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Compelled By Love

We are

Who we are

Compelled By Love is a Christian organisation that works to alleviate poverty and brokenness. We work closely and interdependently with local partners in eSwatini (formerly Swaziland), India, Rwanda and Sri Lanka to build up community capacity to solve problems and allow individuals to thrive.

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​We work holistically, on specific projects in specific countries that align to 6 key areas:

  • Trauma Recovery

  • Education

  • Family Support

  • Community Empowerment

  • Emergency Relief

  • Partner Capacity Building

 

We use resources carefully and effectively to empower individuals and families with opportunities to transform their lives in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

 

We love to see the individual supported, no matter the circumstance they're in. We love to see and celebrate their successes on the road to a brighter future.

We invite individuals or groups to partner with us.

 

98% of donations made to Compelled By Love go straight to the projects we fund.

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What makes us different

Collaboration is key to everything we do.

We partner with local NGOs who are like-minded in vision and values. We work alongside them to offer what we have and strengthen our combined impact.


We in the Australian team have skills, experience, resources and knowledge to offer. But we also see that locals and local organisations are the best placed to do the work we are all passionate about.

 

Together, we can do more, for more people, and ensure the work we are engaged in is sustainable for the long term.

Our Purpose

Our purpose is to conduct CBL to display the love of Jesus and advance God’s Kingdom through practical action;

 

To relieve human suffering and distress in those in need of benevolence, restoring their dignity and value;

 

To identify potential in people, and work to provide opportunities and conditions in which they can live independent, meaningful lives;

 

To innovate and work for the relief from, and eradication of, poverty through sustainable community development, and improve quality of life for those in need of benevolence;

 

To raise first-world awareness and provide opportunities for people to see a different perspective and take action to make a positive difference in the developing world through the work of Compelled By Love.

Our Vision

We see thriving communities that support, connect, empower and inspire individuals taking steps towards wholeness, full potential and restored dignity, facilitated by effective local organisations who are affirmed, encouraged and increased in capacity through collaboration with Compelled By Love living out our calling and unique shape for the service of others, enabled by supporters who advocate and give to see lives transformed.

Our Mission

We are compelled by love to see things made right where poverty and brokenness exist.

We work collaboratively to build capacity in local organisations in order to release potential, restore dignity and reconcile relationships.

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Our Values

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Enduring, patient, kind
not envious, boastful or on display
not conceited, proud or rude
not insisting on our own rights or our own way not self-seeking, touchy, fretful or resentful. Not taking account of wrong done against us
not rejoicing in injustice and unrighteousness - rejoicing when truth and right prevail.

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Love
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Truth, honesty, trust
tell it like it is, admit mistakes
accountable, transparent
in who we are and what we do
walking the talk, doing what we say
no masks - the same people in all contexts.

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Integrity
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Inclusive, diverse, respectful, empowering, humble, unified
we don't have all the answers
we can achieve more together than we can alone. Relationship is not a means to an end - it is an end in itself.

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Collaboration
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Quality over quantity.
good enough is not good enough
in who we are (character) and in what we do (action)
continually learning
giving our best.

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Excellence
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People, not projects
here to serve - it's a responsibility and an honour, we no longer regard people from a worldly point of view
not about me, us, or the organisation
family unit as the base of society
relationship.

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People
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We can't do it alone, we don't know it all, we ourselves are broken, weak and poor. This is not our work - it's God's - we are dependent on Him. Reliant on God in our decision-making

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Prayer
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Living by Christian values

Compelled By Love is an organisation with Christian values and worldview.  Jesus is central to who we are, what we do and what we believe. It is the love we ourselves have experienced from God, which compels us to extend His love to others.

 

We do not exclude or discriminate against anyone based on their religion or beliefs, and we do not use tax-deductible funds for evangelistic purposes.

 

The people we work with in our projects come from a variety of different faiths and backgrounds, and as an organisation we seek to promote a culture of respect, humility and acceptance of each other, no matter our beliefs.

 

Love, forgiveness, dignity and reconciliation are Christian concepts that are found and expressed in the Bible - and these are key to our work.

 

Those who support Compelled By Love's work include Christians, as well as people from other faiths, religions and understandings.

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Our Story

Compelled By Love (CBL) began with two families’ generosity and passion for change.

Compelled By Love

The Vanderzaag family joined forces with the D’Mello family out of a desire to do something meaningful and significant with the profits of their business, 3fold Resources.

 

Inspired by the D’Mello’s connection to their hometown in India, they began a project to support the education of vulnerable children there in 2006.

 

Compelled By Love grew to become a registered charity in 2015, working with partners around the world to develop and support sustainable, holistic community development projects.

Operation Hope

The Schokman family desired to make an impact in their local community in Sri Lanka, establishing an organisation there in 1934.

When the family migrated to Australia they continued that work, later registering Operation Hope Incorporated in Australia in 2005.

 

You can read more about Operation Hope’s extraordinary journey here.

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Operation Hope

In 2021, Compelled By Love merged with Operation Hope Inc, delighted by the alignment of history, values and approach, to join and extend two wonderful legacies of hope in the world.

 

Today, our mission continues to centre on uplifting communities, in collaboration with those communities.

 

Our passion to see families empowered, livelihoods flourishing and growth in sustainable futures is stronger than ever.

 

With Karen Visser from the Vanderzaag family as CEO, and Fiona Grech from the Schockman family as Senior Project Manager, the heart for transformation and change of these founding families continues.

 

3fold Resources remain the key support behind CBL, with the business owners Peter and Jenny Vanderzaag and Chris and Chelsea Vanderzaag continuing to expand their generosity as CBL’s impact grows.

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Our Story

Compelled By Love (CBL) began with two families’ generosity and passion for change.

Compelled By Love

The Vanderzaag family joined forces with the D’Mello family out of a desire to do something meaningful and significant with the profits of their business, 3fold Resources.

 

Inspired by the D’Mello’s connection to their hometown in India, they began a project to support the education of vulnerable children there in 2006.

 

Compelled By Love grew to become a registered charity in 2015, working with partners around the world to develop and support sustainable, holistic community development projects.

Operation Hope

The Schokman family desired to make an impact in their local community in Sri Lanka, establishing an organisation there in 1934.

When the family migrated to Australia they continued that work, later registering Operation Hope Incorporated in Australia in 2005.

 

You can read more about Operation Hope’s extraordinary journey here.

Compelled By Love - About Us - Our Story.JPG
Operation Hope

In 2021, Compelled By Love merged with Operation Hope Inc, delighted by the alignment of history, values and approach, to join and extend two wonderful legacies of hope in the world.

 

Today, our mission continues to centre on uplifting communities, in collaboration with those communities.

 

Our passion to see families empowered, livelihoods flourishing and growth in sustainable futures is stronger than ever.

 

With Karen Visser from the Vanderzaag family as CEO, and Fiona Grech from the Schockman family as Senior Project Manager, the heart for transformation and change of these founding families continues.

 

3fold Resources remain the key support behind CBL, with the business owners Peter and Jenny Vanderzaag and Chris and Chelsea Vanderzaag continuing to expand their generosity as CBL’s impact grows.

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Where the funds go

Give with confidence. 98% of your donation will go straight to local projects.

How we work

Compelled By Love maximises your impact by working strategically in four countries: eSwatini, India, Rwanda and Sri Lanka.

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Local insight and experience

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98% of your donation goes straight to the need

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Efficient project management

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Volunteers

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Focusing our work

Tax-deductible funds are not used for evangelism, welfare or political activities. If you would like any more information about your donation, please contact us

Full copies of our independently reviewed Financial Statements are available at www.acnc.gov.au.

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Our Team

Meet the team members behind Compelled By Love. Their devotion and commitment are the driving force that keeps CBL thriving.

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Marten Visser

Board Member

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Our Team

Meet the team members behind Compelled By Love. Their devotion and commitment are the driving force that keeps CBL thriving.

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Marten Visser

Board Member

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where is Compelled By Love based?
    Compelled By Love is a holistic community development organisation based in Melbourne, Australia, working with partners in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
  • How did Compelled By Love start?
    Compelled By Love began when the directors of 3fold used some of their profits to help a project that supported education for vulnerable children in India. Since then, it has grown to become a registered charity, working with partners around the world to develop and support sustainable, holistic community development projects.
  • What countries does Compelled By Love work in?
    Compelled By Love supports community development projects in Africa and South Asia, specifically: eSwatini, India, Sri Lanka and Rwanda.
  • Why are you called Compelled By Love?
    Compelled By Love’s name is taken from the Bible verse in 2 Corinthians 5:14, which says “For Christ’s love compels us.” The love of Jesus is at the heart of everything we do.
  • Can I volunteer for Compelled By Love?
    At Compelled By Love we welcome your support. Speak to us about how to organise an event that supports Compelled By Love, make a donation or share CBL with your friends.
  • Can I donate to Compelled By Love?
    Compelled By Love’s community development projects rely on the donations and gifts of generous partners who are committed to seeing things made right where poverty and brokenness exist. 98% of your donation will go straight to local projects. You can find out more here.
  • Where will my funds be used?
    Your donation to Compelled By Love can be directed to a specific project, or used where they’re needed most. ​Tax-deductible funds are not used for evangelism, welfare or political activities.
  • Can I make a donation for a specific project?
    Yes, you can make a donation to Compelled By Love for a specific project. Please contact us for more information.
  • Can Compelled By Love visit my school or church?
    Yes, we would love to share the holistic development work of Compelled By Love with your school or church. Please visit our Get Involved page for more information.
  • How could my workplace be involved in supporting Compelled By Love?
    Your workplace could support Compelled By Love by raising money directly; or by organising an event that raises money; or by hosting a presentation of our work. Please visit our Get Involved page for more information.
  • I’d like to support your projects with my group. What resources can I share with them?
    We would love to share our holistic development projects with your group. Please contact us for printed material, or tell us what you need.
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Annual Report

We’re delighted to share with you the Compelled By Love Annual Report, which provides a snapshot of our work, stories of impact, and introduces you to some of the individuals and families who’ve been empowered through the work of CBL.

 

The Annual Report is available online or in print. Please contact us to request a copy.

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Annual Report

We’re delighted to share with you the Compelled By Love Annual Report, which provides a snapshot of our work, stories of impact, and introduces you to some of the individuals and families who’ve been empowered through the work of CBL.

 

The Annual Report is available online or in print. Please contact us to request a copy.

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Governance

Compelled By Love Limited is an Australian, nonprofit company limited by guarantee, registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC).

 

Our Board of Directors provides governance, accountability, strategic planning and direction to all of our activities.​ Collectively, the Board has a diverse range of qualifications and experience, which add value and safeguard the health and effective and efficient management of the organisation.

FUNDRAISING

CBL is registered as a Fundraiser with the Department of Justice and Regulation under Consumer Affairs Victoria, registration no. FR0013647.

REGISTRATIONS

ACN 601 767 293

ABN 59 601 767 293

CBL is registered as a Charity and Deductible Gift Recipient with the ACNC and the ATO.

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Stories of Impact

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Compelled By Love acknowledges the Traditional Custodians

of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay

our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers should be aware that this website may contain

images or names of people who have since passed away.

© Copyright Compelled By Love 2025

ABN 59 601 767 293

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