How to Sustain Your Compassion When Headlines Fade

Can I create change that lasts even when I’m exhausted? How can I sustain my compassion when headlines fade but problems persist?

We live in an interconnected world. Sometimes, that thought can feel warm and fuzzy, conjuring up images of unity and togetherness. But today, it can also feel overwhelming. 

The world’s challenges are complex and can’t be fixed overnight. For example, in Kenya, Turkana County is currently experiencing its fourth consecutive season of drought. This crisis is made worse as the war in Ukraine turns “agricultural fields turned into battlefields” blocking the export of millions of tons of wheat and maize. As a result, food prices are rising and millions of people are at risk of malnutrition and starvation.

Even before Ukraine, the world was already bending under the weight of the coronavirus pandemic. Afghan refugees fleeing the Taliban continued to need resettlement. Men, women and children in South Sudan were experiencing historic flooding, and southern Haiti was still recovering from a devastating earthquake and political upheaval after the assassination of their president.

At World Relief, we know you want to be a part of creating change that lasts. As one crisis compounds another, you might ask —  How can I create change when I’m so exhausted? How do I stay engaged and sustain my compassion when headlines fade but problems persist?

How Dennis Finds Compassion

Dennis Mwangwela has been working at World Relief for more than 20 years. He currently serves as the Director of Integral Mission for International Programs. Dennis shared that he continues to have hope and persevere even after the earthquake in Haiti.

His words are a call and an encouragement to all of us as we lean in and look for ways to sustain our compassion when hardship persists and headlines fade. 

“Biblical hope is different from being optimistic. Biblical hope is enduring even in the most difficult circumstances because it’s not based on what I see, but it’s based on God’s unchanging character and promises.”  — Dennis Mwangwela

Hear more from Dennis in the interview below:

Where can I lean in?

The ability to lean in comes from remembering. Remembering that God is with us fuels our compassion for the long journey ahead. As our compassion grows through this season, may we be moved closer to our refugee and immigrant neighbors. Take a step to lean in by journeying with refugees and other immigrants through joining the path today.