In this quarterly update we share how God is working to impact lives. Enjoy!
Welcome To The Good News
Choosing To Give____Freely
Check out how YOU filled in the blank!
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MEALS PACKED
This Quarter
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PLAYGROUNDS BUILT
This Quarter
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KIDS IN STORYCLUBS
This Quarter
FOOD
PARTNERSHIPS PROVE OUT
This past quarter, partners nationwide packed 4.42 MILLION meals! From Pennsylvania to California and everywhere in between, hundreds of thousands of meals are now filling little tummies.
Our Impact Study shows that a single meal can:
- Bring nourishment
- Ease childhood hunger
- Strengthen families
- Offer hope
Every meal matters, and every partner makes this impact possible. Watch our FOOD Impact Study reel to see the difference you’re helping create.
9/11 NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE
This September, we came together with thousands of dedicated volunteers across the country to fight hunger and serve our neighbors in need. In partnership with the 9/11 Day organization, we hosted meal-packing events in nine cities: Houston, Dallas, St. Louis, Columbus, Cleveland, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Jose, and Seattle.
In just one day, 9.8 million meals were packed – 2.7 million of those being in KATW supported cities – for distribution through local food pantries and community partners to support families facing food insecurity.
By joining forces, we not only paid tribute to that day but also built hope and strengthened communities across the U.S.
We’re proud of what we accomplished together—and grateful for every volunteer, partner, and supporter who made it possible.
EVOLUTION OF IMPACT
Our friends at Little Tikes Commercial’s sales partner, Play On Holdings, showed their commitment to community by packing thousands of meals at their Michigan headquarters—turning teamwork into hope for families. What began as a partnership in play has grown into a broader mission of impact: playgrounds that unite and meals that strengthen.
This is the beauty of long-term partnership—the evolution of time and relationship—creating new opportunities to serve, connect, and change lives.
PLAY
I NEVER WANT TO LEAVE!
We were thrilled to join with North Coast Calvary Church on mission in Panama, bringing FOOD, PLAY and STORY to families at a community space beautifully named Happy Park. With many kids traveling alongside their parents, the experience was a powerful reminder of the joy found in kids serving kids. The sweetest moment came on playground dedication day when one little boy, beaming with joy, exclaimed: “I never want to leave!” Moments like this capture the heart of why we serve!
TWO PLAYGROUNDS. ONE ISLAND. LOTS OF HOPE.
In partnership with Abaco Strong, the first two public playgrounds in Marsh Harbor, Bahamas were raised up and dedicated in spaces intentionally placed to bring joy, healing, and unity after the devastation of Hurricane Dorian. While the island has rebuilt much of its infrastructure, emotional scars remain, and these playgrounds help stand as monuments to restoration and hope.
Before the ribbon was cut, the Biblical STORY of Peter walking on water was shared with local children. Hearing them shout, “I can be brave like Peter!” and “Jesus loves me and will always help me!” was a powerful reminder of why PLAY and STORY matter. We are deeply grateful to Abaco Strong for their vision and partnership in bringing joy to this community.
REFURBISHING FOR IMPROVED IMPACT
Our Global Operations Team recently gathered in Ecuador for hands-on playground refurbishment training—bringing together representatives from Panama, the Dominican Republic, Uganda, and Ecuador.
This effort is part of a larger vision: to refurbish 100% of the playgrounds for our partner communities in these countries. Already, Ecuador has reached this milestone, and Uganda is preparing to launch its own program soon. By strengthening in-country capacity, costs are reduced, turnaround times improve, and doors open for deeper ministry opportunities through collaboration. It’s an investment that multiplies impact!
PARTNERSHIPS IN “PLAY” BOTH HERE AND THERE
We were honored to stand alongside our friends, Little Tikes Commercial, as they brought joy and hope to a North Carolina community devastated by Hurricane Helene in the fall of 2024. As a global leader in play, LTC makes a profound impact through their partnership with KATW, sharing the gift of play in communities worldwide. What makes this effort extra meaningful is their commitment to give freely here at home as well—inviting our team to join them in building a brand new playground for children and families in this hard-hit area. Together, we witnessed the power of play to restore joy and rebuild community. When partnerships truly “PLAY” out for impact—both here and there—lives are changed!
Check out what was accomplished with our Partners in Play by watching this YouTube short from the on-site build!
STORY
POWERFUL IMPACT IN PAKISTAN
KIDStory is growing and transforming the way children in Pakistan experience God’s Word. One of the pastors recently trained in STORY now oversees over 200 rural churches in Pakistan!
Leaders using KIDStory share that they now see children eagerly diving into discussions, memorizing Scripture, and asking deep, thoughtful questions about God. In one unforgettable moment, a shy boy who rarely spoke amazed everyone by confidently reciting a difficult verse during a simple review game. Others describe how creating safe, relational spaces allows kids to not just learn about God but trust Him in their daily lives. After a lesson on God’s power, one young girl shared she was no longer afraid of thunderstorms because she had learned that “God can do all good things” and is in control.
Stories like these remind us that when children encounter God’s Word, their faith takes root in powerful ways.
STORY SUMMIT IN PANAMA
Forty KIDStory advocates from 10 countries recently gathered in Panama for our first-ever KIDStory Summit. Not only was it a time for shared tips and tools to enhance ministries across the globe, but a powerful four days of renewal, collaboration, and seeking God’s direction. Anchored in Ephesians 3:20–21, the group united around a shared vision of how KIDStory can impact communities across the globe.
While in Panama, participants visited a StoryClub in the hills, where children gather each week to hear God’s Word and receive OneMeal for nourishment. It was beautiful to see local parents joining in, fully engaged in the storytelling – reminding those present of the power of God’s Word to bring both spiritual and physical hope. One summit participant reflected, “The Lord did some deep work in my heart. He’s so patient, and I’m so grateful.”
Thank you to all who prayed for the Summit—God is already multiplying the fruit of this time together.
TRUTH THAT STICKS
We had the privilege of presenting KIDStory at the New Wineskins Global Anglican Conference in North Carolina. Held every three years, 1500 participants from 60 nations were present! Our breakout session, Truth That Sticks, introduced ministry leaders to STORY and its dynamic, interactive way of discipling children—one that helps kids actively participate in God’s redemptive story and grow in their faith.
Gathered for worship, training, and service, it was an incredible opportunity to share how KIDStory equips the church to reach the next generation, while also hearing powerful testimonies from many who have responded to God’s call to the uttermost parts of the world.
GLOBAL COMMUNITIES
RESULTS ARE IN: THE PROOF IS IN THE IMPACT
Do global missions really work? We now have clear evidence: an independent study of 40+ communities in Manabí, Ecuador – a region challenged by poverty, violence, and limited services – shows that when FOOD, PLAY and STORY are delivered in relationship-centered environments, hope flourishes.
- 93% of children feel safer and more hopeful
- 90% of families report stronger faith and communication
- 81% of households experience less stress
- 95% of local leaders see the church’s influence growing
These results highlight the impact of our Hope Zones – community led, church-partnered environments where consistent presence and trusted relationships foster lasting transformation. This is real impact. This is hope in action.
To see the impact firsthand, watch our video The Results and explore the full study at katw.org/impactstudy.
