World Orphans

I am Sunitha, and I have two sons and one daughter. My husband was a farmer, and after his de*th, I took the children to my brother-in-law’s home for a time because there were some things I needed to manage on the farm myself. My biggest challenge is to take care of my children in this situation. I want to give them shelter, good nutrition, and the best education. The church has been a source of encouragement and support for our family. In times of hardship, the church stood by us with care and help, giving us hope and strength.

ASIA // In the last month, nearly 30 churches in Asia have been trained to care for vulnerable families through our Home Based Care program. Pray that God would encourage these congregations, provide for them, and that many would come to the Lord in their communities.

GUATEMALA // I am Ingrid, a single mother of two biological children and a heart-mother to my two nephews, who came under my care after my brother passed away. The principal at my children's school invited me to join a sewing workshop. I accepted, despite my fear, holding onto hope. I had never used a sewing machine before, but I completed my first course and delivered our first order. Even though the income was small, it helped feed my children and pay for their education. Today, I work two jobs: one in the morning and another in the sewing workshop. The Jesucristo Rey church and the WO team has offered me invaluable emotional, spiritual, and material support, like helping my eldest daughter receive the eyeglasses she desperately needed and that I couldn’t afford. This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been full of learning, faith, and perseverance. My desire is to keep moving forward, give my children the best life possible, and continue to grow both personally and professionally.

ETHIOPIA // My name is Mekdes, and I am a mother of two children, a boy and a girl. Their father abandoned me while I was pregnant with the youngest. Life was very difficult for me. My milk dried up, so I had to stop feeding my child. I was thinking about where to sit and beg on the street when someone told me about the program. After we entered the program, my children and I were created as new. My life was washed from ashes. We got what we needed to eat and drink. They gave me oil, flour, and teff. I started to bake and eat. Thank God, when God raised me he did not diminish anything. He raised me from ashes and dust. He raised me from hunger and thirst. I have found everything. Thank God. I want to move to a better job in the future. I have learned a lot while in the project. My life has improved. I have risen from where I fell. I have found many mentors, sisters, and mothers by my side. I am happy that I joined this program.

INDIA // My name is Sukkamma, and I have two young boys. I was heartbroken and helpless when my husband died. I had no steady income and found it extremely difficult to manage household expenses and raise the children alone. I deeply want to care for my children and provide them with a good education, yet the financial burden has been overwhelming. I sought financial assistance for my sons’ education, hoping they can continue their studies without interruption and grow into a brighter future. Our experience with the church has been very encouraging. They supported us with prayers, guidance, and financial help, especially towards the children’s education. This care has eased our burden and given us hope during our hardest times.

ETHIOPIA // This past week, 42 women attended economic empowerment training in Addis where they learned basic entrepreneurial skills. Each of them will receive a small loan which will help them start their own business and begin the journey towards financial independence and self-sufficiency.

GUATEMALA // My name is Noelia, and I’ve been part of the Fuerte Ciudad Church program for three years. I’ve joined the savings group, attended the parenting school, and participated in therapy sessions with my son. Recently, I also started attending the cooking workshop, and although I just started, I’m already involved and excited to keep learning. It’s been a process of patience and growth through three years of work and commitment, but I’m so grateful that the church never gave up on me. Now, I feel more motivated, hopeful, and encouraged. Even others have noticed the change in me. I truly feel like I’m finally beginning to flourish and become the person I’ve always wanted to be.

IMPACT // Last year, 848 children and their parents received training through the local church to help them thrive socially, emotionally, physically, intellectually, financially, and spiritually.

ETHIOPIA // This past week we celebrated the graduation of thirty-two moms from the Home Based Care program. Now self-sufficient, they are able to open their spot in the program for new families. Praise God for the hard work and dedication of these women and their local churches!

ETHIOPIA // My name is Tequamech, and I have two children. When my husband died suddenly, I was very worried about how my children would live. What would we eat and what would we wear? Someone knew that I was hungry and invited me to the program. I joined, and every month they give us teff pasta, rice, macaroni, oil, books, and many other things for my children. My children and I would eat the food they gave us, and with the money I earned, I would buy things we didn't have at home, and my life began to change. When I was given a loan, I started baking injera and selling it. I worked hard and became a better person. With the income I earn, I buy clothes and shoes for my children and myself. I also have some money in the bank. I have made a lot of changes in my life. In the future, I want my children to learn, fear God, and become servants. Thank you all.

IRAQ // An update from our team! "Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been working hard to renovate and paint our community center, school and clinic. We’re now ready to welcome our students back and begin a new chapter of learning in a better and more welcoming environment. Keep us in your prayers!"

INDIA // I am Renuka, and I have two children. My husband was addicted to alcohol and died due to health issues. Losing my husband made me feel like I was thrown into the dark. The children struggled with the loss and absence of their father, and it affected their emotional well-being. The church came to know about my family's condition and started supporting us financially to meet my great needs and educate the children. A social worker visited and counseled the kids, too, helping them overcome their pain and confusion. Now, the children are doing well. I am doing as much as I can for my children to give them a good life, and I am very grateful to the organization for help. My family has seen and believes that God is faithful.

IMPACT // In 2025, 1,265 children and their parents received food, shelter, medical care, education, and the hope of the gospel through the HBC program—eliminating the need for 42 orphanages.

GUATEMALA // I’m Marlene, and I’ve been attending the sewing workshop at Nazareth Church for over two years. I feel blessed and happy because, with the income I’ve earned, I was able to send my children to school this year. While I work, my children attend the children’s classroom at the vocational training center. This has had a great impact on them. They've become more responsible, developed better habits, and now have a set routine for schoolwork. I’ve truly experienced God’s provision in my life, and it has been a source of strength and encouragement. Not only am I committed to attending Nazareth Church, but I’m also dedicated to helping the church’s Home Based Care committee reach out to others who are in need, just as I was helped when I needed it the most.

UPDATE // The World Orphans Ethiopia staff continues to equip local churches with the biblical foundation and God's heart for orphans, widows, the poor and  vulnerable in our communities. After sharing the vision of the Home Based Care (HBC) program with pastors and elders, seven new churches sent potential HBC coordinators and committee members for training. The training included God's heart for the orphan, the role of the church, home visitation, family selection and reporting, family profile building, financial reporting, Economic Empowerment overview, hosting Orphan Sunday, food basket distribution, and much more. One Ethiopian church hosted an "Orphan Sunday" program and the members generously gave to help start the HBC ministry in their local church.

ETHIOPIA // My name is Tsige, and I am a mother of four children. Their father was k*lled over a land dispute when the children were small. When I was in great need, I would clean people's houses and sell charcoal. Since this was not enough, sometimes we would go without food. I heard people talking about this program and I signed up, but I didn't get the chance to join for two years. After I got into the program in the third year, thank God, they gave us a monthly allowance, so we started eating well. I took a loan and started selling charcoal. In the second round of loans, I bought chickens. I am grateful to the foreigners who helped me without knowing my identity, may God protect them.

IMPACT // When ISIS invaded Iraq, World Orphans has worked alongside the government of Soran to provide critical refugee care. Shelter, education, medical care, and empowerment programs remain vital to displaced Syrian and Yazidi refugees. In 2025, 300 children received an education at our refugee school and preschool.

INDIA // My name is Mayaamma, and I am the only caretaker for my grandchildren, a boy and a girl, since their father died and their mother abandoned them. Their father was a painter and struggled with alcoholism among other health issues. It has been a challenging situation and I have felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to manage this crisis. The church intervened and has helped to strengthen us by providing counseling from professional counselors, advice from doctors, and they have even talked to community elders and leaders on our behalf. They lifted our family from the toughest situation of our lives, and still support us financially and with the children’s education. My granddaughter would like to become a doctor to serve the community because she was so inspired by the help she has received.

HAITI // We are thankful that for the first time in many months, Haitian and UN security forces have begun to record some tangible, but limited, successes against armed gangs, pushing them out of several strategic locations in Port-au-Prince, and reopening some major roads and allowing government institutions to return to parts of the city centrer.  During the month of July, our Haiti staff has been preparing for the HBC kids summer camp, including games, Bible stories, lessons, arts and crafts, and music.  Our social worker, Gerline has been preparing  wholistic care training for the HBC children and we are also working with churches to identify new families as some transition out of the program in September.

GUATEMALA // My name is Maria, and I recently became part of the Families of Nazareth Church. To provide for my children, I’ve been cleaning houses. Now, thanks to the church, I’m also participating in the crochet and sewing workshops. These opportunities have meant so much to me. I’ve learned a lot in a short time and already help fulfill purchase orders for the program. It makes me feel capable and hopeful. I’m also attending the parenting classes. They’ve helped me understand more about how to support my children emotionally and raise them in a healthy environment. I’m doing my best to take full advantage of everything the program offers, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of something that’s helping my family move forward.