Covenant World Relief and Development

"My name is Ana Arrieta, and I am Venezuelan. I arrived in Colombia six years ago with my two children. I left my country because of the economic, social, and political situation that is known throughout the world. The reality people are currently facing in Venezuela is very difficult.

Colombia has welcomed me with kindness and support. I have never felt excluded. The people I have met and shared life with in Medellín have been wonderful.

From the moment I left my country and came to Medellín, Antioquia, I found here what I had been searching for when I made the decision to leave Venezuela: protection and security for my children—above all, security for my children.

The foundation has been a refuge for me, both emotionally and spiritually. I believe that every migrant who leaves their country needs to build strong relationships with good people who can help carry the pain of being separated from everything that was loved in the home left behind.

Here, I found family. I found friendship. I found support. I found words of encouragement. At the foundation, I also found a way to give back for all that Colombia has given to me. Through the foundation, I learned many handicraft skills, and now I have the opportunity to reach other women—both migrants like me and women native to this country—who need support networks and opportunities for connection. I can share with them some of the affection, learning, and generosity that Colombia has shown me.

Today, I serve as a volunteer, teaching macramé to a group of 15 women in an atmosphere of sisterhood and companionship. At the same time, I am also a student here. I am learning garment pattern-making and how to operate sewing machines. This has always been a dream of mine that I had never been able to achieve. Here, I am finally making that dream a reality, and it has been one of the best experiences of my life.

At the foundation, I have found friendship, support, and, above all, a way to pursue and fulfill some of my own dreams."

— Ana Arrieta, participant and volunteer at Fundación Manos con Esperanza in Colombia. Translated from Spanish.

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.” - Psalm 103:13

World Refugee Day is an opportunity to recognize the millions of people around the world who have been forced to flee their homes.

Too often, refugees are defined only by what they have lost. Yet refugees are also neighbors, parents, students, business owners, leaders, and vital community members.

Through locally led programs, our partners create spaces where displaced individuals can develop skills, share their gifts, and take active roles within their communities.

This past week, Covenant World Relief & Development's Advisory Team gathered for three days of prayer, strategic planning, and grant review.

Together, the team approved 15 community development grants supporting programs through 13 trusted partner organizations across 11 countries. From sustainable agriculture and community health to refugee support, child development, and food security, these locally led initiatives reflect the ways our partners help communities flourish.

Behind every grant approval is a process of listening, discernment, and reflection: How does this project address root causes of injustice? How is impact measured? Who is leading the work, and what can we learn from them? How does this reflect the good news and bring about lasting change?

Advisory team members include Boaz Johnson, Carolyn Poterek, Chrissy Palmerlee, Crystal Kang, David Husby, Elizabeth O. Pierre, Grace Shim, Lance Davis, Lyndsey Watson, Melissa Liew, Nils Clauson, Paul Swanson, Ramelia Williams, Sharon Davis, Stephen Sharkey, and Viji Nakka-Cammauf.

Thank you for helping bring hope and dignity to communities around the world.