Picture of Benjamin L. Corey

Benjamin L. Corey

BLC is an author, speaker, scholar, and global traveler, who holds graduate degrees in Theology & Intercultural Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and received his doctorate in Intercultural Studies from Fuller. He is the author of Undiluted: Rediscovering the Radical Message of Jesus, and Unafraid: Moving Beyond Fear-Based Faith.

World Vision Child Sponsorships Abandoned: It’s Almost Double What We Thought

world-vision-01

This week marked the 1 year anniversary of an event I’ve been calling the World Vision Fiasco. I have been lamenting the events which took place last spring, and the damaging fallout that has flowed as a result. As a quick recap for those who didn’t follow the events last year: World Vision is a Christian relief organization which does incredible work around the globe in alleviating poverty, helping people after natural disasters, etc. Behind the scenes, World Vision realized that they represent the diversity which exists in the Christian church, and as a result, they decided that they would change their hiring policies here in the US to include the hiring of gay Christians who were married. Instead of making this change quietly over time, Christianity Today got ahold of the story and pushed it to the front pages almost overnight… and we all know what happened next….

The internet exploded.

The establishment was outraged that gay people might work at a Christian organization, and they marched in lock-step with one another to make children around the world pay for it. Average folks, following the example of leaders such as John Piper and other personalities who denounced World Vision (as well as the band Casting Crowns who discontinued their partnership), took to the internet to plaster WV’s Facebook with nasty messages, and to announce they were canceling sponsorship of their children.

And they weren’t kidding. The number we’ve known publicly was that 10,000 children were dumped by Christian families in those few days- a number so big that it brought World Vision into submission to the right, causing them to reverse their policy decision just a few days later (here’s their official statement on that). Yet, even with the reversal, in many ways the damage was done. 10,000 child sponsorships is a lot to lose. As one WV source told me, one of the key things that saved them during this time were the progressive bloggers recruiting new sponsors- had we not done that, who knows how bad it would have been.

For the past year we’ve been throwing around the number of 10,000 children who lost sponsors, but a year later we now know the full reality. World Vision has made public some actual numbers– and when I break the numbers down, they’re a little hard for me to wrap my head around. Here’s the official statement provided by World Vision US:

“World Vision USA has a clearer picture of the financial impact, which has resulted in roughly 15,000 canceled sponsorships with possibly up to 4,000 additional cancelations that might be attributable to last year’s events.”

That’s 15,000 for sure, and 4,000 sponsorships likely lost, for a total number of upwards of 19,000 kids who had their sponsorships pulled. But let’s break that down even further: a source confirmed with me that the average sponsor stays with their child for 10 years. So when we really want to dissect the impact of the gay marriage fiasco, the ultimate number over time would look like this: 19,000 sponsorships lost at $35 per month, over 10 years each, equals $6,650,000.00 in total losses. Even if we write off the 4,000 children where there’s question as to why they were dropped, that still leaves us at a verifiable, known loss of $5,250,000.00 that is a direct response to the decision to employ gay Christians. It’s simply unfathomable.

Recently I had the opportunity to visit a a widow and her son in Armenia who are supported by World Vision, and wrote about the experience in a post called “Dear Rick and Becky, I Hope You11044637_10153018341292211_5925158305573509326_o Get To Read This.” We sat in their tiny makeshift home and listened to their story of heartache, loss, and poverty- a story of such sorrow that the mother couldn’t tell it without choking up, and we couldn’t listen without doing the same. However, their story did have one beautiful part: their sponsors, Rick and Becky, from World Vision. They told me about how much their letters are a source of encouragement in a discouraging life, and how they feel like Rick and Becky are part of their family. After hearing their story, I was given the honor of leading the World Vision team in prayer. As I prayed I thought about the 15,000-19,000 kids who relied on these letters as a source of encouragement, but who just stopped getting them abruptly because their sponsors had a problem with World Vision employing a gay person. I wondered how this boy and his mom would have felt had Rick and Becky just abruptly exited their lives (which they didn’t), or how all the children who did experience that loss must have felt.

I don’t know how to express the emotions I felt when I realized the crushing loss that being abandoned by a sponsor must have been, other than it was combination of feeling broken hearted and royally pissed all at the same time.

Here’s reality: there have been between 15,000 – 19,000 children like the one you see here– children who viewed their sponsors as part of the family and a lifeline– who abruptly stopped receiving letters. The relationships were broken and dismissed. No more encouraging notes. No more special gifts on birthdays or holidays. No more funds for emergency clothing or food rations. It just stopped.

For up to 19,000 children. Let that sink in.

Having seen first hand how much these relationships are cherished, I am unable to fathom the relational devastation that was caused by Christians who wanted to stand against gay marriage more than they wanted to help the children they sponsored. And beyond the relational damage, there’s somewhere around 6 million dollars of funding for children living in dire poverty that has now vanished, all because thousands of my fellow Christians couldn’t stomach the idea that the person delivering those clothes or food might be gay.

This is a tragedy. There are plenty of days where it feels like the battle over gay marriage has gotten completely out of control, and this is one of them. One side may have won the three day war with World Vision, but it left upwards of 19,000 hungry children alone on the real battlefield.

Friends, there’s still pieces that we need to pick up. Whether you’re a “Monday” person or a “Wednesday” person, or someone stuck in between, these kids have suffered great loss– and will continue to suffer. Who will join me in standing in the gap? Who will put starving children ahead of their personal theology? If not us, than WHO?

Please join me in sponsoring a child today. Use this link right here— it’s just $35 a month, and together we can turn the tide of this horrible event.

Picture of Benjamin L. Corey

Benjamin L. Corey

BLC is an author, speaker, scholar, and global traveler, who holds graduate degrees in Theology & Intercultural Studies from Gordon-Conwell, and earned his doctorate in Intercultural Studies from Fuller.

He is the author of Unafraid: Moving Beyond Fear-Based Faith, and Undiluted: Rediscovering the Radical Message of Jesus.

It's not the end of the world, but it's pretty #@&% close. Trump's America & Franklin Graham's Christianity must be resisted.

Join the resistance: Subscribe to posts and email updates from BLC!

Also from Benjamin L. Corey:

Books from BLC:

What you think

Post Comments:

188 Responses

  1. May I simply just say what a comfort to find somebody who really understands what they’re
    discussing on the web. You definitely understand how to bring a
    problem to light and make it important. More and more people have to look at this and understand this side of the story.
    It’s surprising you aren’t more popular because you most certainly have the gift.

  2. that that man would be allowed to stayin the meetin’ house,and keep on a-makin’ and a-sellin’ the poisen thatis sendin’ men to ruin all round him–“Makin’ his hard cider by the barell and hogset and fixin’ it some wayso it will make a far worse drunk than whiskey,和服 エロ

  3. This CBD oil stands in because of its smooth-spoken texture and balanced taste. The stifle b trap design is silky and everyday, and the dropper works precisely without dripping. It feels like a well-crafted artefact made with attention to factor, from labeling to packaging.

  4. A CBD balm and buy THC Beer online from this maker has a winning, monotonous consistency that spreads easily. The container is consolidated and travel-friendly, and the lid closes securely. The smell is light and botanical, which makes it attractive to camouflage b confine nearby.

  5. As for the live casino, you’ll find over two dozen games spread across 100+ tables. Some of the games include baccarat, blackjack, Instant Lucky 7, Super 6, and game shows. BetWhale even has its own lottery, with draws taking place every day. Speaking of repetition, there are only five games in Vegas Stakes – blackjack, slots, roulette, craps, and poker – and three casinos. A fourth casino unlocks when you have one hundred thousand dollars in the bank. Each casino has a different theme and different minimum and maximum bid amounts in games. Going to a new, swankier casino is the only progression in the game. And don’t worry; the music in every casino is awful, so go ahead and mute the game. Leading provider Stakelogic has kicked off the year with a significant operator integration by offering its full suite of classic and modern…
    https://proezas.diazpabon.info/1win-casino-deposit-bonus-guide-for-uk-players-review/
    Penny slots with jackpots are low-stakes slots that allow you to win substantial jackpot prizes while still only betting one cent per payline. These games combine the thrill of chasing a progressive or fixed jackpot with the affordability of penny online slots. Introduction: I’m the creator behind Lucky Penny Slot, a UK-based slots enthusiast who tests features, payouts, and mobile play so you can spin smarter. I share honest tips, clear guides, and updates, keeping gameplay fair, fun, and responsible for UK players. I cover bonuses, banking, and UK rules. But this is common for all online casinos available for US-based players, which includes a dedicated cereal restaurant for kids. Intercasino casino login app sign up in addition, we think this is a very good sign. If this doesnt bother you, this is a pleasant newcomer. You can also drop an email in case of a query, with a modern look and great game settings we can recommend this product to those who enjoy a the festive atmosphere while playing with a classic slot.

  6. I’ve been exploring cannabis terpene recently, and I’m indeed enjoying the experience. The scents are well off, customary, and pleasant. They annex a nice caress to my day after day drill, dollop beat up a compare the mood and atmosphere. A great catch sight of quest of anyone who appreciates perfumed wellness tools.

  7. Давно хотел спросить — выбирал между несколькими казино и наткнулся dragon money — вывод до 24 часов — у кого как по факту?
    Попробовал недавно — где-то месяц назад. Регистрация через почту или телефон — минут пять, всё просто. Документы попросили при выводе — это нормальная практика, не удивился.
    Стартовый пакет активировал: 230 FS начислили сразу после регистрации. Система квестов реально работает — выполняешь задания, получаешь дополнительные награды.
    Фильтры по провайдеру работают нормально — быстро нашел что хотел. В live заходил несколько раз — качество трансляции норм, лагов не было. Раздел с быстрыми слотами удобен для коротких сессий.
    Выводил на карту, обработали за сутки, всё пришло. Способов оплаты хватает: карты, кошельки, крипта. При блокировке основного адреса зеркало выручало — butovaya.ru проверял.
    Приложение скачал с сайта — работает стабильно.
    Для себя выбрал, претензий пока нет. Что думаете если пробовали — интересно услышать?

  8. Хотел спросить совета — уже пару месяцев слежу за новыми сайтами. Наткнулся Selector Casino — говорят вывод быстрый — правда?
    Попробовал где-то месяц назад. Регистрация простая — почта, пароль и пара кликов, минут пять максимум. Документы пока не трогали, думаю попросят при крупных выводах — это нормально.
    Активировал приветственный бонус, пять тысяч и фриспины — пойдёт. Условия бонуса читал внимательно, отыгрыш вполне разумный. Есть ещё кэшбэк и еженедельные акции — для постоянных это приятно.
    Игр дофига — наверное больше трёх тысяч точно. Dead or Alive нашел, Gonzo’s Quest там тоже есть — классика. Демо-режим доступен без регистрации, можно сначала потыкать.
    Вывел небольшую сумму — пришло примерно за день. Порог вывода небольшой, пятьсот рублей — норм. Visa, Mastercard, СБП, ЮMoney, крипта — большинство методов закрыто.
    На случай блокировок зеркало сохраняет доступ к аккаунту и балансу. Играл пару раз с телефона — интерфейс адекватный, не тормозит.
    Ничего сверхъестественного, но и развода нет — всё честно. А вы где обычно играете, есть нормальные альтернативы?

  9. Подскажите кто знает — сравнивал разные платформы и попалось в поиске cactus casino — у них 230 фриспинов и 200% на первый депозит, это реально или как обычно?
    Недавно завел аккаунт. Регистрация минут за пять — короткая форма, ничего лишнего. Через телефон тоже можно зарегаться, не только через почту.
    Промокод CACTUS2026PLAY ввел при регистрации — дали расширенный пакет: 200% и 230 FS. Вейджер есть, но не запредельный — видел гораздо жёстче на других сайтах.
    Каталог приличный, нашел что покрутить — и классика и новинки. Живые дилеры есть, качество трансляции норм. Поиск по слотам работает быстро, сразу нашел что хотел.
    Выводил через СБП — пришло быстро, меньше часа. Минимальный депозит 300 рублей, вывод от 500 — порог небольшой. Зеркало обновляют, при блокировке основного адреса проблем не было.
    Мобильное приложение есть для iOS и Android, поставил — удобно.
    Нормальный вариант если ищете без сюрпризов — рекомендую попробовать. Есть опыт с этим казино, поделитесь?

  10. Народ, кто шарит — уже пару месяцев пробую разные площадки с игровыми автоматами. Попался в ленте казино монро — хочу понять стоит регистрироваться или нет.
    Попробовал месяц назад. Зарегистрировался быстро, всё интуитивно. Документы пока не трогали, думаю попросят при крупных выводах — это нормально.
    Приветственный пакет рабочий: депозит от 1000 рублей, дают 150% и фриспины. Условия отыгрыша не самые злые, видел и хуже. Есть ещё кэшбэк 10% и еженедельные акции — для постоянных это приятно.
    Слотов там больше девяти тысяч — огромный выбор. Thunderstruck II нашел, Gonzo’s Quest там тоже есть — классика. Демо-режим доступен без регистрации на многих слотах — удобно потыкать.
    Деньги вывел за сутки, всё пришло без проблем. Порог вывода небольшой, пятьсот рублей — норм. Карты, СБП, электронные кошельки, крипта — выбор методов хороший.
    Если основной домен вдруг заблокируют — есть зеркало, аккаунт тот же. Мобилка в браузере тоже ок, играю иногда без приложения.
    Ничего сверхъестественного, но и развода нет — всё честно. Есть у кого реальный опыт с этим сайтом?

  11. Казино Vavada привлекает игроков щедрыми бонусами без депозита и постоянными турнирами с крупным призовым фондом.
    Регистрация занимает несколько минут, а рабочие зеркала обеспечивают стабильный доступ к сайту даже при блокировках.
    Проверяйте актуальные промокоды и условия отыгрыша, чтобы оптимально использовать стартовые фриспины.
    Служба поддержки отвечает на русском языке и помогает решить вопросы с верификацией и выводом средств.
    Свежие предложения и актуальное зеркало доступны по ссылке: вавада зеркало на сегодня.
    Играйте ответственно и контролируйте банкролл, чтобы азарт приносил удовольствие.

  12. I’d like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this website.
    I’m hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts from you
    in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing
    abilities has motivated me to get my own blog
    now 😉

  13. Kasyno Vavada regularnie aktualizuje kody bonusowe, oferujac darmowe spiny oraz premie bez depozytu.
    Proces rejestracji jest szybki, a turnieje slotowe z wysoka pula nagrod przyciagaja graczy kazdego dnia.
    Dzieki aktualnym lustrom mozna ominac blokady i cieszyc sie plynna gra 24/7.
    Nowe promocje oraz instrukcje wyplat znajdziesz tutaj: vavada casino bonus code 2021.
    Korzystaj z cashbacku i ustaw limity bankrolu, by gra pozostala przyjemnoscia.

  14. Грамотный подход к игре начинается с информации. В статье по ссылке https://medgorodok.ru/files/pages/?luchshie_provayderu_v_onlayn_kazino__kto_stoit_za_topovumi_slotami_1.html собраны наблюдения и выводы, которые помогают лучше ориентироваться в теме и избегать сомнительных решений при выборе казино.

  15. Right here is the right site for everyone who would like to understand this topic. You understand so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a fresh spin on a subject that has been discussed for a long time. Great stuff, just excellent!
    https://share.google/qsxaw6gnbZIoSqXJE

  16. Hey! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this write-up to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!
    byueuropaviagraonline

  17. Heya i am foor the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really
    helpful & it elped me out much. I hope to present one thing back and help
    others like yyou aided me.

  18. Проблемы с зубами? https://www.stomatologiya-v-bare.com лечение кариеса и каналов, восстановление формы и цвета зуба, замена старых пломб. Индивидуальный подход, современные технологии, стерильность. Запишитесь на консультацию и получите план лечения.

  19. I’ve been exploring CBD or cbd gummies for pain relief looking for a while, and this article really resonated with my own experience. CBD has helped me discontinuance cool-headed, snore more safely a improved, and control emphasis on in a fool way without that despondent or “foggy” feeling. I’ve tried oils, gummies, and full-spectrum blends each works differently depending on the moment. The key fit me was consistency and quality: in the good old days I switched to organic, lab-tested brands, the results became more noticeable. It’s not a necromancy medicament, but it can be a palpable support repayment for mental balance and body recovery.

  20. люблю готовить и знакомиться https://rutiti.ru еду в Прагу, хочу посмотреть места и парня встретить, погулять, Настя 20 лет, стройная, пишите мне в чат.

  21. Оптовый стор https://alsahragroup.com/5-reverse-2025-15/ рад приветствовать маркетологов в нашем пространстве цифровых товаров. Особенность этого шопа — заключается в наличие эксклюзивной образовательной секции, в которой собраны секретные мануалы по заливу. Команда подскажем, каким образом правильно фармить аккаунты, где обходить чекпоинты и настраивать клоаку. Заходите в наше комьюнити, читайте обучающие материалы, делитесь опытом чтобы лейте в плюс на наших расходниках без задержек.

  22. Цікавлять бонуси? казіно з бонусами: актуальні акції, подарунки за реєстрацію, депозитні та VIP-бонуси. Чесно розбираємо правила, допомагаємо зрозуміти вигоду та уникнути типових помилок під час гри.

  23. Excellent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and
    you are just too magnificent. I really like
    what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re saying and
    the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and
    you still care for to keep it smart. I can’t wait to read much more from you.
    This is actually a terrific site.

  24. It’s actually a great and useful piece of info.
    I’m glad that you shared this helpful information with us.
    Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks
    for sharing.

  25. リアル えろRose was quite aware of what had happened to If she had hadany difficulty about i Lotty would have removed it by the frankcomments she made while she and Rose sat together after tea on thewall.Lotty was delighted at more love being introduced into SanSalvatore,

  26. Why does every single discussion involving Christians today have to revolve around gay marriage and abortion? When did the gender of a another person’s partner or the decision a person makes in the privacy of their doctor’s office become the business of anyone else especially Christians? Jesus told us not to be judgemental and warned us not concern ourselves with the guilt of others but to watch our OWN sinfulness. But the Christian community nowadays sounds like little more than a broken record obsessed with the personal lives and decisions of everyone else rather than cleaning up their own stuff. No wonder we are losing young people.

    I am sick to death of it. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Books from BLC: