This Christmas season we are reminded of the profound joy that entered the world with the birth of Jesus. His arrival marked how God chose to redeem us —in an ultimate act of love and redemption — through the gift of His own Son. We rejoice because this gift continues to give hope to the hurting and peace to the weary.
Your faithful prayer support has brought joy into the lives of many orphans and vulnerable children. Because of those prayers, many children are spending this Christmas in the safe, loving arms of their own foster or adoptive families … an answer to their deepest prayers.
Thanks to your prayers, and to gifts given through AFFEO, 79 children — many orphaned by war — are no longer hidden away in orphanages. Instead they have gained a pathway to a family through the creation of individual, personalized videos.
These videos are more than just a profile … they’re a bridge. They are posted to an online database, bridging children who long to be loved to families praying about opening their hearts and homes. Through the One-Church, One-Child program, where churches commit to praying for one orphan, these videos are being shared, establishing connections that often lead to mentorship, foster care, or adoption. Churches are also equipping foster parents by guiding them through the adoption process and training them as they prepare to bring their child home.
For example, Amalie (not her real name) was at an orphanage for children with special needs when her video profile was created. A prospective family saw it after it was posted to the database and made arrangements to meet her. But, due to the complexity of her needs, a child services specialist discouraged the family from visiting the young girl.
However, Amalie’s parents-to-be were determined! The video had touched their hearts, giving them a glimpse of Amalie’s personality, what she enjoyed, and how she desired to be in a family. Because of the video, Amalie was no longer a list of traits and diagnosis on a paper to this family. They couldn’t forget her. They insisted they meet her, and when they did, they knew they’d welcome her home. She is now deeply loved and cared for by her new family and is thriving in a local neighborhood school with her peers.
This is just one example of the work AFFEO is doing together with partners in prayer like you! Through orphan advocacy, equipping the church, family strengthening, and improving systems, together we continue to break down barriers, protect children’s rights, and ensure every child is seen, heard, and loved. It’s because of your prayers that children like Amalie now have a family!
But the need remains immense. Your continued prayers have the power to help turn a child’s dream of a loving and stable family into reality. Your prayers can lead them from orphanages to the arms of forever families, and from the brink of separation to stability. Your faithful prayers are opening doors for many to love, belonging, and a future filled with hope. Thank you for being a faithful steward of God’s love and grace! May you experience the blessing of friends, family, and great JOY this Christmas season!
