How Does This Plan Fit With CAFO’s Overall Mission?

Peter Drucker –the founder of the science of management, and also a committed follower of Christ – rightly observed, the ultimate purpose of any nonprofit is “a changed human life altogether.”

As the Christian Alliance for Orphans, transformed lives are indeed our great purpose. We seek the restoration and thriving of vulnerable children and families in crisis. Just as much, we desire transformation for the people serving in this field, and also for their families and church communities.

If we sought only to change laws or deliver physical goods like food, medicine or shelter, we might focus on fundraising or lobbying. These things certainly have value. But the greatest needs of children run deeper. To truly thrive, children need love, nurture and belonging. These things cannot be produced or delivered en masse. Rather, they can only be provided one caring relationship at a time.

We believe God asks His people to offer this care, just as He does for us. He invites us to upend our lives by opening them to the hurting in hospitality and self-giving love. This is no small undertaking. That is why CAFO’s work must be foremost a vision for discipleship. Most of all, we seek to help followers of Jesus Christ to know him more fully, love him more deeply and reflect his character more comprehensively in all life.

We call those who seek to live this life “champions.” They are people whose hearts have been roused by God’s love and now desire to reflect that love in faithful service to vulnerable children and families. Champions are adoptive and foster parents, ministry directors and staff, pastors and lay leaders, advocates, mentors and more.

CAFO’s external mission is to inspire Christians to become champions and then to equip them as champions. Through CAFO, 200+ member organizations and a global network of churches labor together in well-coordinated initiatives to this very end.

As champions grow in strength and skill, transformation ripples outward. No one is left the same. Children are changed as they experience love and belonging. The champions and their families are altered, too, as they open their hearts and homes to welcome hurting children and families. From there, entire churches begin to grow and deepen as they support and serve and pray for one another. In all this, a watching world sees, perhaps for the first time, the Gospel made visible through God’s people. This is prime objective…our theory of change… and our highest hope and prayer.27