In the book of Matthew, Jesus poses a profound question to his disciples: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26, ESV)
Jesus demonstrated deep concern for people throughout his earthly ministry, moved to compassion by both their physical and spiritual needs. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, and even washed dirty feet. He also knew the hearts of those around him and understood their desperate need for a Saviour, proclaiming himself the long-awaited Messiah: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, ESV)
At Cross International, we aim to create lasting transformation in impoverished areas through stable families, resilient communities, and rooted, growing faith lives. The faith component is not an optional add-on. It’s absolutely essential.
Effective poverty alleviation goes far beyond simply providing material resources to those who are lacking them. It requires seeing every person as an image bearer of God, created with inherent dignity and worth. Ultimate meaning and purpose is found only in the Lord, and a person cannot truly flourish apart from God.
Cross International is committed to keeping Jesus at the heart of all of our programming, holding to the principles we were founded on more than twenty-five years ago. “It is important for us to work with Christ-centered ministries and local partners, to serve with humility, compassion, and excellence that embodies the gospel of Jesus Christ,” says Cross International President/CEO Zach Oles.
Cross International partners with one of those ministries in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito to offer a school support program for at-risk youth, also known as the Moses Project. Although public education is free in Ecuador, the cost of uniforms and school supplies is often a barrier for families in poverty.
The kids attending Moses Project typically come from very difficult situations, and many are working through trauma from their past.
Nine-year-old Adrian lives with his mother and younger brother, age four. Before joining Moses Project, Adrian regularly missed school and sometimes had to skip meals at home as his mom struggled to provide. Through the Moses Project, his school supplies and uniform are covered, helping keep him in the classroom. Three days a week, Adrian and the other Moses Project participants receive both breakfast and lunch before heading off to school in the afternoon. The mornings include time dedicated to assistance with schoolwork, and Adrian has improved significantly in his math and language studies.
While the educational and nutritional components are critical for Adrian and his fellow students, at the core of the program is a desire to plant seeds of faith in their hearts. The kids engage in prayer and Bible lessons and enjoy fun activities. Counseling through a biblical lens helps them process their trauma and challenges. It’s all geared toward giving each child an understanding of how much Jesus loves them and what it means to follow Him.
Adrian remembers a particular lesson from Exodus 16, when God provides manna to the wandering Israelites. Moses Project staff used corn flakes cereal as a visual to represent the manna, and how God cares for his children. It was an especially powerful example for kids like Adrian who have not always had an adequate supply of food. Realizing that the same God who miraculously rained down manna in the desert sees them and has a plan for their lives was eye-opening.
From supporting at-risk kids in Quito to training pastors in Guatemala to drilling water wells and distributing Bibles in Zambia, faith is central to Cross International’s mission and work. And it’s followers of Jesus who fuel that mission, joining with us to transform lives around the globe through prayers and generosity. We’re privileged to partner with people like you, and take seriously the responsibility of stewarding every gift in a way that brings glory to God.
Without proclaiming the hope of Jesus, we would fall short of what we’ve been called to do. Just as Christ himself did on earth, we are compelled to care for the whole person. That can involve meeting urgent physical needs, seeking to bring stability, and opening doors to future opportunities. It also means feeding souls with the truth of the gospel, remembering that this life is but a vapor in the scope of eternity. And through it all, we trust in our Heavenly Father, whose love for his children is beyond comprehension.
