I recently had the opportunity to connect with a multitude of inspiring global leaders at the World Without Orphans Global Forum in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Our time together was deeply encouraging as I engaged with regional groups of leaders from Africa, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Better Together vision at the core
Our shared Better Together vision encapsulated every interaction together, speaking to the core of who we are and what we strive to achieve.
As I navigated through conversations and shared experiences with leaders from diverse backgrounds and regions, one thing became abundantly clear – we are truly Better Together when we align our vision and goals.
The power of unity and collaboration was palpable as we exchanged ideas, insights and best practices. I heard stories of safeguarding children in Zimbabwe, investing in children for Uganda’s future, God’s guidance of leaders in Jordan, loving neighbors as ourselves in Romania, serving refugees in Moldova, training church leaders in India, deepening relationships in Brazil, building capacity in Paraguay, and much more!
Prioritizing multilingual training opportunities
Communication emerged as a cornerstone of our shared vision.
Whether in-person or virtually, the ability to connect, engage, and support one another is paramount to our success. By fostering open lines of communication, we not only strengthen our networks but also amplify our impact on a global scale.
Leaders encouraged me to continue providing interpretation for live virtual and in-person events in Spanish and French, and some networks are considering volunteering services to cover other languages. (Thank you, SANADAK in Jordan, for Arabic interpretation this year!)
Unity propels us forward
Above all, our unity within God’s kingdom serves as a unifying force that propels us forward. It is through our collective faith in Christ and shared values that we find strength, inspiration and purpose in our mission to develop collaborative communities of churches, NGOs, agencies and advocates.
As I reflect on my time at the Global Forum, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose and passion. The Global Network is a testament to the transformative power of unity, collaboration and unwavering dedication to our shared vision. Together, we are making a difference, one child at a time.
Let us continue to embrace and embody the Better Together vision as we journey forward, united in our mission to create a world of every child in a loving family, embraced within a collaborative community. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey with me.
– David Hennessey is the director of the CAFO Global Network. Learn more about membership, upcoming events and training opportunities with the Global Network to get involved.