Impact Updates from Around the World - July
Take a quick trip around the world with us and catch a glimpse of what God is doing through One Collective communities.
Middle East - We are not Enemies: Finding a Way Forward with Iranians
The team in one Middle Eastern community facilitates a sports academy. The Catalyst shared: “I had a coaching session yesterday and a new kid came to the location. He was a sweet kid, about 10 years old who really enjoyed playing basketball. His dad came up after the hour finished and we talked for a bit. He asked where I was from and I told him the US. I then asked him whereabouts he was from and he said Iran. We both sighed lightly and there was a pause. I said "I'm praying for peace," and he relayed the same sentiment. There was no ill will, we both just seemed sad that war was coming and we mutually wanted to show that we weren't at odds with one another (him and me). We talked for a while and I took his number and he said they look forward to coming back next week (to basketball).
Ecuador - Amadas Show Up Big for Annual Conference
The End Slavery Ecuador team serves women and families who have been affected by prostitution, sex-trafficking, and other abuse. The team calls these women Amadas and facilitates healing and training in a safe environment. The team recently hosted their annual conference. They were expecting 90 people and 186 showed up! It was a space where the Amadas heard about Jesus and how only He can fill and calm our lives. They spent time with our team and with each other, received a food kit and Tupperware. After the conference the Amadas shared that they enjoyed the conference because we love them so much, we offer them a lot to learn, and we share a lot with them.
Albania - Exploring the Depth of God’s Love at Vacation Bible School
The team in Albania just completed their VBS summer camp and had a record 125 children attend. Many new children from the surrounding villages came. The theme took a deep dive exploring the depth and magnificence of God’s love. Please pray for the seeds planted to bear fruit for these kids.
Ukraine - Trauma Relief Retreat for Displaced Women
Catalyst Marina Landro hosted the second annual trauma relief retreat for 38 displaced Ukrainian women and children. The team in Ukraine formed an alliance called Transform Ukraine that includes 24 churches and partner organizations. 5 of those churches attended the retreat and each brought displaced women that they have been serving. They spent 6 days together building relationships, studying the Bible, and worshipping together. They also had fun doing crafts, making soap, swimming and enjoying the sauna. The theme for the retreat was “Seasons of Womanhood.” They studied 8 women from the Bible and examined what they could learn from them to apply to their lives today. It was a sweet time of renewal and rest in God. Every participant prayed a prayer of confession or rededication. The women and children have all returned to where they are staying and will continue to grow in their local churches.
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.
