We’ll embark on a humbling journey through some renowned Christian charities making immeasurable strides both locally and globally. These organizations, staunch in their faith and dedicated to the teachings of Jesus Christ, are marked by intense charity work – beacons of hope illuminating paths for countless individuals worldwide who contend with unfortunate situations daily.
The best Christian Charities are the Salvation Army, Lutheran World Relief, International Orthodox Christian Charities and World Vision.
We take off this exploration appreciating the formidable efforts of institutions like the Salvation Army and Samaritan’s Purse. Renowned internationally for extending compassionate hands to those in dire need, these Christian organisations pioneer incredible lifelines extending far beyond borders.
Similarly, charities like Compassion International have made it part of their core mission to sponsor children from impoverished communities—providing them with education opportunities that would otherwise remain unattainable.
Next on our inspirational itinerary is a tribute to Orthodox-based establishments such as International Orthodox Christian Charities standing alongside other significant players including Catholic Relief Services and Lutheran World Relief.
Our attention shifts stateside momentarily as we acknowledge homegrown nonprofits like Hope International and Operation Blessing doing extraordinary work right here in the United States. Rooted firmly within respective local church affiliations, they exemplify Christ’s active ministry through extensive disaster relief projects throughout areas devastated by natural disasters while employing programs focused on alleviating extreme poverty conditions too frequently encountered across American soil.
1. Samaritan’s Purse
Samaritan’s Purse, inspired by the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, has been dedicated to helping the world’s poor, sick, and suffering for over 50 years. As a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization, they provide food, medicine, and assistance to people in need across the globe in the name of Jesus Christ. By offering aid, they earn the opportunity to share the Gospel and the message of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
When serving in crisis areas, Samaritan’s Purse responds to the question of why they come by stating their mission to help others in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Their ministry revolves around Jesus, as they follow the teachings of the Apostle Paul, who proclaimed Jesus Christ as Lord and themselves as servants for His sake (2 Corinthians 4:5, NIV).
The mission of Samaritan’s Purse is to provide spiritual and physical support to those affected by war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, or famine, and to share God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. Additionally, the organization works alongside the global Church to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. World Vision
World Vision is a global Christian partnership dedicated to working with the poor and oppressed to promote human transformation and justice and spread the good news of God’s Kingdom. This mission is pursued through community-based sustainable development, emergency relief, promotion of justice, partnerships with churches for spiritual and social transformation, public awareness initiatives, and bearing witness to Jesus Christ.
The organization’s core values include acknowledging one God; following Jesus Christ in serving the marginalized; practicing servanthood; maintaining a Christian identity while being sensitive to diverse contexts; prioritizing people over money or institutional structures; and respecting dignity and diversity among all individuals involved in World Vision’s work.
World Vision responds both to life-threatening emergencies where their involvement is necessary as well as long-term development situations requiring sustained commitment. The organization encourages innovation, and creativity in its efforts while always learning from experiences.
3. Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an international evangelical movement, is an integral part of the universal Christian Church, with its foundations in the Bible and motivated by the love of God. The organization aims to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and address human needs without discrimination.
The Christian Mission’s early converts included thieves, prostitutes, gamblers, and drunkards. These individuals soon became living testimonies to God’s power, preaching and singing on the streets. In 1878, upon seeing the term “volunteer army” in a printer’s proof, Booth amended the phrase to “Salvation Army,” which laid the foundation for the organization.
Today, The Salvation Army operates in 133 countries, offering God’s healing and hope to those in need across nearly every corner of the world.
4. Catholic Relief Services
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is a pro-life organization committed to assisting the poor and vulnerable overseas, driven by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Established during World War II, CRS initially served migrants and refugees and has since expanded its mission to promote human development, fight disease and poverty, and nurture peaceful and just societies. Additionally, CRS serves Catholics in the United States, helping them live their faith in solidarity with their global brothers and sisters.
Catholic Relief Services operates in over 100 countries, partnering with local, national, and international Catholic institutions, as well as other organizations, to provide aid based on need, regardless of creed, race, or nationality.
In 2018, 93% of Catholic Relief Services’ revenue was spent on programs benefiting the poor overseas, with 35% of their programming aimed at emergency relief and recovery. CRS also works with 8.5 million Catholics in the United States, engaging with parishes, dioceses, and schools to carry out the Church’s social mission.
5. Christian Children’s Fund (CCF)
ChildFund or Christian Children’s Fund, is an international development organization dedicated to addressing the factors that prevent children from experiencing their rights, particularly the 570 million children living in extreme poverty. They are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a culture that celebrates differences and ensures everyone’s equal participation and success.
Since its inception in 1938, ChildFund has evolved into a community development organization focused on strengthening families and community structures. Sponsorship support allows them to work long-term in communities, partnering with local organizations to address children’s changing needs. The sponsor-to-child relationship enhances the impact of their work, improving the well-being of children, families, and communities.
ChildFund is a global community of people who believe in the equal worth and value of every child. They work to ensure that children grow up healthy, educated, and safe, partnering with various stakeholders to overcome challenges and provide opportunities for all children. Their belief in the interconnectedness of all people drives their efforts to create a better world for children in need.
6. Feed The Hungry
Feed The Hungry is a global charity committed to providing food and support to the impoverished, empowering churches worldwide, and sharing hope through Jesus Christ. Established in 1987 by Dr. Lester Sumrall, the organization has since delivered over $500 million worth of food and supplies to 92 countries.
In addition to ongoing efforts, Feed The Hungry also offers emergency relief during disasters such as Hurricane Ian, the Ukraine war, and the COVID-19 crisis. With a focus on fulfilling the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people in crisis through financial aid and prayer support, they work closely with local churches for effective distribution.
What sets Feed The Hungry apart is their direct oversight of relief processes that ensure contributions reach those most in need at crucial times. They collaborate with government agencies and local churches that are familiar with community needs for efficient distribution while sharing Christ’s love with those who require it most.
7. Lutheran World Relief
Lutheran World Relief’s core values include inclusivity, disruption through innovation, interconnectedness for comprehensive solutions, and agility in response to change. The organization’s Lutheran identity emphasizes love for all people as an expression of God’s grace. They serve neighbours with impact and integrity while upholding the principles of resilient communities and just economies.
Throughout its history dating back to 1945, Lutheran World Relief has been supported by millions of offerings from congregations across the United States. Today they operate throughout East & West Africa, Latin America Asia & Middle East working towards building resilience within some of the world’s poorest communities.
8. International Orthodox Christian Charities
International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is a humanitarian relief and development agency working under the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America. Established in 1992, IOCC has provided over $771 million in aid across various sectors, including emergency preparedness and response, sustainable livelihoods, water and sanitation, health, and food security. The organization operates without discrimination while upholding high professional standards.
International Orthodox Christian Charities receives funding through a combination of resources and grants. It is registered with the US Agency for International Development and eligible to receive funds from the US government for foreign assistance programs. With an active presence in countries like Ethiopia, Greece, Lebanon, Syria, Uganda, and the United States; IOCC collaborates with local organizations to effectively deliver aid based on need.
The strategic plan for 2022-2026 highlights International Orthodox Christian Charities’s vision to empower those suffering by providing means for dignity, respect & hope. In addition to financial donations from supporters worldwide; IOCC also accepts gifts like supplies or vehicles that meet specific needs within their programs.
9. Compassion International
Compassion International is a child development ministry dedicated to relieving children from poverty in Jesus’ name. Through sponsorships and donations, they empower local churches to provide individualized and holistic care for impoverished children, enabling them to learn, grow, play, and dream. Over the past year, Compassion International has served 2.2 million children through 8,300 local churches worldwide.
The organization’s impact includes 1.5 million medical interventions for vulnerable children; distribution of 10.6 million family food packs; delivery of 7.6 million hygiene kits targeting COVID-19 and other diseases; $16 million given towards disaster relief efforts; and fostering connections between sponsors who wrote over 1.3 million letters of encouragement.
10. Christian Blind Mission
Christian Blind Mission is an international Christian development organization that works to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities in the poorest communities of the world. The organization is based on Christian values and has over 100 years of professional expertise in addressing poverty and disability.
Christian Blind Mission works in partnership with local organizations to create inclusive societies for all. The emphasis throughout CBM’s work is on local capacity development in poorer regions of the world. This increases service delivery in the fields of healthcare, education, rehabilitation, livelihood development, and organizational development.
Christian Blind Mission is a valuable organization that is making a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities in the developing world. The organization’s work is essential to addressing the needs of this vulnerable population.
