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CONTENTS Our Mission
4
Our Investment
8
Where We Work
12
Changing the World
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FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2020
COMMITTING TO COMPASSION Your kindness is matched only by your commitment to help!
The world is a different place today than it was when we last delivered an annual report. The fallout from the global pandemic has been widespread, presenting many challenges for our international operations. For the children we serve in 66 countries worldwide, life was incredibly hard before COVID-19, and as outbreaks and lockdowns began to spread through communities worldwide, there was tremendous uncertainty. We didn’t know how we could overcome these hurdles, but as our staff met to pray and discuss our options, one thing was clear: We were committed to helping, no matter what. What we learned over the next few months was just how committed you were! You stood with us every step of the way, and as a result, we were able to keep our promise to the children and families in our projects. When they couldn’t come to us, your commitment allowed us to go to them, delivering food packs and hygiene kits and sharing God’s love with every visit. Thank you for making this year possible. The stories and statistics you’ll read in this report are a direct result of your love and generosity. Proverbs 16:3 - “Commit your way to the Lord, and He will establish your plans.” This is the story of Orphan’s Promise! 1
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2020
A YEAR UNLIKE ANY OTHER A word from Terry Meeuwsen
Usually, when I write this letter each year, it feels like it’s only been a few days since the last letter. But this year is different. Time has not flown by. The days have not been short. The months have not all run together. No, this has been a very different year—a year that has tested our faith and our resolve. In times like these, I am so grateful for a calling and a purpose to hold tightly. I’m equally thankful for friends like you who stand beside and behind me and my team at Orphan’s Promise and encourage us to keep going. To keep seeking the world’s lost and hurting children and to bring hope, love and freedom when we find them. I am pleased to tell you that is exactly what we have done over the last year. When our projects had to stop operating on-site, our teams worked creatively to continue meeting needs. Over 300 projects continued serving vulnerable children in 2020. Our educational work went remote, which proved quite a challenge in poor, isolated communities; our feeding programs became mobile. Our incredible staff took nutritious meals and snacks right to the children’s homes. We helped families make ends meet by helping launch small businesses after lockdowns eliminated all income.
Orphan’s Promise founder and director, Terry Meeuwsen
Children from our own projects pitched in and helped serve their communities by producing face coverings.
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Our work may have looked different this year, but it didn’t feel different. We saw needs and, because of our incredible donors, we met those needs. That’s what God has called us to do at Orphan’s Promise. And that’s what we will always do, God willing.
We were able to
Masks may cover facial expressions or muffle laughter, but the one thing they can’t hide are smiling eyes.
Masks may cover facial expressions or muffle laughter, but the one thing they can’t hide are smiling eyes. As we received photos and stories from the field, I was inspired by two things. First was the love and compassion that showed on the faces of our staff members around the world. They were committed to making a difference, no matter what. We are so blessed that God has called them to be part of our team! Second, I was moved—often to tears—by the hope I saw in the eyes of the children we served. Above their masks were eyes
show up for these children because you showed up for us. I can’t fully express how important and how appreciative we are of your support. When you give to Orphan’s Promise, you’re sending tangible expressions of hope, love and joy to thousands of
children. They may not all be able to express their gratitude, but I know I speak for myself, our staff, and the children in saying “Thank you” and “God bless you!” I am looking forward to this year with great anticipation of what lies ahead. If the last year taught me one lesson, it’s that together we can accomplish anything! We’re committed to changing more lives in more places this year. I hope you’ll commit to joining us!
Thank you for changing lives,
that said, “Thank you for coming!” Eyes showing they know they are loved because someone cared enough to show up, help feed them, clothe them, and pray for them. 3
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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.
OUR 6 KEY AREAS So many of the children we meet have
education nutrition
suffered significant, deep trauma and need more than just a warm meal or an education. While those things are
discipleship
essential, we merely treat symptoms rather than bring true healing if we only address their immediate physical needs.
community transformation
We developed our six key areas as a way to ensure that children would receive well-rounded care that addressed their
strong families
spiritual, physical, social, and intellectual needs and produced actual, longlasting life change.
from at-risk 4
anti-trafficking
Whether it’s the 74,000+ beneficiaries provided with food through our programs or events last year, the 14,400+ children provided full meals each month, the 8,400+ children participating in one of
74,000+
BENEFICIARIES PROVIDED WITH FOOD THROUGH OUR PROGRAMS OR AT EVENTS
our discipleship programs, or the 9,500+ kids who learned through an Orphan’s Promise education project, we know that every dollar and minute we invest in their lives today will pay exponential dividends in the years to come. Never has a well-rounded approach been more crucial than it was this year. The difficulties these children faced regularly were only exacerbated by lockdowns, isolation, and deeper poverty brought on by
14,400+
CHILDREN PROVIDED FULL MEALS EACH MONTH
9,500+
CHILDREN ATTENDED OP-SPONSORED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
the pandemic. As our teams visited house to house and community to community, we saw our six key areas take on new meaning. They were no longer merely the passive backbone of our projects but rather the driving force behind our project operations team. These
8,400+
CHILDREN IN OUR DISCIPLESHIP PROGRAMS
six areas—education, nutrition, discipleship, strong families, anti-trafficking, and community transformation—help us ensure that no child falls through the cracks, and that every child is presented with the chance to
ACTIVE IN
66
COUNTRIES
find hope for a better tomorrow.
to thriving 5
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2020
COMMITTING TO
COMPASSION With our Director of Operations Nataliya Khomyak This year has obviously been an unusual one for the whole world—and the craziness still continues in many places we serve—but we’ve actually been able to see amazing hidden blessings in the midst of the chaos. In spite of all the closures, restrictions, limitations, and changes, the kids in our projects continued to grow and thrive. The depth of our impact increased as we made sure not only the vulnerable children from our projects, but also their families and communities, received help as we increased our efforts this year. We realize that we have only a limited amount of time with these kids and we want to make every interaction count. We step in and bring Jesus into their broken lives, being His hands that love on them, hug them, feed them, clean them, help bring healing to their multiple wounds, and prepare them to be responsible citizens, so when they do move on they can make their world a better place! Thank you for being a part of this endeavor and investing in the world’s future with us! 6
We realize that we have only a limited amount of time with these kids and we want to make every interaction count.
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FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2020
OUR INVESTMENT In the Middle of a Pandemic We were faced with some challenging decisions this year, but when the pandemic struck the poor communities where we work, we knew the kids’ needs would only increase—and that we had to be able to meet the challenge. We refused to back down from the challenge and touched even more lives over the last year than ever before!
$7.3 MILLION
SPENT IN SUPPORT OF ORPHAN’S PROMISE MISSION OF TAKING CHILDREN FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING IN 2020
300+
TOTAL PROJECTS FUNDED IN 2020
DONORS WIN THE DAY Committed Through the Crisis Donors are the lifeblood of this organization and part of our Orphan’s Promise family. Any time we faced challenges in the field this year, we felt strengthened by the commitment of our donors. As we shared the children’s stories from our projects through our monthly newsletter or periodic emails, there was always an inspiring outpouring of generosity in response. We always follow God’s leading at Orphan’s Promise, but our ability to grow and impact more lives is directly tied to the willingness of the incredible men and women like you who stand with us and make the work we do possible. 8
The bell never stopped ringing as the pandemic swept the world. Still, you showed unwavering commitment. Together we did more than we ever have. 9
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2020
COMMITTING TO
COMPASSION With our Director of Development
Beth Meadows I’ve been in fundraising and development for a long time, but I’ve never seen donors as committed to a cause as our incredible Orphan’s Promise donors. Time and time again over the last 12 months, we’ve seen God use our donors to provide precisely what we needed—sometimes to the exact dollar! His faithfulness to Orphan’s Promise and the children we serve never ceases to amaze me and to make me want to shout! I’ve been so encouraged by the stories we’ve received from the field this year. With all the uncertainty surrounding our programs, to hear that children’s lives were still being changed and that entire families were experiencing hope despite such incredible challenges warmed my heart. As I look to the year ahead, I’m filled with a tremendous sense of expectation. I know that the seeds of hope we planted during a difficult season will produce an incredible harvest of hope in the days to come.
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I’ve never seen donors as committed to a cause as our incredible Orphan’s Promise donors.
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FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2020
WHERE WE WORK
7
REGIONS
65
333
COUNTRIES
ACTIVE PROJECTS
Europe Former Soviet Union North America Middle East & North Africa
Latin America Africa
12
Asia
AROUND THE WORLD by Abby Anderson, Global Operations Manager
Last year we dealt with waves of constant change and uncertainty. Our team faced an extraordinary number of difficult and unprecedented choices about surviving and responding effectively to the COVID-19 crisis. When the world turned upside down and everything was shutting down, we never stopped serving in our communities. From forced closures to remote work, our teams on the ground saw it all. One of the most significant challenges we faced was adapting to everchanging conditions—and constantly rethinking how to make virtual communication effective while meeting needs in remote communities from a safe distance.
There was no “one size fits all” approach to responding to needs across the different regions we serve,
and we had to quickly learn how to collaborate and serve in new and innovative ways.
During this time, we focused on making sure no children or families from our projects fell through the cracks. We continued to show up and meet real needs with food or hygiene supplies. We needed to show them we would be by their side in the days ahead. As we begin to consider what a post-pandemic world will look like, we continue to ask how we can best serve and support the children and families God has called us to love. 13
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2020
NORTH AMERICA
11
ACTIVE PROJECTS
14
11,300+ PEOPLE SERVED
FROM THE FIELD: North America
This year we continued working with a number of organizations in the United States to meet the needs of children growing up in difficult situations. Families in America that were already struggling under the weight of unemployment, illiteracy, a lack of education, and poverty were hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through school supply distributions, nutrition programs, and an incredible Christmas outreach, families found hope despite the trials they faced and learned of God’s great love for them. Our work in the USA looks different than it might in other places around the world, like Ukraine, Mongolia or Tanzania, but these children are just as special to us and just as worthy of experiencing tangible expressions of love. Thank you for making our work with these children
It has been an honor to be a part of Orphan’s Promise and be in close communication with the amazing organizations we work with. This year, I’ve had a front row seat to witness the extraordinary perseverance, love and generosity of the organizations we work with and how they were able to creatively serve those in need. Rachel Doudé, Regional Manager, North America
and their families possible!
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FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2020
LATIN AMERICA
44
ACTIVE PROJECTS
16
12,900+ PEOPLE SERVED
FROM THE FIELD: Latin America ARGENTINA
CUBA
HONDURAS
PERU
BRAZIL
ECUADOR
MEXICO
SPAIN
COLOMBIA
GUATEMALA
NICARAGUA
COSTA RICA
HAITI
Miguel is 10 years old and lives in the community of Hatillo in Costa Rica. His mother is raising five children on her own and works as a street vendor, trying to scrape together enough money to feed her children. Miguel was invited to attend our Hope Bunker in Hatillo, which provides him with breakfast and lunch as well as help with his schoolwork. The Hope Bunker is a safe place for Miguel to grow, and the assistance he receives really eases the burden his mother feels. When COVID-19 hit, Miguel’s mom wasn’t sure how she would care for her children, but our incredible volunteers and partners from the Hope Bunker showed up with food packs to help sustain the family through the difficult times. Miguel doesn’t have to deal with the fear and pain of hunger because of your generosity. Instead, he can enjoy just being a kid who loves to play with friends, kick the soccer ball, and sing along to Superbook! I remember looking into the eyes of parents when we visited their homes with food packets and praying for them. They told us, “You are God’s answers to our prayers!” This year at Orphan’s Promise, we witnessed amazing miracles firsthand. It’s incredible how God multiplies resources and gives us creative ways to reach not only children but complete families, too. Karina Nuñez, Regional Manager, Latin America 17
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2020
FORMER SOVIET UNION
55 22,200+
ACTIVE PROJECTS
18
PEOPLE SERVED
FROM THE FIELD: Former Soviet Union ARMENIA
KAZAKHSTAN
MOLDOVA
UKRAINE
GEORGIA
KYRGYZSTAN
TAJIKISTAN
UZBEKISTAN
Christina was removed from an abusive situation when she was just 6 years old. Shuffled from family members to an orphanage, she felt as though she didn’t belong anywhere, to anyone. By God’s grace, a loving couple who helps run the Orphan’s Promise center in Khomutets, Ukraine, met Christina and fell in love with her! Not only was Christina invited to attend the center, but she was adopted, as well! She fell in love with
I can’t describe what it’s like to see the miraculous change in the eyes of the children and teens we serve. To serve as part of a team that helps them move from pain and worry to hope and joy is the greatest privilege. I’m honored to serve with and lead our incredible team in the former Soviet Union! Olga Buznitska, Regional Manager, Former Soviet Union
her new mom and dad and is thriving in her new family. She is a big help at the center, where she learns English, cooking and sewing and loves to attend Sunday school. She is like a new person, and joy radiates from her smiling face! Praise God for new beginnings! 19
FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2020
AFRICA
57
ACTIVE PROJECTS
20
4,000+ PEOPLE SERVED
FROM THE FIELD: Africa BOTSWANA
KENYA
SENEGAL
UGANDA
BURKINA FASO
LESOTHO
SIERRA LEONE
ZAMBIA
DR CONGO
MALAWI
SOUTH AFRICA
ZIMBABWE
ETHIOPIA
MOZAMBIQUE
SOUTH SUDAN
GHANA
NIGERIA
TANZANIA
Festo is a 10-year-old boy with a 10,000-watt smile. His joy is contagious, but for many years his face reflected the pain of abandonment. Both of this precious boy’s parents are alive, but they are not involved in his life at all. He lives in a children’s home in Tanzania supported by Orphan’s Promise, and despite his pain, he is now thriving.
It’s not the big things that we do, but all the small and consistent things we do day in and day out—especially during this pandemic— providing food, shelter, training, education, and prayer. That’s what I love about our work! Leonie Nortje, Regional Manager, South Africa
His smile brightens the whole house, where he receives education, nutritious meals, and a safe, loving place to call home. Though he was abandoned as a boy, your generosity means he will never be alone again!
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FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2020
ASIA
130 37,300+
ACTIVE PROJECTS
22
PEOPLE SERVED
FROM THE FIELD: Asia CAMBODIA
INDONESIA
MYANMAR
VANUATU
CHINA/ HONG KONG
LAOS
NEPAL
VIETNAM
MALAYSIA
PHILIPPINES
MONGOLIA
THAILAND
INDIA
Eric had been neglected and malnourished as a child when he came to live in Children’s Place home in Mongolia as a 10-month-old. Nobody knows where his parents are, and the children’s home is the only home Eric can remember. There is a hole in his heart where a mother and father’s love should be, but God has BIG plans for Eric! He loves Jesus and eagerly attends Sunday school, where he loves to learn about God’s Word. Eric especially loves Joshua
Being part of the work of Orphan’s Promise made me realize that we can always make a difference in the lives of each child and their family, especially during the difficult times—by making the most of every opportunity to share the message of Christ’s love. Kristine Oribiana, Regional Manager, Northern Asia
1:9, which encourages him to “be strong and courageous.” Although Eric got off to a rough start, his future is bright today because of your investment in his life!
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FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2020
MIDDLE EAST & NORTHERN AFRICA
16
ACTIVE PROJECTS
24
8,900+ PEOPLE SERVED
FROM THE FIELD: Middle East & Northern Africa EGYPT
ISRAEL
LEBANON
IRAQ
JORDAN
PAKISTAN
Sheeva is a beautiful 5-yearold girl from Pakistan who has known a great deal of pain and struggle in her short life. Her father died from an infection, and her mother is now left to raise three young children on her own—with no source of income. Pakistan was hit particularly hard by the pandemic, which worsened existing malnutrion issues suffered by a large portion of the population. By God’s grace and your generosity, Sheeva is able to attend the education program we support in her community free of charge. She will receive nutritious meals and snacks, learn about God’s love, and receive an education that will pave the way for a bright future full of hope. You’re
One of the surprising blessings to come from the pandemic has been that with education being done remotely, it has given refugee students the opportunity to take initiative and teach their peers who have never been able to attend any type of school. There continues to be so much conflict and unrest in this region, even beyond COVID-19, but God is still showing His incredible love for these children. Rachel Doudé, Regional Manager, Middle East
changing Sheeva’s story!
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FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2020
EUROPE
11
ACTIVE PROJECTS
26
400+ PEOPLE SERVED
FROM THE FIELD: Europe Mia—seen here with a stray pup from her village—is a precious young girl from Zagreb, Romania, who attends our preschool in her community. Growing up in a Roma community can be challenging when poverty is the norm and life is always hard. Yet we adore the often-dirty, smiling faces of the children we serve in
BOSNIA BULGARIA GERMANY POLAND ROMANIA SERBIA WALES
these communities. They have absolutely nothing, and yet their innocent joy and excitement for life reminds us of why we do the work we do. These kids deserve the chance to thrive! Unfortunately, Mia’s parents recently divorced, leaving Mia’s mother struggling to make ends meet and to provide for her children. When our team in Zagreb heard of the family’s troubles, they knew they could help. Through regular prayer, counseling, food distribution, and providing school supplies, we’re helping Mia and her family experience the tangible love of God and get back on their feet!
I am so thankful to be a part of the Orphan’s Promise family. What a privilege and a joy it’s been to work and see children rescued, fed, and loved, and go from at-risk to thriving, even in the middle of a global pandemic. When the world stopped, OP didn’t. Natasha Boom, Regional Manager, Europe
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FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2020
COMMITTING TO
COMPASSION With our Director of Marketing This has been quite a year for Orphan’s Promise in terms of marketing. Typically, our media team travels worldwide, capturing photos, videos and stories to share with you, our incredible donors. That wasn’t an option this year, and we had to completely re-imagine our storytelling. I have been so incredibly proud of our staff around the world who have stepped up to the plate and worn many hats to ensure you still receive the stories of hope we love to share on social media, via email, and in Portraits of Promise each month. Those stories are your stories. You make them possible by your incredible, unswerving commitment to our work, and we’re honored to share them with you! We had a landmark moment in January 2021 as we released SHINE: The Orphan’s Promise Story, a 30-minute film about the history and work of our organization. Tens of thousands have viewed the film, and we pray SHINE will move their hearts to support our work and become part of the Orphan’s Promise family. We believe God still has big plans for us. Thank you for making all that we do possible!
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These stories are your stories. You make them possible by your incredible, unswerving commitment to Orphan’s Promise!
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FROM AT-RISK TO THRIVING | ANNUAL REPORT 2020
A TEAM COMMITTED TO CHANGING THE WORLD With so many unexpected obstacles over the last year, we asked a great deal of our global staff. As COVID-19 impacted our work, we knew we couldn’t stop serving children and meeting needs, but we weren’t sure of the best path forward. Without hesitation, our staff around the world jumped into action, exploring every opportunity for success. Every country had its own restrictions and regulations that we had to meet, but nothing could stop this team from continuing to bring hope to the children they love and care so much about. God has built this team of amazing advocates for such a time as this!
Lockdown Never Held Us Down Despite the uncertainty surrounding the economy, our donors were phenomenal this year. Rather than having to delay or slow down our work, we were able to expand what we were doing in many communities around the world. This year we launched three matching-donation challenge campaigns, and every time our donors stepped up to the challenge. Through these matching challenges, we raised more than $250,000!
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Through these matching challenges, you helped us raise more than
$250,000!
Moving forward As you can see, it’s been an incredible year, full of both challenges and hidden blessings! Throughout the year, our donors remained faithful, allowing us to overcome the obstacles we faced to continue serving the world’s broken and hurting children. When planning for the next fiscal year, we did so with great anticipation of what is to come, knowing how critical the work we’re doing is—and we have seen God provide precisely what we needed time and time again. We’ve expanded our work to reach more children in more places than ever before, and we have some exciting new projects we’re supporting for the very first time. Join us on the journey, and let’s all renew our commitment to change the world!
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2020 ANNUAL REP O RT ’
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