Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit
Billy recently traveled to Oklahoma City to attend the Christian Alliance for Orphans’ Summit. The annual event has always been a wealth of information and provides many opportunities to meet other like-minded people and organizations working with orphans and vulnerable children around the world. In previous years, the Summit provided invaluable connections to organizations and individuals who have helped shape the ministry and work we do as Paths of Hope today.
Before the 3-day summit began, Billy participated in two pre-conference intensives. One intensive was about recent research on family strengthening programs and the other talked about the transition from residential models of care toward family-based solutions. Both of these sessions provided good information that Paths of Hope can use as the mentoring program continues to grow and evolve.
The conference, overall, was a time of connection and refreshment. The theme this year was “Unhurried.” Over the week, it was a timely reminder to remember that, while the work on behalf of vulnerable children and families feels urgent (because it is urgent), hurrying to do more isn’t necessarily the answer. On the contrary, often we we find ourselves hurrying it tends to be because we are resting more on our own strength and abilities rather than resting in the Lord. This work is relational, and relationships take time. They can’t be hurried. Ironically, when the urgency drives us toward being hurried, we tend to make less of a lasting impact, and we burn out faster.
During the week, we also explored some potential strategies for engaging with local churches in conversation around the Lord’s heart for the vulnerable. We are excited to continue to invest in relationships with churches here in Peru and to put some of what was learned at the conference into practice. There was also time to connect with friends and colleagues from Peru, Latin America and around the world while at the conference. It was a joy to be able to see them, learn about the work that they are doing, and dream together about how we can continue to move forward and collaborate together.
Some of the organizations that make up Perú por los Niños were also able to attend the conference. Like previous years, this year’s gathering did not disappoint and Billy returned to Peru inspired and supported as we continue the mentoring .
In addition to attending the CAFO Summit, Billy was able to spend time with the POH Board members for their annual retreat. During the weekend, the board was able to reflect on the year so far, to plan for 2024 and to hear from Billy in person. Board members hail from Michigan, Tennessee, South Carolina and across North Carolina so it was a special time to fellowship and meet together instead of the regular Zoom meetings.
Would you join us in praying for the upcoming year?
Pray for church leadership as we approach them about incorporating a mentoring ministry in their outreach.
Pray for 3 new mentors who began meeting with their mentees this month.
Pray for the upcoming Latin America summit that will be held in Lima in March 2024 we are helping organize with Perú por los Niños.
Pray for the financial support to continue reaching and walking alongside teens as they graduate from residential care and begin to live independently.
We appreciate your prayers and financial support of the ministries of Paths of Hope.
