U.S. Economic Crisis Affecting Our Children

Today, COTN president Chris Clark notified all our international country directors that as a result of the tightening U.S. economy, they need to pray through preparations to lay off non-critical staff (cooks, guards, drivers, teachers, etc.) and suspend all supporting programs (those that do not relate directly to the day-to-day care of our children, such as medical and evangelical outreaches, interns, and additional feeding support)—both of which will directly affect our children.

“Despite efforts to stay well within budgets, the recent economic downturn has taken a direct hit on COTN’s bottom line,” says Chris Clark. “We have always tried to run our programs as lean as possible. There just isn’t any fat to cut—any cuts are going to directly affect our children.”

With higher prices on everything from gas to groceries, and the looming uncertainty surrounding our nation’s economy, most people are either holding onto their expendable income, or don’t have any. And the proverbial “trickle down” threatens to directly impact our children. “Designated giving has always been used for our consistent in-country needs. Undesignated giving—that which comes in above and beyond regular giving—is used to top up programs and expenses where we fall short,” says Chris. “We’ve watched as this topped-up giving has shrunk drastically in recent months as people are forced to tighten their purse strings.” Estimates indicate that in addition to what has already been pledged for COTN’s 2008 fiscal year, approximately $300,000 is needed to make ends meet. If this funding doesn’t come in soon, we will be forced to cut budgets accordingly.

Yet in the midst of all this, our children are praying and continuing to trust that through COTN—the family God has given them—that He will continue to provide in abundance. “COTN has always been based on faith and He has always provided,” says Chris. “Our staff and children are part of our family. We don’t want to lose any of our staff or make changes that will drastically impact our children. We pray that will not be the case.”

As part of the COTN family—a worldwide body of people with a common passion who deny themselves to care for children—we hope we can count on you to stand with us as we continue to provide for our children. It is only through our combined effort that this mission is possible.

We are asking that you please consider a one-time gift (above and beyond your already pledged giving) toward the country of your choice.

Next month, you will be receiving our Hope Encounter, which highlights God’s faithfulness and many exciting happenings in each of our countries this past summer. We pray next month we will also have more news of God’s provision and faithfulness to COTN.

Make a Donation