This year, Backyard Orphans brought our “Raise Up Leaders” initiative to Vanguard University and Southeastern University, inspiring students to care for orphans and children in foster care. Our message was clear: there are things you can do today to make a difference, and a vision for what God might call you to do tomorrow. Students learned practical steps they could take immediately, from praying for children in foster care to serving local ministries, while also considering future opportunities such as becoming foster or adoptive parents, or ministers and missionaries who serve in this space.
The response was inspiring. Students asked thoughtful questions, reflected on their own experiences, and left with a desire to act!
These visits are already opening doors for deeper engagement. Working with campus staff, we are creating prayer and outreach opportunities that allow students to move from awareness to action. By equipping this next generation, we are raising leaders who will serve vulnerable children both today and tomorrow!