More than 700 million people in the world live on less than $1.90 per day, and face challenges most Americans never will.

Americans can learn about their situations, however, and do something to help. That’s the goal of The Compassion Experience, an interactive multimedia exhibit touring the United States and Canada, which will make a stop in Brookhaven Friday through Monday at Easthaven Baptist Church.

“We are very excited at the opportunity to host this unique event for the Lincoln County area and hope it will help open our eyes to the great physical, educational and spiritual needs that exist all over the world,” said Dustin George, pastor of Easthaven.

The Compassion Experience is an effort to spread awareness and fight against global poverty, created by Compassion International. Compassion partners with more than 6,500 Christian churches in 26 countries, helping release 1.6 million babies, children and students from poverty.

The free exhibit is a self-guided, multi-media tour designed to take visitors on a journey into the lives of Compassion International sponsored children living in countries like the Philippines, Uganda, Kenya and Guatemala. Through the use of an iPod, a headset and 1,700 square feet of interactive space, visitors will see children’s homes, walk through their schools and markets, and hear life-changing stories of hope — all from the perspective of a child who began life in poverty.

The event is appropriate for all ages and is a local opportunity to see what life can be like in developing countries.

“We built ‘The Compassion Experience’ in order to really bring the developing world to America,” said Mark Hanlon, Compassion International’s senior vice president of global marketing and engagement. “When people think of poverty, they often think of the lack of things, the lack of stuff, the lack of money. Those are all symptoms of poverty. The real issue of poverty is the lack of hope. Through our holistic child development program, Compassion stirs hope in children. And you’ll see that hope come to life at this event.”

Beginning Friday, at 10 a.m., The Compassion Experience will be located in the parking lot of Easthaven Baptist Church on Hwy. 84 in Brookhaven and will be open through Monday.  The times for the exhibit are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily.  Visitors should allow 30-45 minutes for the tour. Walk-ins are welcome, though online reservations at cts.compassion.com are encouraged. Groups of 20 or more should reserve times to tour by emailing changetourcorp@compassion.com.

“This event is not reserved for a specific church or group of people, but for everyone. We are also inviting schools and community organizations to take advantage of this great opportunity,” said Robert Mayfield, Easthaven’s worship pastor.

For more information about The Compassion Experience visit www.compassionexperience.com.