Kirk Franklin has teamed up with Compassion International to re-release his single, “Lean on Me,” featuring the voices of youth living in poverty around the world.

Over the last couple of months, Kirk has been working with youth from all 25 countries in Compassion’s child development program. Through virtual auditions and rehearsals, the Compassion Youth Choir, made up of more than 120 youth, ages 11-19, worked with the artist to record the song, which was originally released in 1998.

“It was such an honor working with so many young, talented, and gifted kids from across the globe! I’m grateful to the team at Compassion International for giving me the opportunity to serve in this capacity.”

After a trip to the Dominican Republic with Compassion in early 2020, the Gospel music icon felt called by God to use his talents, platform, and personal story to inspire youth around the world to pursue their own giftings.