2019
A N N UAL RE P O RT
’
Changing the world at large begins with:
When Jesus says, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10), it isn’t simply a prayer or a plea.
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
Children Families You
It’s a battle cry. It’s a clarion call to action. It’s an invitation to partner with HIM in the kingdom-building work of transforming our broken world with His love. What a privilege it is to
for each of them and we
answer that call. To kneel
fight for all of them. We want
amid the pain and joy, the
to keep working until every
hurt and hope. To look into
single child knows they are
one child’s face, where
loved by the Father.
fear has been replaced by
Thank you for answering
laughter and hunger’s been know it is all worth it. One child is enough. And yet we envision the millions of little Orphan’s Promise founder and director, Terry Meeuwsen
faces from every corner of the globe and say: We fight
standing alongside us. Thank you for committing the courageous act of daring to hope.
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
erased by fullness, and to
the call. Thank you for
2020 VISION
orphaned and at-risk children will only be possible if we
A word from Terry Meeuwsen
attack the problem at its very
When we we set out to help one group of children
roots.
from one village in Ukraine more than 15 years ago, we
We must begin to transform
realized there was a problem with orphans in the world but had no idea of its magnitude. As we grew, both in staff size and impact, we came to understand that there are nearly 150 million orphaned and at-risk children 1
in the world. What a daunting number! We wondered how we could ever make a difference in light of such an intimidating challenge, yet we felt called to press on, helping more children in more places every single year.
communities by doing the following: creating opportunities for success, teaching community members to hope for better things, and then showing them how to work hard to achieve them. We must identify the families that are broken and hurting and begin to help them
we’ve expanded our focus beyond simply helping
heal and find wholeness. As
children who are aging out of orphanages to
we strengthen communities, it
identifying the best ways we could make a deep,
is the families making up each
lasting impact on abandoned and abused children,
community that will be the true
broken families, and hurting communities. We now
measuring stick of our progress.
know that any reduction in the vast number of
As we continue working to heal
Orphans | Press Centre | UNICEF. June 16, 2017. Accessed June 16, 2020. https://www.unicef.org/media/media_45279.html
1
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
With your support, over the last decade and a half
broken families, we recognize
leaders who love and serve those around them, building
that there are millions of
a new generation of strong families—and thereby
children who don’t have
creating strong communities.
any family at all. They have
I’m honored by the thousands of donors who stand
been abused, exploited, and abandoned, and they can’t imagine a future filled with hope. These are the children we serve. These are the kids whose lives your generosity touches year after year. If we can reach these kids and show them not only that they are there is a plan for their lives, we can change their futures. Instead of continuing the cycles of brokenness and poverty that have been modeled for them, we can begin to develop
promise to do this work with us. If that is you, then please let me say thank you. You may never look into the faces of the children whose lives you are touching, but my promise to you is this: When we look into their faces every day, we will tell them of your love. We will tell them of your passion and your commitment to their futures. We do our best to share some of their beautiful faces and stories with you via social media and our newsletters, because we want you to know that you aren’t just helping “some” children somewhere. You’re helping Paula in Ghana, Africa. You’re helping Vitaliy in Kiev, Ukraine. You’re giving hope to Kenner in San José, Costa Rica. These are real kids with real names, real futures, real souls, and you are making a real impact.
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
loved and cared about, but that
with us year after year, shoulder to shoulder, and
OUR MISSION Orphan’s Promise provides programs and invests in partnerships that impact orphans and other vulnerable children, taking them from at-risk to thriving across six key areas: education, nutrition, discipleship, strong families, anti-trafficking, and community transformation. FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
OUR 6 KEY AREAS
We’ve identified these six areas as our opportunity to make a deep, lasting change that will alter the future not only for the children we serve, but also for their children
1 MILLION+ NUTRITIOUS MEALS AND SNACKS SERVED
and their children’s children. As we watch families become healthier, it is remarkable how profoundly that impacts children. Whether it be the over 1 million nutritious meals and snacks we served last year, the 7,600 children participating in one of our discipleship programs, or the more than 12,000 kids who learned through an Orphan’s Promise education project, we know that every
CHILDREN IN OUR DISCIPLESHIP PROGRAMS
12,000+
CHILDREN ATTENDED OP SPONSORED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
exponential dividends in the years to come.
education
discipleship
strong families
nutrition
community transformation
anti-trafficking
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minute we invest in their lives today will pay
7,600+
FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE
As our focus has expanded from Ukraine, where our work began, to 65 countries today, it’s become clear to us that just providing a roof over a child’s head and a warm place to lie down, while important, cannot be the only way in which we help. Children who are starving, both physically and emotionally, need to be fed. That’s why, over the past few years, we have put tremendous emphasis on providing nutritious meals and snacks to as many of our children as possible, on sharing the Good News of God’s love for them, and on educating them, as well. We realize that we have a brief window of opportunity to speak into these children’s lives, and because of your generous support, we are prepared to take full advantage of that opportunity.
65 COUNTRIES
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
ACTIVE IN
Nataliya Khomyak
One of the highlights for me this year was attending the wedding of Sergiy, a young staff member at one of our 19 training centers in Ukraine. I met this tiny malnourished boy over a decade ago at one of our outreaches in a government orphanage. He later 2020 VISION
With our Director of Operations
got into a foster family and stayed connected to OP by attending our summer camps, then went to one of our training centers as a teen. He went to college and started volunteering in our programs, helping our younger kids until he graduated and was hired as a teacher in one of our other training centers. Sergiy he once was, helping them go from brokenness to wholeness in Christ. Seeing the depth of the results OP has in the lives of kids like Sergiy, watching God turning what was meant for evil into raising healed victors who are giving back, brings such a joy to me and gives me hope that we are in it for the long run.
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
is now impacting the lives of kids who are much like
Brick by brick, we are helping build up sustainable communities that will have generational impact.
BY THE NUMBERS We continued to grow in 2019, with our best year of fundraising to date. So many of you not only renewed your commitment to Orphan’s Promise but also increased your support. Because you stepped up, so did we! FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
2019 FINANCIAL REPORT
$6.9 MILLION SPENT IN SUPPORT OF ORPHAN’S PROMISE MISSION OF TAKING CHILDREN FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING IN 2019
TOTAL PROJECTS FUNDED IN 2019
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
300+
Beth Meadows
When I look back at all that has been accomplished over the last year, there are so many moments that stand out to me. I was able to see with my own eyes and personally meet so many of the children in our projects around the world. 2020 VISION
With our Director of Development
It was such an honor to see a school dedicated in Kenya that is reaching children from the poorest and most vulnerable areas. These kids’ lives are being transformed by the power of God’s love, and we get to be a small part of that. I think of the Hope Bunkers in Costa Rica that are offering a place of safety for vulnerable children where share the love of Jesus with them. I also think of the deaf children we are meeting the needs of in Vietnam. These children now have a whole world open to them because we are providing a place where they can communicate with other children and with their families. You make this possible. Thank you!
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
they can learn, have a nutritious meal, and where we can
Women around the world are finding freedom from the dangers of trafficking because of our courageous leaders.
GLOBAL REACH
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
This past year was another incredible year of loving and serving orphaned and at-risk children. Our responsibility to you is two-fold: to maximize the impact of every dollar we receive, and to share the results with transparency. We know that what we measure, we can manage, and what we can manage, we can maximize. Here’s how your generosity made a difference during 2019.
WHERE WE WORK
7
65
REGIONS
333
COUNTRIES
ACTIVE PROJECTS
Europe Former Soviet Union
North America
Middle East North Africa
Africa
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
Latin America
Asia
NORTH AMERICA
12
ACTIVE PROJECTS
3,100+ PEOPLE SERVED
that Orphan’s Promise works in entire families and communities to restore dignity, provide resources, and point people to the saving love of Jesus! It is such a joy to hear stories where a family’s entire trajectory is changed from one of hopelessness to hope for the future! REGIONAL MANAGER MIDDLE EAST / NORTH AMERICA, RACHEL DOUDÉ
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
The stories that most touch my heart are when we can see the holistic ways
NORTH AMERICA
Siniy, Virginia Beach
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FROM Although life in the United States may not look like life in a third THE world country, there are many communities where children are FIELD: still at-risk. North We work with an organization in Virginia Beach to help children find America classroom success through after-school programs. The neighborhoods where we sponsor these outreaches are known for high crime rates, and family instability. When the children come to our programs, most are behind in their development and crave the one-on-one attention they receive. Parents are so grateful to have projects like these which offer them hope like Siniy with smiles on their faces and excitement to learn, we know we’re making a lasting difference in their lives.
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
regardless of the hardships they’ve faced in their lives. When we see kids
LATIN AMERICA
49
ARGENTINA
HAITI
BRAZIL
HONDURAS
COLOMBIA
JAMAICA
ACTIVE PROJECTS
COSTA RICA
MEXICO
CUBA
NICARAGUA
ECUADOR
PERU
GUATEMALA
SPAIN
19,000+ PEOPLE SERVED
understanding what it means to love God and love others. Watching this unfold across the region of Latin America has made me so proud to be a part of the Promise! REGIONAL MANAGER LATIN AMERICA, ABIGAIL ANDERSON
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
In each program, the Gospel is taught in such practical ways that we see children
LATIN AMERICA Ever (far left) & his family, Mexico
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
FROM THE FIELD: Latin America
We’re working in Mexico to transform families and communities by impacting children with a message of hope and love. Ever is a 10-year-old boy whose life has changed since he began attending our project in his community. He didn’t grow up in a Christian home, but Ever loves the Lord and is teaching his parents and three younger siblings about Jesus. He is teaching his parents how to pray before meals and at bedtime. Every morning after breakfast, the children in our project have Bible lessons. The children work to memorize Scripture while they learn Bible stories and pray. Each day, Ever is the first to recite his Bible verse, excited to share with his teacher what he has learned. husband could learn more about Jesus. The staff from our project gave the family a Bible and also connected them with a local church. This family’s future changed forever because of your investment in Ever’s life!
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
Ever’s mom said she would like a Bible for their family so that she and her
FORMER SOVIET UNION ARMENIA
TAJIKISTAN
GEORGIA
UKRAINE
KYRGYZSTAN
UZBEKISTAN
MOLDOVA
59
ACTIVE PROJECTS
16,400+ PEOPLE SERVED
children and adults, for “believers” and “non-believers,” which spreads the Spirit of Sonship regardless of church, nationality, or class affiliation. REGIONAL MANAGER FORMER SOVIET UNION, OLGA BUZNITSKA
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
I am really proud of being involved in an idea that destroys the orphan spirit for both
FORMER SOVIET UNION Alina, Ukraine
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
FROM It isn’t normal for a 4-year-old girl not to smile. But Alina THE almost never did. FIELD: Her father was in prison and her mother didn’t work. Her oldest brother, Former only 13, could barely earn enough to provide a little food for the seven Soviet children. When it rained, the cardboard roof for their hut would get soaked Union and leak. Other kids wouldn’t play with Alina because her family was so poor. But then Alina got the chance to attend School of Life, an Orphan’s Promise partner. Everything changed. There were fun activities and lessons and nutritious meals. Alina made friends. She studied so diligently that teachers started holding her up as an example. When Alina began missing school because she didn’t have proper clothes for the sub-zero Ukrainian winters, the with warm coats, hats, and boots. It’s been four years since Alina began attending School of Life. Her mother told us: “I could not even dream about what you did for my family. God bless you greatly; He took care of us!”
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
Orphan’s Promise Warm-A-Child campaign provided Alina and her brothers
AFRICA
BOTSWANA
MOZAMBIQUE
BURKINA FASO
NIGERIA
BURUNDI
SENEGAL
DR CONGO
SIERRA LEONE
ETHIOPIA
SOUTH AFRICA
GHANA
SOUTH SUDAN
KENYA
UGANDA
LESOTHO
ZAMBIA
MALAWI
ZIMBABWE
56
ACTIVE PROJECTS
5,800+ PEOPLE SERVED
and again with a big smile on their faces is the surety that they will get nutritious meals every time they show up. REGIONAL MANAGER EAST AFRICA, ESTHER KARIUKI
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
For the children we serve in this region, what makes them come back again
AFRICA
Manuel, Mozambique
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
FROM THE FIELD: Africa
Manuel grew up with a big hole in his heart. It doesn’t matter if you’re from Mozambique or Montana—anyone abandoned by their parents understands the gnawing, deep-in-your-gut kind of pain this brings. But Manuel is a miracle. He’s the exception to the rule in this broken, brutal world. Today, he lives with his new family: his mother, Domingas, and three siblings. Everyone around Manuel says it’s been amazing to watch him blossom. He fits in beautifully both at home with his siblings, as well as at school with his classmates, and he’s made friends very quickly. At church, he is very involved and actively tries to put into practice the lessons he’s learning. partner ministries. He’s part of them! He’s a giver—blessing others with his sweet spirit. Manuel, it is a great blessing to have you as part of this ministry. We are grateful for you!
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
See, that’s the thing. Manuel isn’t just a beneficiary of Orphan’s Promise
ASIA
CAMBODIA
MYANMAR
CHINA & HONG KONG
NEPAL
INDIA
PHILIPPINES
INDONESIA
THAILAND
LAOS
VANUATU
MALAYSIA
VIETNAM
134
ACTIVE PROJECTS
13,200+
MONGOLIA
PEOPLE SERVED
you’ve experienced it and not only seen or heard of it. REGIONAL MANAGER ASIA, PURWATI
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
I believe everyone has a story. Stories become personal when
ASIA
Bella & her brother, Benedict, Philippines
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
FROM THE FIELD: Asia
She was so tiny. Big brown eyes. Only 2 months old. That was the day Isabel was brought to Destiny’s Promise, an Orphan’s Promise partner in the Philippines that cares for vulnerable and abandoned children. We immediately nicknamed her Bella. A few years later, we received a call that Bella’s mom had just given birth to a little boy and was near death. By the time we got to the hospital, she was gone, but we were able to bring the newborn back to Destiny’s Promise for care. Bella was so excited to meet her little brother, Benedict. Today, Bella is four. She is known for her nearly inexhaustible curiosity and for giving lots of cuddles to the people she loves. We were so happy adoption—together—by a family in Spain. What a joy and privilege it was to get to prepare Bella for her forever family! To give her a foundation of safety, stability, and healthy attachments. To allow her to grow up knowing she is loved and she is worthy.
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
the day we could tell her that she and Benedict had been chosen for
MIDDLE EAST & NORTHERN AFRICA
EGYPT IRAQ ISRAEL JORDAN
16
ACTIVE PROJECTS
2,1OO+ PEOPLE SERVED
LEBANON PAKISTAN
situations to love boldly and bravely and for their protection. Pray that families would be transformed not only by the opportunities they receive but by the love of God. REGIONAL MANAGER MIDDLE EAST / NORTH AMERICA, RACHEL DOUDÉ
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Pray for peace. Pray for our partners working in the midst of tenuous
MIDDLE EAST & NORTHERN AFRICA Mehran, Pakistan
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
FROM THE FIELD: Middle East and Northern Africa Mehran is a young boy with a dark past but a bright future. He grew up in a home with a father who struggled with substance abuse that often resulted in physical abuse, as well. Along with his mother and younger brother, Mehran lived in constant fear of his father returning home. Sadly, this scenario is all too familiar for children who live in desperate poverty. Parents dealing with shame and guilt because they are unable to care for their children often numb the pain with drugs and alcohol. The abuse and neglect create deep, lasting wounds in these children that perpetuate the cycle of brokenness and pain. Eventually, his father’s substance abuse took too great a physical toll and he passed away, leaving young Mehran even more broken and hurting. Life is challenging enough very easily fall through the cracks. Thankfully, Mehran and his mother heard about a local outreach sponsored by Orphan’s Promise where the boy could receive help with school, as well as learn more about the Bible and build relationships with kids like himself. Every day when Mehran arrives at the project, he is met with love and compassion from staff who care for him deeply.
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
in Pakistan, but a young boy who has been traumatized and left without a father could
EUROPE
ALBANIA
GERMANY
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
ROMANIA
BULGARIA
SERBIA
7
ACTIVE PROJECTS
600+ PEOPLE SERVED
and at-risk children cared for and protected. We are not just working at “picking up the pieces” in broken situations, but working with Partners on the ground to prevent children being at risk. REGIONAL MANAGER EUROPE, NATASHA BOOM
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
We are fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus while seeing vulnerable
EUROPE
Alina, Romania
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
FROM THE FIELD: Europe
Alina is a young woman in Romania who is striving to change her family’s circumstances. Although she grew up in a home with both parents, Alina’s family faced challenges brought on by poverty. As the young girl got older, the family’s situation worsened when her father became ill and had to have a cancerous tumor removed. He can no longer work, and Alina’s mother spends all her time taking care of him. Orphan’s Promise is helping Alina change her situation by providing her a scholarship to trade school. As Alina’s skill grows, her earning days. Her dream is to begin a steady career so she can provide not only for her, but for her parents as well. We thank God for the chance to support incredible kids like Alina!
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potential grows exponentially, and she can begin to dream of better
Drew Friedrich
It is a privilege to be able to bring the stories of the children we serve to you, our supporters. In the coming years, we hope to share these victories with you in new, exciting ways, because these victories are your victories. You are the ones making the difference. 2020 VISION
With our Director of Marketing
The highlight of the last year for me was a trip to Kenya to see firsthand the children we’re serving. Africa is a place of astonishing beauty, but the children are by far the best part. Many of them have experienced deep, painful trauma and loss, but the joy they possess is contagious. I believe Orphan’s Promise is one of the most effective commitment to holistic change in these kids. Our six key areas of impact ensure we are doing work that truly matters, and I love to share the testimonies of transformation. Thanks for allowing us to do the work and share the stories!
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organizations you can partner with because of our
We live and work with the motivation to love and nourish those who have been left out to dry.
OP FAMILY The Orphan’s Promise family is a special group of people who care deeply about making a difference in the world. Staff. Donors. Outreach Partners. World changers. FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
The Orphan’s Promise Team When Orphan’s Promise began more than 15 years ago, there were just two of us with a dream to help Ukrainian orphans. As the vision of what Orphan’s Promise could become expanded in response to the global orphan crisis, our staff grew to meet those larger challenges. God has brought together an extraordinary group of superstars from around the world, all with a passion for children in need. Today, we are wellpositioned for even greater growth and deeper impact.
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
TWO PIONEERS WITH A DREAM IS NOW A WHOLE ARMY WITH A DREAM
Donor Spotlight Richard and Linda Baker have been faithful Orphan’s Promise partners for more than a decade and have dedicated their lives to helping children. This incredible couple is not only raising their three young grandsons, they’re also running a successful business and generously supporting children in need around the world. “Bake” says he has seen firsthand how God’s faithfulness is something he can rely on no matter what is going on around him. It Bakers to help fund projects in Haiti, Africa, China, and more. Bake and Linda believe their generosity is one way they can show off God’s goodness to the world around them, and they’re grateful to be able to do so through Orphan’s Promise.
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
is this reliance on God that has inspired the
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING
Year 15 of Orphan’s Promise is off to an interesting start with the impact of the coronavirus and its global effect on communities and children. Because our incredible donors have remained faithful during this challenging season, we’ve been able to pivot our work and continue meeting the needs of We don’t know what the coming months and years have in store, but we know there are more than 60,000 children in our 300-plus projects around the world who are counting on us to keep showing up. We have no intention
BECAUSE OF YOU
of slowing down. Rather, we’ll continue to learn and adapt in order to provide everything these kids need to overcome the challenges and create successful futures free from poverty and brokenness.
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2019
children and families over the last few months.
’