An offering given during the 2000 Church of God International General Assembly in St. Louis started a process of ministry to children and orphans that will come to fruition at the 2010 General Assembly.
Ten years ago, the Church of God was challenged with the concept of ministering to children by giving to orphanages and children’s ministries around the world. The church responded in an unprecedented manner by bringing offerings that amounted to more than $2.5 million. A Church of God businessman who has a heart for children’s ministries matched the donation, so that a total of $5,181,013.75 was available for distribution for the children. Looking forward to the offering, we called it “Miracle in the Making.” Looking back, we saw the miracle happen!
The offering benefited 39 orphanages and children’s ministries outside the United States, utilizing 57 percent of the amount given; the other 43 percent blessed children’s ministries within the States. Pastors received an October 17, 2001, mailing detailing where all the money was spent. A listing of the projects may be found in the previous Faith News article, Reaching the Children of the World.
The overseas expenses were primarily for capital allocations – land acquisition, building construction, van and pickup truck purchases, furnishings for commercial kitchens and dormitory rooms, and so forth. A small amount was donated for operating expenses, but most was invested in permanent projects. The leaders of homes for children and feeding centers who had been praying for their needs to be supplied received an extended hand from the Church of God through which God answered their prayers. No one would argue: For them it was a miracle!
More information about the Children of the World Foundation will be released at the 2010 General Assembly in Orlando, Florida, July 27-30.