2020 Vision
From My Heart: Our 2020 Vision
We recently asked Dr. Garmo to comment on ministry developments within the Mission to Children, and about its faith-stretching goal for 2020. We think you will appreciate “sitting in” on that interview.
What is the Mission to Children really about in this new millennium?
Since January of 2000 the Board of Directors and I have prayerfully and continually scrutinized our role in today’s world of ministry needs and opportunities. We are confident that God wants us to care and to cultivate. That led to a focused mission statement: The Mission to Children exists to care for and cultivate Christlike character in children—especially those at risk. This is our way of obeying God’s great command to love Him wholly and love others selflessly.
Who cares about character in a world plagued with poverty, hunger, and HIV/AIDS?
The little girl abused by her uncle cares about character. So does the employer cheated by his employee—and the employee cheated by his employer. And the mother forced to pay a bribe for medical care. An estimated 100 million street children in the world today care about character. Character can intervene and interrupt the cycles of poverty, hunger, and AIDS. Can you imagine how fulfilling our mission statement would prepare vulnerable children to thrive in today’s twisted world?
Strategically, how is the ministry fulfilling that mission statement?
The caring portion of our responsibility is fairly simple and well established: Work cross-culturally with indigenous ministry partners to provide a safe, healthy, Christian environment for children at risk. In contrast, cultivating Christlikeness is simple in concept but challenging in context. By God’s grace and blessing, we are amazed at doors He opens for this ministry, both independently and alongside other ministering agencies in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
We multiply our impact by working primarily with adults who influence children: parents, teachers, orphanage staff, coaches, pastors, and other community leaders. They have constant contact with their children and youth. We train those adults as well as the kids because they need to be positive models of Christlike character.
What core strengths does the Mission to Children bring to this challenge?
The board and I see several invaluable strengths—and each is a gift from God: a positive history of ministry, a unified board and staff, loyal supporters and prayer warriors, strong strategic partnerships, and an innovative, effective tool for international evangelism and discipleship.
Where does the Mission to Children feel weak as it faces this challenge?
As with many other charities, our support is taking a hit during this troubled economy. That limits our ability to respond to ministry opportunities. Second—and more important—people often support short-term needs.
But transformational change—cultivating Christlike character—is a long-term process. We pray for more donors who understand and embrace that pivotal role of character.
Does the Mission to Children have a faith-stretching ministry goal—and if so, what is it?
Our prayerful goal is that by 2020 God will use Character Solutions® to influence at least 1% of the world population (70 million) to build respectful relationships (pre-evangelism), enable evangelism, and cultivate Christlike character among Christians. Then our joy will be complete!
How do you see it?
