Gemma Hunt: Why I sponsored a child with Compassion

A series of small, significant moments nudged Gemma Hunt to sponsor a child through Compassion. It begun a journey of connection, prayer and the realisation that sponsoring changes lives

I’ve known about Compassion for years through a friend who began sponsoring a child when she had her first daughter. I remember the photo she showed me: a little girl in a bright pink dress, her dark brown skin glowing in the sunlight. It felt like such a beautiful way to extend love.

As I prepared to head to Big Church Festival last summer, I heard Compassion would be partnering with the event. Looking into their work again brought back that memory of my friend’s generosity from 18 years ago. Then at the festival, we heard about Compassion’s projects in Ghana. That weekend, more than 500 people signed up to sponsor a child. Standing in a field surrounded by worship, I felt a nudge from God: Gemma, it’s your turn.