In Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, the Christmas season at the orphanage has always been a time of excitement. But this year, our volunteers wanted to give the children something more lasting than just presents under a tree. They wanted to share the profound joy of celebrating the birth of Jesus. As they taught the children about the true meaning of Christmas, a beautiful and heart-wrenching realization emerged: many of the children had never celebrated their own birthday. Some didn’t even know the date they were born.

In Minga Guazú, Paraguay, dedicated volunteers gather at the orphanage with a divine calling in their hearts. Through initiatives like "Project Love," they pour their time and energy into teaching, mentoring, and simply being present for children who need it most. This work is more than a duty; it's a gift, a chance to share the love of Christ and witness its transformative power in the lives of precious children.

Thanks to partners like you, Allies is building Community Impact Centers across Peru — safe, hope-filled places where vulnerable children can learn, grow, and thrive. Each center is designed around the most urgent needs of its community, and every single one exists because of donor generosity.

In 2005, Bob and Margaret King of Granbury, Texas, saw a growing crisis in their community. Young people were facing rising challenges—drug and alcohol exposure, anxiety, depression, and a lack of meaningful mentorship. Moved by compassion and a deep faith, the Kings set out to make a difference.

It was a Saturday morning like any other, but for a group of children, it was the day they would discover a special kind of magic. Not the kind from storybooks, but a real, everyday magic found in simple words: the “Magic Keys of Politeness.” Leading the way was Mr. Edward, a volunteer whose calm and friendly presence created a space where every child felt seen and supported.

The journey to Quico is not for the faint of heart. It's a six-hour trip from Cusco, winding through the remote and rugged mountains of Paucartambo. But for our volunteer Lizbeth and a young boy named William, it was a journey that brought two worlds together and left an indelible mark on everyone involved.

We thank the Lord for the good weather and for all the children who joined our AMP gathering in Cuartero, Philippines. Everyone learned about the beauty of hospitality through kindness, respect, and serving from the heart. The children had fun coloring pages, making welcome cards, and joining role plays that showed what true hospitality looks like. Laughter, songs, and snacks filled the day, reminding us that joy grows when shared. We are grateful to Allies for their love and support. To God be the glory.

In Giheta, Burundi, one young volunteer shared how meaningful it felt to teach children about staying calm. At just 21 years old, she was filled with joy as she watched the children connect deeply with the lesson on breathing and positive expression. They listened carefully, shared their own stories, and eagerly practiced what they learned. One little girl even said she would use deep breathing the next time she felt angry, a small but powerful sign that the lesson had truly reached their hearts.

At JIAM Home of Hope in Uganda’s Sironko District, children gathered for a special lesson called The Magic of Calm. It was a day to talk about emotions — anger, fear, and worry. And to learn how to handle them with peace instead of frustration. Through stories, games, and crafts, they discovered that it is okay to feel strong emotions, and that calm is something we can choose.