Summer Newsletter




Summer 2026

For 15 Years, You’ve Been Changing Lives

 

What began in 2011 with one team visiting an orphanage in Russia has grown into a global network of more than 2,500 local volunteers serving over 27,000 children each month in 92 countries.

Chris Burgin
Chris BurginFounder & CEO

Allies in Youth Development was founded on a simple but life-changing realization: orphaned and vulnerable children don’t just need their immediate physical needs met - they need consistent relationships with caring adults who can prepare them for life.

As we celebrate the 15-year anniversary of Allies, I’d simply like to say thank you. Because of your faithful support, that vision has become a reality for thousands of children. Today, more than 27,000 children each month in 92 countries are experiencing the life-changing impact of the Allies Mentoring Program because you chose to invest in their future.

It’s not about the numbers. Your impact is measured one child at a time.

Joshua Peter, 9, lives in Malawi. He knows what it means to lose everything. After both of his parents were tragically killed in a car accident in 2021, he went to live with his widowed grandmother, who struggles to provide even the basic necessities.

Without enough food, school supplies, or a proper school uniform, he sometimes works in other people’s homes to get food and money. Joshua has faced challenges no child should have to endure.

But because of faithful supporters like you, Joshua has something far more valuable than just material assistance - he has people who know his name.

Each month, local Allies mentors encourage him to stay in school, teach life skills, pray with him, and remind him that he is loved. Joshua says the Allies Mentoring Program has given him hope for the future and the confidence to become the young man God created him to be.

His story is one of thousands.

Then The first Allies team visiting an orphanage in Russia in 2011
One team and one orphanage visit sparked a growing global movement.
Now Children and Allies mentors celebrating the organization’s 15th anniversary in Colombia
An Allies Mentoring Program visit in Colombia celebrates 15 years of faithful, consistent relationships.

Across villages, cities, communities of refugees, and neighborhoods around the world, children are discovering that someone cares enough to keep showing up. They’re finding safety, friendship, encouragement, and the confidence to dream again.

That is the legacy you have built.

Your generosity has transformed lives - not through one-time moments, but through faithful, consistent relationships that continue month after month, year after year.

As we celebrate this milestone, we celebrate you. Thank you for believing in children you may never meet. Thank you for investing in relationships that change lives. Thank you for making 15 years of hope possible.

Together, we’re looking forward to the thousands of stories still waiting to be written.

Allies Adventure Team

Through Their Eyes

Firsthand reflections from South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

Allies Adventure Trips provide an opportunity to experience both the beauty of God’s creation and the life-changing ministry taking place through the Allies Mentoring Program. From Victoria Falls to Allies Mentoring Program visits, every stop offered a deeper understanding of the people, places, and purpose behind this work.

Allies Adventure Team members spending time with children in southern Africa
The team saw firsthand how local mentors create safe, loving spaces where children can grow.
Allies Adventure Team members at Victoria Falls
Adventure, fellowship, and purpose came together at Victoria Falls.

“If anyone wonders whether their prayers, support, and donations are making a difference, I can say firsthand - absolutely yes. Lives are being transformed.”

Pastor Jon Thomas

“Seeing the mentors’ commitment was incredible. They serve because their hearts are burdened for these children. You can see it in the way the children respond to them.”

Meredith Murray

“People across Africa are ready to mentor vulnerable children. They just need someone to come and teach them how and support them in mentoring kids. God is doing something really special in Africa creating exponential impact through Allies.”

Sharon Reid

“The children were so loving, and they gave us their all while we were there. I think the way they responded to us had a lot to do with the mentors and the safe space they create for the kids during the Allies meetings each month.”

Debbie Neal

“I think this trip was more life-changing for me than for the kids.”

Debbie Conrad

“Sometimes when we’re in the trenches helping people, we forget that there’s a whole army - there’s a whole big ‘C’ church - around the world helping people, and we’re not alone. Sometimes the need can feel really big, but there are people all over Africa just lifting kids up, and we got to go see it.”

Dr. Margaret Christmas
Help Shape the Next Adventure

Where Do You Want to Go in 2027?

We’re exploring potential Allies Adventure Trips for 2027 and would love to know which destinations interest you most.

Pastor Jon with a child during an Allies Adventure Trip
  • Philippines - January/February
  • Costa Rica - March/April or November
  • Peru - April or October
  • Czech Republic, Moldova, & Romania - Early May
  • South Africa, Zambia, & Zimbabwe or Botswana & South Africa - Late May/Early June
  • Tanzania & Kenya - Late May/Early June
  • Indonesia - Late July/Early August
  • Georgia - Late September/Early October
These trips are not yet confirmed. Your interest will help us determine which destinations to pursue.
Color Their World 2026

One Night. One Location. Greater Impact.

 

This year, we’re bringing everyone together for one unforgettable Color Their World event in Texas at an exciting new venue - Esports Stadium Arlington. By uniting our supporters for a single evening, we’ll celebrate God’s faithfulness over the past 15 years, share powerful stories of lives being transformed, and invite even more people to help orphaned and vulnerable children be seen, loved, and set free.

We’re honored to welcome Shane & Shane as our special guests for this inspiring evening.

Reserve your seats today and be part of a movement bringing hope, lasting relationships, and brighter futures to orphaned and vulnerable children worldwide.

Shane & Shane, featured guests for Color Their World 2026
Featured Guests: Shane & Shane
Esports Stadium Arlington event space
This new venue allows us to welcome more supporters into one room to celebrate the lives being transformed through your partnership.
Sunday, October 4, 2026 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Esports Stadium Arlington
1200 Ballpark Way
Arlington, TX 76011

To make attending easier, complimentary transportation will be available from Walnut Ridge Baptist Church. To sign up, contact Debbie Neal at 817-437-1006 or debbie@alliesyouth.org.

QR code to reserve complimentary Color Their World seats

Secure your complimentary seats

Use the QR code and enter promo code VIP2026, or visit the Color Their World page below.

View Event Details
Granbury, Texas

Ride With Purpose

Did you know you can enjoy some of the best mountain biking and hiking in the Dallas-Fort Worth area while supporting local youth? Located on land in Granbury donated to Allies, the MTM Bike Park features more than seven miles of trails for riders of all skill levels.

Every ride or hike helps support faith-based youth programs, creating a lasting impact both on and off the trail. Hikers are also welcome.

A family enjoying the MTM Bike Park in Granbury
Enjoy the trails while helping create faith-based opportunities for local youth.
Mollie Lupinacci
Mollie LupinacciPartnership Engagement

Let’s Stay Connected

Your partnership means so much to us, and we’re always here to help. Whether you have questions about our work, would like prayer, want to explore giving opportunities - including donor-advised funds or planned giving - or simply learn more about the impact you’re making, Mollie would be happy to connect.