By Todd Guckenberger, Co-Executive Director of Back2Back Ministries
At the start of 2013, I felt convicted we must continue to build depth to ensure success. Every chance I had, I told staff, ‘We are only as good as we are deep’. Around the world, many orphan care organizations are providing spiritual development (which they need), physical resources (which they need), and educational resources (which is critical to generational change). In isolation, however, those efforts are not enough. The challenge before us is, holistic care for each child in every area: spiritually, physically, educationally, emotionally and socially.
Great strides were made in 2013 toward depth and follow through. Below are some highlights toward a genuine and consistent effort to meet each child’s needs. Thank you. As a ministry partner, we appreciate you recognizing the value of depth in orphan care. Children’s lives are being changed because of your investment.
Nigeria
> We hired the first psychologist to work with the children we serve in Nigeria.
> We increased child sponsorship, which has provided more resources for holistic care.
India
> We initiated a family-based care construction project, which will allow orphaned children to live in family-style settings and reduce the number of children per caregiver.
> We made a strong effort to train and equip the caregivers in child development best practices.
Haiti
> Haiti has its first on-site ministry family, Brent and Anna Fudge.
> We are growing partnerships in-country, to serve alongside.
Cancun
> We continue to set the pace in preventive orphan care by ministering to widows and underage mothers, helping them keep families together.
> We purchased the Tres Reyes land, which will be developed into a community center in 2014.
Monterrey, Mexico
> We enjoyed a strong relationship with the local government, which has led to the development of foster care, and furthered the development of best practices for the children’s homes.
> The Hope Education Program grew to more than 75 teens.
Mazatlan, Mexico
> We now have more than 47 child sponsors.
> We have focused on training the staff, volunteers and ministry partners on orphan care best practices.
U.S. Office
> The U.S. team grew in numbers and sent out more mission trip participants than ever before.
> One21 had a record number of students and churches involved.
> We managed more sponsorships, more projects, more relationships and more field staff onboarding than any other year previously.
There are thousands of children who are growing up and learning about a God who wrote their name on His hand. We invite you to continue to pray for them, visit them and share with them. May 2014 bring an increased understanding of His pursuit of us all.