Impact Updates from Around the World - Highlights from 2025
Take a quick trip around the world with us and catch a glimpse of what God is doing through One Collective communities.
One Collective Field Leaders Gather in Ecuador
Our core strategy at One Collective is the Integrated Community Transformation (ICT) model. Every other year, leaders from across the globe serving with One Collective gather together in person for several days of cross-training and networking which is called the ICT Intensive. Last spring the ICT Intensive brought our team of leaders to Quito, Ecuador. The time was rich with connection, learning from each other and spiritual renewal.
“The sense of home I felt among this group of people would be impossible for me to describe. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn and connect with so many incredible people with huge hearts and even greater faith and vision for what will be. I left encouraged, with many new friends, ideas, and tools and hopeful for how our world is being transformed, one community at a time..” - Hope, Nicaragua
“I loved ICT, It was an enriching time! I felt so encouraged to see how big God is, I felt like I got a glimpse of what God is doing all over the world! To hear about ministries so very different than my own happening in a place very different then Alpine, Yet God is moving so intimately and profoundly in their peoples lives just like the people I get to serve among! It was really incredible and God was so present in it all!” - Christian, Central Asia
Ukraine - Housing for Displaced Families
Stand with us at the construction site in Velyki Lazy, where something remarkable is taking shape.
You can see it rising from the earth. Concrete foundation laid strong in October. The floor poured smooth and level. Now, the frame is going up. The roof will follow. Each beam raised is a promise kept.
Walk through the blueprint with us. On the first floor, you’ll find warmth: a common kitchen where families will gather, aromas of borscht and fresh bread mingling as mothers cook side by side, sharing recipes and stories. The living room will echo with children’s laughter and the quiet conversations of healing. A laundry room, such a simple thing, yet how it speaks of normalcy returning, of daily life beginning again.
Four ground-floor apartments are designed specifically for families caring for loved ones with disabilities. You understand why: the growing numbers of wounded veterans need homes where wheelchairs can roll freely, where shattered bodies can heal surrounded by love, where heroes broken by war can rebuild their lives.
Climb the stairs to the second floor. Six more apartments await families who’ve lost everything but each other. Picture them: ten families total, perhaps fifty souls who fled their homes with only what they could carry. They left behind photo albums, grandmothers’ quilts, children’s toys, entire lifetimes.
This is happening because of a generous grant and because you care. Because you believe displaced families deserve more than temporary shelter, they deserve a home.
The walls are rising. Can you see them? By the time winter settles in, these walls will stand against the cold. By spring, families will move in. Children will claim bedrooms, hang posters, dream dreams again.
Ten families. One building. Countless fresh starts.
One apartment at a time. One family at a time. One future at a time.
The foundation is laid. The frame is rising.
Together, we’re building more than shelter.
We’re building hope.
Thank you for being a part of it!
Kenya - Threads of Hope Addresses Period Poverty
The One Collective Kenya team recently launched an inspiring new initiative called Threads of Hope, a sewing ministry that’s equipping women with both practical skills and spiritual growth. Through this program, participants are learning to sew as a means of earning income, while also joining a discipleship journey that helps them explore Scripture, discover their value in Christ, and build confidence for everyday life.
One of the first projects coming out of the Threads of Hope workshop addresses a deeply important issue—period poverty. In many rural areas of Kenya, girls and women lack access to affordable menstrual products and education, leading to missed school, health risks, and cycles of poverty. To help meet this need, the women have begun producing reusable sanitary pads, offering a sustainable, safe, and affordable solution. Alongside this effort, the team’s community nurse is providing menstrual health education, ensuring that both practical and personal transformation go hand in hand.
Through Threads of Hope, women are gaining new opportunities, restoring dignity, and discovering that in Christ, they are deeply known, valued, and empowered to make a lasting difference in their communities.
Costa Rica - Bringing Hope to the Hope House
Casa Esperanza (translated Hope House) in San Jose, Costa Rica is a place of refuge for individuals who have been exploited by the sex trade industry offering safety, support, and a pathway toward restoration. We provide:
Warm meals, clothing, and personal hygiene items
Access to psychologists and social workers
Classes like sewing and English that help open doors to financial independence
Partnership-driven resources for health, wellness, and personal development
A compassionate, judgment-free community where each person is treated with dignity
Programs that nurture spiritual well-being, emphasizing forgiveness, hope, and restoration
Every day, we witness stories of courage and transformation. These stories are made possible because people like you choose to stand with One Collective and support our work.
This summer Bri Allison interned with Casa Esperanza and shared her thoughts:
“Butterflies have followed me all summer, painted on the walls of Casa Esperanza, doodled on paper during art therapy, crawling on my face at the garden, and fluttering in the hearts of women in the Red Zone of San Jose, Costa Rica… reminders to us that healing takes time. The cocoon is dark. The process is arduous. But transformation is possible.
Through my internship with Casa Esperanza this summer, I’ve walked alongside a reality that is often misunderstood or uncomfortable for many people. Because in the Red Zone, you’ll find the women are formidable, brilliant, complex human beings who’ve lived through things most of us couldn’t imagine — abuse, trafficking, addiction, abandonment, exploitation, etc. These women are often labeled by their circumstances… judged by what they’ve done or what’s been done to them. Many have been sold, silenced, wounded, addicted, or denied care, not once, but over and over again. Many are still in the middle of that story, showing up each day, sacrificing more than most of us will ever be asked to. This kind of ministry isn’t flashy or fast. It’s not a rescue mission or a “fix it” strategy. Its presence. It’s a relationship. It’s slow, sacred, deeply human work.
It looks like giving women a safe place to talk, sleep, cry, create, eat, and breathe. It looks like being consistently loving in a world that is the opposite. You might assume we should be here to preach at them or pull them out, but the truth is, these women have heard enough shame in the name of God already. Yet, Jesus isn’t afraid of the darkness in those streets. He doesn’t hide himself while waiting for them to come clean or come close… He walks straight into the mess, into the noise, into the pain, and calls them BELOVED.”
In November, the Casa Esperanza staff had the privilege of attending a powerful autobiographical play performed by several women from Casa Esperanza. Through raw storytelling and performances, they shared their lived experiences as survivors of trafficking, exploitation, addiction, and homelessness. Their courage, resilience, and honesty expressed not only the pain of their past but also their strength, growth, and hope for the future. Being present to witness their stories of perseverance and transformation was both moving and deeply humbling, reminding us of the importance of community, compassion, and the power of giving voice to lived experiences.
Vietnam - Celebrating 5 years of Entrepreneurial Training for NeuroDivergent Young Adults
This past July, the entrepreneurial training center for neurodivergent young adults celebrated five full years of training. We praise God for the growth and impact we have seen. It began in 2020 in a small studio apartment with 5 trainees, 3 partner workplaces and 2 local job coaches. They currently have 16 trainees on-site serving in a coffee shop, 5 trainees in workplace internships, 6 local job coaches and 10+ partner workplaces. This ministry is truly pioneering in Vietnam. They are opening doors of opportunity for neurodiverse young adults where none have exited before.
When Viet (name changed for security) first joined the program, we initially thought he might be non-verbal. He seemed very shy, didn’t smile and barely said a word. We worried that our lively cohort and busy partner workplaces might overwhelm him. We couldn’t have been more wrong. Within months, Viet found his voice—booming, confident, and full of life—and formed close friendships with the very trainees we thought might be too intimidating for him. Today, he works in a local business preparing fresh, healthy food, and rides his bike 40 minutes each week to join our social club at a coffee shop. Now when he walks into the coffee shop, he always has a huge smile across his face and he greets everyone he knows by name with his booming voice!
When we launched in 2020, we prayed for five trainees to get started. One of them, “Linh”, traveled a long way to join our first cohort. Linh is an outgoing young woman with Down syndrome. Her family had always advocated for her inclusion in the community, so after seeing a TV segment about our launch, they eagerly enrolled her. Her older sister “Minh” even volunteered to relocate to our city to help Linh adjust.
Early on, Minh—deeply committed to her Buddhist faith—asked if we could help Linh learn to pray and become a Christian. Surprised, we asked why she didn’t want Linh to practice Buddhism. Minh explained, “Christianity teaches that all humans are created in the image of God and that people like my sister have value and dignity. That’s not a message my faith tradition teaches, so I think it’s a better fit for my sister.” We connected them with a local church and within the year, both sisters came to faith. Minh later said, “At the training center, we saw people live out what they believe—kindness, unconditional love, and following Jesus. That’s the best gift we received on our journey with the training center.”
Ecuador - Growth at La Roca Skate Park
God is building something big at Ministerio de La Roca—and it’s more than just skate ramps! The team at the One Collective skateboarding park in Quito, Ecuador has been hard at work constructing new ramps and spaces designed to serve the local youth and skate community. While much of the old wood had to be replaced due to damage, this has opened the door to rebuild stronger and safer structures. Volunteers, donors, and prayer partners have all played a vital role in moving the project forward with faith and enthusiasm.
Alongside construction, the ministry continues to pour into young people through devotionals and community time. These gatherings have become a place for honest conversations about faith, family, and dreams—followed, of course, by a time to skate and enjoy fellowship together. Each session is a tangible reminder of how God is shaping hearts as much as He’s shaping ramps.
La Roca also celebrates ongoing English classes, offered in partnership with Education Equal Hope Ministry. These classes not only strengthen language skills but also create a supportive environment where students build confidence, friendships, and faith.
A highlight of this past month was the baptism of Maryin, sister of longtime ministry member Walter. Surrounded by her community at IEVI Norte Church—located within La Roca—she publicly declared her faith in Christ. It was a powerful reminder of God’s work in transforming lives and building a family of believers rooted in love, service, and hope.
Chile - A Formal Partnership with the Chilean Government
This summer, the team in Chile reached a historic milestone in their orphan care ministry for at risk youth—one made possible only by God's faithfulness and goodness. They partner with the Chilean government by collaborating in children’s group homes run directly by the state. Although there have been valid concerns about a faith-based organization working with the government, they’ve rarely encountered individuals who oppose them because of their beliefs. The team is always respectful in how they share their faith, and the Lord has given them great wisdom in approaching this partnership in a way that is transparent and understandable to the government. Over time, their consistent presence and the visible transformation in the lives of the children have spoken for themselves. The government now openly acknowledges that they provide spiritual support—and they recognize it as a necessary component in each child’s developmental journey.
Additionally, their mentorship program has become one of the only relational programs available to at-risk youth. In other words, they’re not a short-term program that offers a service and then leaves. They are a ministry that prioritizes long-term relationships—ones that grow and evolve over time. This meets a deep need for the government, especially for youth who age out of the system and lack a support network. The government has humbly recognized the limits of their reach and has embraced our partnership wholeheartedly.
In June, for the first time, they formally signed a written agreement that outlines each party’s responsibilities. This is a really practical agreement that makes it possible for their program to officially be part of the group homes' care plans. It means they can follow up more intentionally, evaluate and grow the work together—with the hope of expanding the Significant Connectors model not just in Santiago, but eventually across the whole country. The team signed the agreement at one of the group homes, with both regional leadership and group home staff present. The event felt like a celebration—a moment to honor all they have accomplished together and to look forward with excitement about how their work can expand and become more effective over time. The hug shared by Alonso and Marcela Gaele, Regional Director, (picture below) right after the signing, captured the joy and deep sense of commitment behind this partnership.
After the signing the team received a note from a social worker saying:
"I feel deep admiration for you. What you do—with such commitment, love, and a desire to help others—is something that is treasured in the heart. I deeply share your mission and vision, and in the end, love is the feeling that transcends all barriers. I am so grateful to know people like you!"
—Yesenia, Social Worker
South Asia - Women’s Literacy Centers Teach 250 Women to Read Scripture
"My hands are only good for a hammer or washrag. They will never hold a pencil."
This is the sentiment for many women in South Asia who have made it through life without knowing how to read and never seeing themselves as valuable enough to be educated.
The One Collective team in South Asia team has partnered with an organization that has developed a literacy curriculum and trained our local leaders and teachers. We have been able to teach 250 women (and 20 men who snuck in to join us) to read at an 8th grade level. They now ****know basic math, understand basic health practices, learn the value of a girl child, and know basic finance and business skills- all while learning the ways of Jesus.
One 71 year old woman has embraced this opportunity. When others ask her why she would be devoting time every day to go to a women's literacy class she replied: "I just want to read the Bible." This is what she tells everyone with hope and conviction in her voice.
Her village is a mostly unreached context and most people there don't understand her hunger to read scripture. Someone took the gospel to her community in the 1960's and many people became believers. That worker was kicked out within only a few years of being there so while some people received access to Jesus, they never received discipleship.
But they are still hungry to learn about Jesus and his ways.
The ability to read is a key factor in discipleship. It provides access to scripture, develops leaders, and creates opportunity to break cycles of poverty. The results are life changing. We have started ten house fellowships in this area. "Who is Jesus?" "What is salvation?" These are the kinds of questions unreached women are asking. Because they can read, they are turning to scripture for the answers. Persecution is very high here, but even the local government recognizes the change and has asked us to expand our classes and are supporting this work.
Central Asia - Simple conversations Inspire Home Church Fellowship
The One Collective Catalyst in this Central Asian community recently met with three local believing families in the village. She asked them if they share with family, friends, and neighbors that they are believers. Two of them said “no” because of fear of what the repercussions might be from their neighbors and villages. They could become outcasts, kicked out, or potentially harmed. The Catalyst did not know how to respond to these comments because she has never encountered the kind of persecution that so many local believers share in their personal testimonies.
The Catalyst asked them what would be something that they could do to lessen that fear of sharing their faith. One of them said it would help if they had a place to come together and meet. Most religious fellowships have a central building to meet and gather. Unfortunately new laws prohibit registering any new religious institutions. It was suggested that two of the families that live close to one another come together and do a home fellowship gathering. They all thought about the idea and liked it.
One of the men started brainstorming other ways that they could gather. The three families committed to gathering the next two weeks at one of their homes for a home fellowship! They started on a Sunday and the Catalyst was invited! Now they're planning to meet every two weeks.
Please lift them up in prayer as they start meeting together and sharing the vision with other believers in the area. Pray that they would become bold and start sharing their faith with their families, friends, and neighbors.
These are just a few snapshots of what God is doing across the globe. Thanks so much for reading!
Lindsey Vanzant
Global Giving Advisor
Lindsey serves as the Global Giving Advisor for One Collective, where her primary focus is to coach financial supporters by connecting their goals, experiences and passions to the work God is doing on the front lines in communities where One Collective serves around the world.
Prior to joining One Collective, Lindsey spent 15 years in various business development and account management roles with Rubbermaid Commercial Products where she most recently led the healthcare division. For the past 11 years, Lindsey has led a local ministry support group for young moms with unplanned pregnancies alongside her local church.
Lindsey lives in Indiana with her husband and four children and loves to travel, explore new places, meet new people, cheer on Hoosier basketball, grow flowers, and spend time with family and friends.