Impact Updates from Around the World - March
Take a quick trip around the world with us and catch a glimpse of what God is doing through One Collective communities.
In Central Asia a simple Galentine’s gathering became a bridge for connection in a place where relationships are hard to form. A mix of local dishes and homemade brownies created space for new friendships to begin.
Reaching the Deaf Across Southeast Asia
The Deaf community remains one of the largest and most unreached people groups in the world. In Southeast Asia alone, tens of thousands of individuals have little to no access to sign language, education, or the gospel. In a country where over 96% of the population follows Buddhism and less than 1% identifies as Christian, the Deaf community is often both spiritually and socially isolated.
Scripture reminds us that God’s design for His people is “that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other… If one part suffers, every part suffers with it” (1 Corinthians 12:25–26). For one of our Catalysts, this became deeply personal. Living near a Deaf school, she had long felt a burden to engage; but with only a few years of sign language from high school, she didn’t know how to begin. Then, through an unexpected new roommate fluent in sign language God provided the nudge she needed to step forward in faith.
What began as small, intentional steps is now opening the door to something much greater. Relationships are forming, opportunities for sign language learning are emerging, and bridges are being built between both the Deaf and hearing communities as well as with the local church. We are looking forward to seeing the future impact of these preliminary connections.
South Africa: From Within - the Power of Local Leadership
In Cambridge township, South Africa, a powerful partnership exists between our Catalyst Scott Worley and Pastor Vuyo of Grace Community Church. Pastor Vuyo recently led a training with local residents on the multi-generational impacts of broken family systems, pointing to a flipchart filled with sobering statistics. Over 70% of South African children grow up without their biological father in the home, and in the black community, only a small percentage go on to thrive. The need for present, faithful mentors is urgent.
Pastor Vuyo has a deep-seated hunger to understand the roots of the complex challenges facing the community he was raised in — and an insatiable desire to walk alongside those most affected. Rather than accepting the cycle, he has committed his life to stepping into the gap — mentoring young men, discipling them in their identity in Christ, and consistently showing up as a steady, faithful presence. Together, he, Scott, and their teams are investing sacrificially through early childhood programs, after-school clubs, vocational training, entrepreneurship initiatives, family support ministries, and more — creating tangible pathways toward hope and transformation. Through simple but intentional investment, they are helping reshape how young men see their future and their God-given purpose.
There is no greater strategy—or joy—than partnering with local leaders who embody such transformational vision, undeterred faith, and committed action. In the face of immense challenges, they continue to persevere with courage and humility, believing that every young person has the potential to rise beyond their circumstances.
A large window in their newly constructed church and community center looks out over the surrounding homes, serving as a constant reminder of their calling: to remain outward-focused and committed to those still in need. As James 1:27 reminds us, true faith is lived out in caring for those in distress—and through Pastor Vuyo and this community, we are seeing that kind of faith bring real, lasting change.
Ukraine: Blueprint to Belonging - Apartment Complex Almost Complete
As the war in Ukraine continues, thousands of families remain displaced, forced to leave behind not only their homes but their sense of stability and belonging. What began as an urgent need for temporary shelter has revealed a deeper need: places where families can truly rebuild their lives, not just survive the crisis.
In Western Ukraine, that vision is becoming reality. A 10-unit apartment complex and three tiny homes are nearing completion, designed to provide displaced families with safe, dignified housing and the opportunity to begin again. These homes represent more than shelter. They are the foundation for healing, stability, and renewed hope.
This project has come together through the tireless leadership of our Catalyst, Doug, who has worked behind the scenes to bring churches, nonprofits, and local partners into alignment. By uniting shared vision, resources, and relationships, he has helped turn what once felt like an overwhelming need into a tangible expression of restoration, demonstrating the power of collaboration rooted in faith.
What is emerging is more than housing. It is community. Families who once lived in uncertainty are now stepping into environments where they are known, supported, and reminded that they are not alone. As Scripture reminds us, God is near to the brokenhearted, and through efforts like this, we are seeing His presence made visible, rebuilding lives one home, one family, and one community at a time.
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.
