Talk of “working together” are buzzwords, often said and rarely done. But when it is done well, there’s little more compelling…or impactful.
I recall how struck I was when I first learned about the Christian Alliance for Orphans. I was serving in the White House, and some of CAFO’s volunteers leaders asked if I’d be willing to ask the First Lady to record a short radio message encouraging service to foster youth and orphans. They explained this request wasn’t for their own organizations, but for an alliance of many organizations working in unison.
At the time, I interacted daily with nonprofits around the world. But rarely, if ever, had I seen that kind of laboring together – not just in a one-time project, but in ongoing unity for a vision bigger than any of them could achieve alone. I was deeply impressed and did all I could to help.
That work together has continued for more than a decade now. Certainly, there have been bumps and frictions along the way, but the unity and shared work seems to be one strong factor nurturing the continued growth of Christian engagement for orphans and foster youth. An article in the current ECFA Nonprofit Pulse describes one of many good fruits: “”Christian Investment in Orphan Care and Adoption Continues to Climb Dramatically.” It states:
“We’re seeing a strong trend of deepening commitment to children the world often overlooks,” stated ECFA President Dan Busby. “Christians aren’t only talking about how the Bible calls us to care for orphans. They are truly putting their money where their mouths are.”
…It also is worth noting that the field of orphan care, foster care and adoption enjoys a rare unity and strategic leadership – led by the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO). CAFO facilitates shared initiatives involving many of the best organizations in the field, all working together to inspire and equip Christians for effective response for vulnerable children. Unified efforts like that bring far greater impact than when organizations work in isolation or competition.”
Henry Ford expressed, “Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” If that’s true, then every ministry and church that is part of this labor together – whether in Summit or Orphan Sunday, sharing resources or supporting indigenous movement around the world – deserves high praise. They are living a truth that is often said and rarely done.
Read the full ECFA article HERE.