February 19, 2021. A day I will never forget.
I was in Liguiqui, Ecuador.
Up until this point, FOOD, PLAY, and STORY had been key parts of our ministry at Kids Around the World for years. But this was the first time we would see all three working together as a unified strategy for impact. We had taken big risks and spent countless hours planning. We were ready to pivot the ministry, knowing we could do even more with the resources God had given us.
Our global team had just launched our first 4 HopeZones in coastal Ecuador a few months prior. We identified local leaders passionate about serving and discipling the children in their communities, showing them how simple yet powerful this could be through KIDStory.
Then, we introduced OneMeal to these communities—meals packed by thousands of volunteers in the U.S. Local mothers were now empowered to nourish and support the children attending the weekly StoryClub.
Finally, it was time for the children of Liguiqui to experience play like never before. I knew I had to be there for this special moment on dedication day. I even brought along a small team of visionaries to witness it with me.
Almost every child in this remote coastal community gathered that day. Our team from the States worked tirelessly all week alongside local parents to build a playground—a place where these kids could just be kids.
As the ribbon was cut and the children rushed onto the playground, I couldn’t help but think, THIS IS IT! We need to harness the synergy of these three programs—serving together—in more communities. The impact they can have when combined is limitless!
It was an emotional high, watching a vision come to life. I saw firsthand the incredible impact of FOOD, PLAY, and STORY working together. And while having the resources to make it happen was crucial, being there—seeing all three come together with my own eyes—was what truly moved me.
Right after, we visited another HopeZone nearby, and I could feel the momentum building. I felt an instantaneous joy. This changed everything!
I thrive on challenges; otherwise, I get bored. The drive to do more was a huge motivator. I realized that God was opening doors and presenting opportunities, and I didn’t want to waste them. Not everyone gets these chances. I felt Him saying, “Here you go. I’m opening these doors and giving you these opportunities—what will you do with them?”
It hasn’t been easy. There have been countless obstacles. But if it were easy, it wouldn’t mean as much.
Today, we are blessed to serve over 8,000 kids in 100 HopeZones—all because of people who chose to serve alongside us at Kids Around the World.
Jeff Rosene, President and CEO of Kids Around The World, actively participates in our global initiatives, bringing joy and hope to children worldwide.
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