Dr. Wess Stafford speaks to the 101st International Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy during the International Children's Ministries presentation. Dr. Stafford is president emeritus of Compassion International and an internationally recognized advocate for children in poverty.

He earned undergraduate degrees from Moody Bible Institute and Biola University, a master’s degree from Wheaton College, as well as a Ph.D. from Michigan State University. Even with all of these academic honors, Wess often says, “Everything I really need to know, I learned from the poor, growing up in an African village.”

As the son of missionaries to the Ivory Coast, Wess grew up as one of the village children cared for by a wise and loving African “extended family.” But his young heart was often broken as he watched his African friends die from the cruel ravages of poverty. Wess felt privileged to continue his parents’ commitment to the poor through the ministry of Compassion International. He joined the staff of Compassion International in 1977 and worked with the ministry, both overseas and at its headquarters. He served as President for 20 years. Wess is a veteran, having served four years in the U.S. Army as a linguist in military intelligence.