May 10, 2021

God’s Call to Care for Orphans

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:27

James 1:27 is a command, yes, but it’s also a calling. This is who God calls us to be and how He wants us to operate in this often brutally cruel world. 

The reality is that there are still orphans who do not know how loved they are. There are still children living on the streets. There are still infants being discarded in dumpsters.

Christians must join together and fight to change the outcomes for orphans all over the world because God commands us to do so, and ultimately, this is who we are.

At The Boaz Project, we have been reminded over and over again that God is always moving in the hearts of His people to do their part to care for orphans.

Recently, we hosted our first Dessert with Boaz event, where we had the opportunity to come together and hear the amazing ways God is working in the lives of the children living in our partner homes, their caregivers, and our incredible donors and supporters here in the U.S.

We were reminded that each one of us has taken a unique path to orphan care, but that it all comes down to God’s clear calling for His people.

“I support Boaz because I love children and understand the importance God places on orphans.  Psalm 82:3 ‘Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed,’” said Terri Landwerlen, one of our board members.

Jim Hassee, a longtime friend and supporter of The Boaz Project, shared stories of his experiences on short-term trips and how God revealed to him the reality of the orphan’s plight. Jim supports Boaz because he knows that God desires for every child to be safe, loved, and cared for.

Our founder and executive director, April, shared the powerful truth that God is not only freeing orphans from poverty, abuse, and neglect, but using them to build His kingdom.

Let that sink in. Orphans, once abandoned and alone, are being transformed into kingdom builders, just as God has done for you and me.

As each speaker shared their heart and how God has revealed His love for orphans to them, He was moving mightily in the hearts of those present.

In total, $49, 327 was raised to support orphans in Russia, India, and Kenya.

We celebrate and give God all the glory for rallying His people together to invest in the lives of orphans! Each of us left the event encouraged and extremely grateful for the community God has given us.

However, the work is not over. There are still orphans worldwide. God’s calling is still at hand.

Will you join us as we strive towards the calling God has set before us?

If you’d like to contribute to this total, supporting the day-to-day operations of The Boaz Project, go to https://www.boazproject.org/events/dessert/ .

Living in His light,

Courtney Kraus

3 Comments

  1. Amanda Reed says:

    Thank you for this beautiful reminder of James 1:27! What an amazing outcome the fundraiser had!

  2. Svetlana Morton says:

    How amazing is it that God is using the weakest and most vulnerable to build a kingdom that will accept every single child and prodigal!!?! That’s just such a beautiful picture for me.

  3. WAKUMA RONALD says:

    thank you for the great work

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Read more from our blog.

Because God knew that abandoned children would need help to survive, He tells us to actively meet the needs of orphans in James 1:27.

If you also feel the weight of this responsibility and the desire to make a real difference, consider partnering with us. Through our innovative in-home care model, specialized caregiver training, and humanitarian aid, you’ll help children not just survive—but truly thrive.

When you choose to partner with The Boaz Project, you'll restore hope, ensure a brighter future through education, and share the love of Jesus with children who desperately need it.

Just imagine the impact you can have—from saving a child from the horrors of the streets to helping them become community leaders, educators, and nurturers of the next generation.

Join the James 1:27 Circle Membership

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What does an orphan mission trip include?

  • Hotel accommodations
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  • In-country language assistance
  • All meals in-country
  • Ministry curriculum and supplies
  • Cross-cultural training and preparation
  • Trip insurance
  • International medical insurance
  • Fundraising assistance

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Orphan Advocate Training Certification Courses and FAQs

Required Courses for Certification:
Fundamentals of Orphan Advocacy

This self-paced course serves as the primary course for our orphan advocate training certification. By taking this course, you will:

  • gain a basic understanding of orphan advocacy and why it matters
  • learn practical, real-life ways to support orphans and make a difference
  • understand best practices for orphan care based on years of experience
  • discover how to use your voice to advocate for vulnerable children
  • join other like-minded people working together for good


Assisting Orphans: Helping Orphans in Their Need

This course highlights The Boaz Project’s foundational area of impact—assisting orphans. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the global orphan crisis, the urgent needs of vulnerable children, and the real difference you can make by stepping into their stories.

Every number tells a heartbreaking truth:

  • Over 153 million children worldwide are considered orphans.*
  • Millions live in institutions or on the streets, without the consistent care of a loving adult.
  • Many suffer from trauma, neglect, and exploitation, leaving lasting scars that only intentional care can begin to heal.

This course offers more than information—it equips you to take action grounded in compassion and wisdom.

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Orphan Advocacy must be completed before enrolling.


Supporting Caregivers: Upholding Caregivers as They Serve Orphans

Continue your advocacy journey by learning to support and strengthen the caregivers serving orphans daily.

Through powerful stories, practical tools, and proven methods, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to make a lasting difference in their lives and the lives of the children they love.

Join us and become a source of strength for those on the front lines of orphan care.

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Orphan Advocacy must be completed before enrolling.


Engaging Others: Using Your Voice for Orphans

The orphan crisis is real—but getting involved is easier than you think. The Boaz Project offers a variety of simple, meaningful ways for you to make an impact and inspire others to do the same.

As you discover God’s heart for orphans, you’ll be equipped to engage in ministry, advocate effectively, and mobilize your community. From sharing resources to starting conversations, you’ll learn to be a strong voice for the voiceless.

You don’t have to do everything—just do something.

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Orphan Advocacy must be completed before enrolling.


Becoming Certified: Impacting Orphans with Ongoing Advocacy

As the final course in The Boaz Project’s Orphan Advocacy Certification series, this capstone experience builds on the foundation laid in the Fundamentals, Assisting, Supporting, and Engaging courses. You’ll combine everything you’ve learned and apply it through personal reflection, skills development, and Bible study—all designed to solidify your calling and prepare you for continued impact.

This course doesn’t just complete your certification—it launches you into ongoing opportunities to influence lives, support caregivers, and advocate for vulnerable children with wisdom and confidence.

Become a certified orphan advocate.
Be ready to make a difference that lasts.

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Orphan Advocacy, Assisting Orphans: Helping Orphans in Their Need, Supporting Caregivers: Upholding Caregivers as They Serve Orphans, and Engaging Others: Using Your Voice for Orphans must be completed before enrolling.

FAQs
Do I have to live near Greenwood, Indiana to complete the training?

No! This certification was intentionally created to allow opportunities for anyone in the United States to participate fully.




How much of a time commitment is it?

This is completely up to you. The entire process is self-directed. There are no deadlines, and you may take as much or as little time as you need to complete each course.




Can I do this training with my spouse? Or a friend?

Yes! Going through the training with a spouse or friend can provide accountability and motivation. As you progress, you may be able to accomplish more together!




How much will it cost?

All Orphan Advocate Training courses are free to join! While you may choose to spend money while completing some projects, there are only minimal costs involved (such as a book or a few supplies) depending on which course you choose to do.




Is there an age requirement to become a Certified Orphan Advocate Trainee?

This would be answered on a case-by-case basis. This would also be open to middle schoolers or high schoolers looking to complete volunteer hours (i.e. National Honor Society) or build college applications. We always encourage young people to be involved if they feel led by God to do so!




What if I don’t have any social media accounts?

We will adjust your requirements to accommodate you and provide different opportunities to engage.




If I complete the Orphan Advocate Training Certification, can I put it on my resume or LinkedIn profile?

Yes! When you complete all of the courses required to become certified, you will receive a final certificate and you will be able to use the title "Certified Orphan Advocate".




Will I be able to get a signed letter to verify my volunteer hours?

We are sorry that we cannot verify volunteer hours that are done outside of the office or an event due to the fact that these hours are not supervised. However, we can write about the quality of work that was done, your commitment level, and the training courses achieved. We can also say that your self-reported, unsupervised hours fit into the typical number of hours that are usual for that course.




How do I get started?

If you would like to begin Orphan Advocate Training Certification begin by completing the registration form. Make sure to select the Certification course. You will then be assigned an OAT Coach. Once your coach reviews your information, he/she will send you an email with your next steps!




Who do I contact if I have any other questions?

Please complete the form below or contact OAT@boazproject.org with any questions.

FAQ

Do I have to live near Greenwood, Indiana to complete the training?

No! This certification was intentionally created to allow opportunities for anyone in the United States to participate fully.




How much of a time commitment is it?

This is completely up to you. The entire process is self-directed. There are no deadlines, and you may take as much or as little time as you need to complete each course.




Can I do this training with my spouse? Or a friend?

Yes! Going through the training with a spouse or friend can provide accountability and motivation. As you progress, you may be able to accomplish more together!




How much will it cost?

All Orphan Advocate Training courses are free to join! While you may choose to spend money while completing some projects, there are only minimal costs involved (such as a book or a few supplies) depending on which course you choose to do.




Is there an age requirement to become a Certified Orphan Advocate Trainee?

This would be answered on a case-by-case basis. This would also be open to middle schoolers or high schoolers looking to complete volunteer hours (i.e. National Honor Society) or build college applications. We always encourage young people to be involved if they feel led by God to do so!




What if I don’t have any social media accounts?

We will adjust your requirements to accommodate you and provide different opportunities to engage.




If I complete the Orphan Advocate Training Certification, can I put it on my resume or LinkedIn profile?

Yes! When you complete each level, you will receive a certification that you can use to enhance your professional profile and to show involvement in community service.




Will I be able to get a signed letter to verify my volunteer hours?

We are sorry that we cannot verify volunteer hours that are done outside of the office or an event due to the fact that these hours are not supervised. However, we can write about the quality of work that was done, your commitment level, and the training courses achieved. We can also say that your self-reported, unsupervised hours fit into the typical number of hours that are usual for that course.




How do I get started?

If you think you would like to begin Orphan Advocate Training, please complete the registration form, and you’ll be assigned an OAT Coach. Once your coach reviews your information, he/she will send you an email with your next steps!




Who do I contact if I have any other questions?

Please complete the form below or contact OAT@boazproject.org with any questions.

Event Sponsorship Levels

  Friend of the Cause
$1,000
Beacon of Hope
$2,500
Champion of Children
$5,000
Legacy Partner
$10,000
Name included on sponsor signage at event entry
Logo displayed on the back of the Order of Events  
Recognition on event tables  
Verbal recognition during the program  

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FAQ

Who is this course for?

Anyone with a heart to help vulnerable children—whether you’re just beginning or looking for ways to deepen your impact.




How can I get my questions answered as I progress through the course?

A dedicated coach will be available to support you as much or as little as you need.




Can I do this course with friends or with my small group?

Absolutely! We can offer you and your friends the chance to be a cohort and work through the course together with a dedicated coach to support your group.




How long does the course take?

The course is self-paced, allowing you to learn at your convenience. Including the 3 hours of video/audio/live content, this course can take approximately 10-15 hours to complete.




What does it cost?

Nothing! The course is completely free because we believe advocacy should be accessible to everyone.




How do I sign up?

Just click Register Now and start making a difference!

Orphan Advocate Training Registration

Thank you for joining The Boaz Project in advocating for orphans. Once we receive your completed registration, we will reach out soon with the next steps, so keep an eye on your inbox. We can’t wait to support you!

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