Wess Stafford to speak at Northwestern College

Dr. Wess Stafford, president emeritus of Compassion International, will speak in Northwestern College’s chapel service on Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 11:05 a.m. in Christ Chapel. The event is free and open to the public.

The son of missionaries to the Ivory Coast, Stafford grew up as one of the village children cared for by a wise and loving Ivorian extended family. His heart often broke as he watched his friends die from poverty. With the desire to continue his parents’ commitment to the poor through ministry, Stafford joined the staff at Compassion International in 1977, where he served the organization both overseas and at its headquarters.

Compassion International, founded in 1952, is a Christian child development organization that works to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. The organization partners with more than 6,700 churches in 25 countries to deliver its holistic child development program to over 1.8 million babies, children and young adults. 

“I’m excited for our campus and the community to hear Dr. Stafford speak,” says Mark DeYounge, dean of Christian formation. “His story is compelling, and his passion for service is inspiring.”

Stafford earned a doctorate from Michigan State University, a master’s degree from Wheaton College, and undergraduate degrees from Moody Bible Institute and Biola University. He also served in the U.S. Army for four years as a linguist in military intelligence.