CAFO Summit

The Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) holds an annual summit for organizations around the world who care for orphans and vulnerable children, and families.

Founded 20 years ago, CAFO exists to unite organizations who have chosen to leave logos and egos at the door and unite their strengths to serve orphaned and vulnerable children better together. Paths of Hope board members decided early on that this yearly conference would be a priority for Billy, and for Kate, when possible. Board members themselves are encouraged to attend during their term of service, if possible. It is that good!

I have attended three summits since 2018, and I always leave encouraged and energized for the work that Paths of Hope is doing. This year the summit was held in Nashville, TN with approximately 2,400 attendees on September 18-20.

With multiple instructional workshops led by presenters who are doing similar work, coaching tables for small groups and personal guidance, guest speakers and musicians, each aspect of the three days was designed to educate, fortify and encourage each attendee. Billy and I were able to spend some time together in the general sessions and share a couple of meals. It was such a good opportunity to talk with each other, and to network with other organizations and individuals. Billy is a great networker! Having attended CAFO since 2016, there are few organizations who are not familiar with him and the work of Paths of Hope.

This year’s theme was “Becoming”. In his keynote address, President Jedd Medefind said that “God’s greatest desire for you and me is not what we can accomplish for Him, even the very good work He calls us to do. Rather, God’s highest good for us is found first in the people we are becoming, that we grow daily to share His character, “conformed to the image of His Son.” It is simply that, before anything else, we grow more like Jesus each day. When that happens, everything else follows.” Amen! This is our prayer and desire as an organization and individual board members.

We are grateful for your continued support that allows our staff and board members to continue learning so we can effectively serve teens and young adults who have left residential care.