work with children/has a passion for children should read this book. It is excellent. "
— Anna, 2/5/2014" This book was a game changer for me. I never experienced abuse in a Christian context and I needed to hear the author's message. I will never forget his portrayal of holding the candle that was burning at both ends. I laughed and cried my way through the book. Highly recommended for anyone in positions of responsibility in Christian ministry. "
— Andy, 1/24/2014" A little repetitive at the end, but worth reading nonetheless. "
— Matt, 1/10/2014" This book was written by the CEO of Compassion - Greg's boss! It is a testimony of God's plan in action that the current head of an international child development organization grew up in a poor village in West Africa, and experienced abuse as a child in boarding school. "
— Jeesun, 1/6/2014" Unbelievable! Only God could take a situation like Wess endured and turn it into something that works for good. "
— Candace, 1/6/2014" HIGHLY RECOMMEND. The most moving book I've read so far this year! "
— Hilary, 12/16/2013" An inspiring and often convicting reminder not only of the importance of children but of all their wonderful qualities that we ought to emulate. I'd recommend it to anyone. "
— Andrew, 11/26/2013" To be able to turn great childhood suffering into a practical passion for the downtrodden is a gift this man has developed. Much great food for thought about our society and what we need to learn. "
— Melanie, 11/16/2013" Such an amazing book and so inspiring. Makes your heart hurt for the thousands of children in this world who do not have what they need but are "too small to ignore". Ready to find a way to take action after getting fired up by this book! "
— Brittany, 11/13/2013" This book has fueled my love and calling to child ministry. Mr. Stafford clearly articulates why it is so important to minister to kids. His own life story as a missionary kid is amazing to read and see how God used that to prepare him for his place as the president of Compassion International. "
— Nicole, 10/23/2013" This was an amazing book. Wes Stafford, the current president of Compassion International, shares his personal childhood story along his heart for investing in the lives of children. "
— Karen, 10/22/2013" This book will awaken your passion to help fight poverty and change lives in meaningful ways (are there any other ways to do it?) "
— Susanne, 10/17/2013" Stafford asks readers to realize the importance of children and watch out for them in all the many areas of life where they are overlooked, abused, and forgotten. This is a call to action on many different fronts, but most especially to become humble. Incredibly moving. "
— Emily, 10/3/2013" Gives you a lot to think about regarding the way we view children. "
— Christa, 9/23/2013" Stafford strongly advocates for the immense value of children and why they hold a huge place in God's heart. He also reveals his own secret joys and deep pains as a child. I found this a moving autobiography. "
— Sherri, 2/11/2013" Wess Stafford shares his "growing up" story (both good and bad), which demonstrates why he is a good choice for heading up Compassion International. A worthy read about why children are so important! "
— Sandy, 6/11/2012" very profound. i agree. "
— Mikaela, 6/10/2012" Excellent book on the importance of children. Encouraged me to change some things with my own family and also pursue something in my work for the benefit of kids. "
— Stephen, 6/6/2012" This is one of the most powerful books that I have ever read. I am deeply involved with the ministry of Compassion International, and it was great to see the heart of Wess Stafford. He makes a compelling case for focusing our ministry and missions efforts on children. Take a read of this great book. "
— Matthew, 3/24/2012" Wow! This book is a must read! Total confirmation of the direction the Lord's been guiding my heart. Powerful powerful book. "
— Amanda, 1/27/2012" This book has an important message - helps us realize what our priorities should be. "
— Jodi, 10/26/2011" This book was good. It talks about the most exploited people in the world...children. It's a bit sad, yet it gives hope and answers on how people can help the world and next generations become better. "
— Susie, 10/6/2011" A wonderful book by the president of child-sponsorship organization, Compassion International. "
— Dionne, 8/24/2011" absolutely wonderful! everyone should read this! "
— Simone, 4/13/2011" Gives you a lot to think about regarding the way we view children. "
— Christa, 11/14/2010" The message of this book is very important. I wasn't always a fan of Wess Stafford's styling of writing, but he tells some very poignant stories about his childhood and experiences with Compassion International. "
— Sarah, 10/21/2010" This was an interesting read. It's the life story of the current President of Compassion Int'l. He shares his experiences and his passions. He went to an MK school growing up and endured extreme abuse there, so it did make me sick to my stomach to read portions. "
— Susanna, 8/8/2010" Wess Stafford shares his "growing up" story (both good and bad), which demonstrates why he is a good choice for heading up Compassion International. A worthy read about why children are so important! "
— Sandy, 6/16/2010" To be able to turn great childhood suffering into a practical passion for the downtrodden is a gift this man has developed. Much great food for thought about our society and what we need to learn. "
— Melanie, 5/19/2010" One of my favorite books. Anyone who has calling to work with children/has a passion for children should read this book. It is excellent. "
— Anna, 4/17/2010" Amazing personal insight on the importance of children in the developing as well as the western world. Wes' heart is real and inspirational. Loved it, an honor to read! "
— Jonathan, 2/12/2010Tony Chiroldes is one of New York City’s busiest voice-over performers. He was an original Broadway cast member of the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical In the Heights, and has appeared in other productions such as The Capeman, Sympathy Jones, Senor Discretion Himself, and more. Tony has voiced hundreds of English and Spanish commercials and many audiobooks, including The Dreamer, for which he won an Earphone Award from AudioFile.