April 14, 2023

The Past, Present, and Future Collide

Our team had such a wonderful time visiting our partners and their children in Kenya last month! We always walk away so encouraged and honored to minister alongside such dedicated, Christ-focused people.

While in Kenya, we had the blessing of attending a church service that was anything but ordinary.

We celebrated past graduates of ESCC who had returned for a reunion, some of whom are now fathers, Bible scholars, musicians, or tradesmen.

Three new boys who are currently living at the center were dedicated to the Lord and fervently prayed over by Bishop Lydia, the founder of ESCC, and all of their caregivers.

We were also introduced to a few girls from the community who have been identified as potential new members of the ESCC family, and our partners are investing in them even as we wait for the completion of the building.

Over a delicious lunch, we reflected on the beauty of this ongoing ministry to orphans in Kenya. God has truly blessed this sacred place since its inception.

The young men who once called ESCC home stood around laughing and catching up, walking testaments to the fire that was set in Bishop Lydia’s heart over a decade ago. We thanked God for how He faithfully brought them to where they are now, how He is actively caring for the boys who are currently living at the center, and the precious ones to come once the new building is complete.

As the past, present, and future of ESCC came together, we cast our eyes to the beautiful building—peeking out over the top of the current center—and thanked God for His faithfulness to set the lonely in families

He is actively transforming lives and we are so blessed to be able to witness His handiwork.

12 Comments

  1. Garden Gal says:

    How wonderful to be able to see God’s hand working through generations. It looks like you were able to witness and participate in a lovely time sharing God’s faithfulness.

  2. Garden Gal says:

    How wonderful to be able to see God’s hand working through generations. It looks like you were able to witness and participate in a lovely time sharing God’s faithfulness.

  3. Svetlana Morton says:

    Whoohoo!!! How AMAZING that God has allowed those boys who came back for a reunion a way to not only make it as an orphan but thrive in His love and protection and care. Praying the same for this new generation and all the children who will live in this new building. Praying alongside you all that big things continue to happen, in Kenya and everywhere else where orphans are!

  4. Chloe kraus says:

    Wonderful to see God’s work through generations.

  5. Sarah Coin says:

    Love seeing the evidence of God’s faithfulness!

  6. Zandie Brailowsky says:

    Setting the lonely in families!! Praise God !.
    Thank you Courtney for sharing, it is so exciting to hear of what God has done and still doing through Bishop Lydia. It’s so encouraging to see what God does when we obey His commands!!

  7. Pam Getz says:

    How wonderful to celebrate with the lonely God brought into the El Shaddai family. God is so very good!

  8. Julie says:

    Rejoicing with you at Gods work and the fruitfulness of His faithfulness in the boys lives.

  9. Nikki Ryding says:

    How amazing to see the grown children return and thriving. Such a testament to our amazing Father and His love for these precious ones! Praying for the future children who will be touched by this ministry.

  10. Kristy Ames says:

    Celebration of the ESCC reunion and graduates. Can you see the love of God shinning through these fisher of men! I pray that the women who was potential new members. I pray that their hearts becomes genuine for the Lord. That they would not only seek the Lord, but find and keep Him. That they serve God wholeheartedly that the roofs the devil blows off to disintegration, In Jesus Name. For we are not ashamed of the Gospel of Peace. I speak God’s perfect peace among the entire world, right now. In Jesus Name. Peace Be Still. God, Your will be done. Amen.

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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.

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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:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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