2024ANNUAL REPORT
Since Forward Edge International began in 1983, one Bible verse has been our foundation: Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (NIV). The original Greek word for handiwork—sometimes translated as masterpiece—is poiema, meaning divine poem. God created each of us with beauty and purpose, not just for ourselves, but to be shared through the good works He’s prepared for us. I love seeing this poiema lived out through the Forward Edge Family—our partners in the eld, staff, board members, mission team members, prayer partners, nancial supporters, and the children and families we serve. LIVING OUT POIEMA IN 2024 This past year, I saw an incredible example of this through our directors in Ghana, Jonathan Haruna and Rhoda Wumbei. During my visit—in just one week—I watched them: • Cook and serve hot, nutritious meals for over 360 children from their home. • Teach the Bible to those children in small groups. • Deliver food, medical, and school supplies to hundreds of families. • Oversee water tank distribution in a community. • Provide micro-business loans to widows. And that’s just a glimpse. Their poiema—and that of all our Directors around the world—can be seen in the joyful, seless service they provide to thousands of children and families. IMPACT IN 2024 Across Forward Edge’s eight programs, our staff: • Served more than 12,000 lives. • Distributed over 471,000 meals. • Provided 1.37 million liters of safe water. • Delivered nearly 860,000 hours of education. • Offered 339,000 hours of spiritual discipleship. We also saw the poiema of 243 volunteers who served on mission teams. One especially moving moment came from a group of nine teenagers from a residential treatment center for girls in crisis. They traveled to our program in Oaxaca, Mexico, to share tools and resources for overcoming trauma-induced depression, anxiety, and behavioral struggles. As they poured into others, they found further healing themselves. POIEMA BREAKING THE CHAINS OF POVERTY Perhaps the most beautiful expression of poiema at Forward Edge is when a child in our program overcomes poverty. Take Reyna, for example. Reyna grew up surrounded by hardship—poverty, prostitution, and the absence of her father, who tragically drowned in a hurricane. For ten years, she received holistic care in our program in Central America. She had access to education, shelter, nourishing meals, safe water, and a loving, Christ-centered community. Today, she’s a college graduate, uent in English, and serving as a staff member in the same program that once served her—helping other young girls nd hope, just as she did. You can read more of Reyna’s story in this report. LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025 I also want to celebrate the poiema of every nancial supporter who made this possible. In 2024, you gave more than $3.5 million—an all-time high! Because of this generosity, we’re able to expand by more than 20% in 2025, adding three new children’s programs and bringing the total to 11 programs worldwide. I thank God for leading the way in beauty and purpose, for offering us His Son, Jesus Christ, and for inviting us into His redemption story—where He draws out the poiema in all of us. As you read this report, I pray you’ll be moved by the purposeful beauty of our great God seen throughout its pages. For His glory, Tim Ainley Chief Executive Ofcer Forward Edge InternationalA LETTER FROM OUR CEO1
TABLE OF CONTENTS1..........3...........4...........7........... 7........... 9...........11...........15...........17...........“F we are God’s handiwk, crted in Christ Jesus to do gd wks, which God prepared in advance f us to do.”-Ephesians 2:102A Letter From Our CEOChildren’s ProgramsProject Highlights Community ImpactSell a Home, Save a Child Benet for ChildrenChild SponsorshipFutureFinancials
Each precious child, each dedicated staff member, each hopeful parent, each faithful donor, and each seless Program Director is a masterpiece of God—uniquely gifted and called, yet all lavishly loved by our LORD and Father. Though the world may judge their worth differently due to poverty or circumstance, we, as the Forward Edge Family, see each one through the eyes of Jesus—as a beloved son or daughter of the Most High God, who rescues, defends, strengthens, and cherishes them. That’s why our children’s programs exist—to help each child see their worth as God’s masterpiece. Through practical care and spiritual discipleship, they experience His love and purpose. Last year, thousands received meals, clean water, education, and the hope of Christ. Together, we provide more than resources—we help children step into who God created them to be. CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS“F we are God’s masterpiece”...Ephesians 2:10a (NLT)PROGRAM LOCATIONS Cuba, Ghana, Haiti, Kenya, Kosova, Mexico, Central America, Uganda COMMUNITIES SERVED64 INTERNATIONAL STAFF135SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS 154 (+27%)5,855 Children Served471,423Meals and Food Packages1,879Recipients of Medical Care339,286Hours of Discipleship1,372,067Liters of Safe Drinking Water859,322Hours of Educationand Tutoring1,264Responses to The Gospel160Individuals BaptizedTOTAL LIVES IMPACTED 12,078 (+26%) +19%+58%-22%+20%+60%+32%+46%+51%3
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTSCompleted Phase Iof the Uganda Community Center, which includeddrilling a well on the property, funded in part by over $17k raised on Giving Tuesday.Built twoadditional homes in Kenya for single-parent families, bringing the totalto four. Provided vitalsupplies andsupport to 560families for disaster recovery effortsin Cuba afterHurricane Oscar. Hosted a six-week vocational trainingfor 243 youth in Haiti.Committed 5% of funds raised atour fall benetto support ourchurch partner in Florida for recovery efforts afterHurricane Milton.Issued microloansto 31 entrepreneursin Central Americaand six widows in Ghana, and hosteda savings club for30 women inUganda. 4Drilled a well and installed two water towers and pipingto provide water toour children’sprogram and safe housing projectin Kenya. Constructed ahome in Oaxaca, Mexico for a familyin our program.
Itzel grew up in Oaxaca, Mexico, in a home lled with love but marked by struggle. Without a father in the house, her mother worked tirelessly to provide for Itzel and her two siblings. They moved between cramped one-bedroom homes, and making ends meet was a constant challenge. From an early age, Itzel believed that if she wanted to achieve something in life, she would have to work twice as hard as everyone else. At nine years old, Itzel joined our children’s program in Mexico, Trigo y Miel. What started as a place to receive meals and fun activities became much more—a source of stability and hope. When she was 12, her mother was offered a job in our program’s kitchen, bringing a sense of security to their home. Yet, despite the encouragement she received, Itzel still carried uncertainty about her future. UNSURE GIRL TO UPLIFTING GUIDE Held summercamps and Vacation BibleSchools in Kenya, Kosova, Mexico, and Central America, resulting in 65 salvations and recommitmentsto Christ! Built a secondstory for ourpreschool in Kenyaand new bathroomsfor our schoolin Mexico. Reached 2,264youth in Central America withsexual abstinence training andthe gospel.Launched anevangelism outreach program in Cubathat saw 10 adultsand 264 children put their faith in Christ!PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS5
As she grew, she was introduced to the love of Christ through the program, but it wasn’t until the end of high school that she fully embraced her faith. At 19, she was baptized—publicly declaring her trust in God’s plan for her life. This new foundation gave her strength, but college still felt like an impossible dream, one that no one in her immediate family had ever achieved. That changed the day she received news that she would be receiving a scholarship funded by her sponsors and Sell a Home, Save a Child Members to attend a private university. In that moment, the weight of her worries began to lift. For the rst time, she saw a future that didn’t require her to struggle alone. Earning her degree was challenging, but Itzel was determined to nish. Through it all, God continued to show His faithfulness. During her studies, her family received support to build a home—providing them with the space and stability they had long needed. In her third year of university, she began assisting as a teacher at Siloé School, our private K-8 Christian school at the Trigo y Miel program. Upon graduating with her degree in education, she was offered a full-time teaching position. “F the first time, she saw a future that didn’t require her to struggle alo.” “The girl who once wondered if she had a future is now guiding others toward theirs.”Today, Itzel stands in front of her sixth-grade classroom at Siloé School—not as a student, but as a teacher. The girl who once wondered if she had a future is now guiding others toward theirs. 6She recognizes that each child learns differently and carries their own burdens, and she approaches her classroom with deep patience and love. “Besides being students, they’re also children who feel and suffer situations that affect their full development,” she shares. For Itzel, teaching isn’t just about academics; it’s about seeing the whole child, recognizing their struggles, and walking alongside them, just as others once did for her. Reecting on her journey, Itzel shares, “I have seen God’s kindness and love in my life. He has provided in ways I never expected, and I now have the opportunity to serve others the way I was once served.” Itzel’s life was carefully shaped by God’s hands, created with intention and purpose. Through the generosity of sponsors, donors, and the unwavering support of Forward Edge staff and volunteers, she has stepped into her God-given calling and is now helping others do the same.
$622KRaised in 2024$4.52MRaised All TimeSELL A HOME, SAVE A CHILDDespite a turbulent Real Estate market, Sell a Home, Save a Child experienced a record-breaking year—proof that when God is in it, nothing can hold back His work. In 2024, our members raised an incredible $621,531 to support vulnerable children around the world. For the rst time since 2020, we were able to send a mission team to witness the impact rsthand—a trip that left a lasting impression. You can read more about that in the story ahead. Beyond financial growth, Sell a Home, Save a Child is expanding into new territories, with people across the U.S. catching the vision. This year, we were invited to industry events outside our usual circles, opening doors to even greater impact. COMMUNITY IMPACTWhen God pursued each of us, He had a purpose for our lives—to shine the light of Christ to those around us through both word and action. We are called to live out our faith. Jesus said, whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me (Matthew 25:40). The seless act of serving others is part of our calling. And this truth is alive in the Forward Edge Family! Sponsors are transforming the lives of children. Adults and youth are stepping beyond their comfort zones to serve, encourage, and support at our programs. Real Estate professionals are giving generously to help children and families facing the overwhelming burden of poverty—until the Forward Edge Family came alongside them.Together, we are walking in the plans God prepared for us long ago, making His love known in tangible ways. ...“crted in Christ Jesus to do gd wks”... 19 Teams in 2024243 Team Members+31%+19%7
In 2024, Journey Church in Fairbanks, Alaska, and Summit View Church in Battle Ground, Washington, both sent teams to serve in Kenya. From medical care to meals and ministry, they worked alongside local staff to meet critical needs and share the love of Christ. One of their biggest contributions was funding and hosting medical camps that provided essential care to over 500 community members. From health screenings to eye and dental checkups, wound care, and nutritional counseling, the teams helped ensure individuals—many of whom live in extreme poverty with little or no access to medical care—received the treatment they desperately needed. Even more meaningful, seven people professed faith in Christ at the clinic, and our staff will continue to disciple them. The teams also served in local schools, preparing meals, and feeding hundreds of children. Summit View got to dedicate a home to a family in our program, and Journey shared the love of Jesus through songs and lessons with our Good News Club. Before they left, students sang an unexpected blessing over them— a meaningful send-off that reected the love and encouragement the teams were able to share. Mission teams do more than provide practical support; they build connections that display God’s love in lasting ways. We’re incredibly grateful for these two churches and every team that steps forward to serve. SERVING WITH CARE, CONNECTION, AND CHRIST IN KENYA8
ANNUAL BENEFITAt the Worth and Purpose Benet for Children, we reected on all that God has done through Forward Edge and looked ahead with a clear focus on the gospel. Guests explored our programs through an interactive World Market, purchasing items representing the lives they’re helping to transform. Due to violence in Haiti, we couldn’t gather items from our program there, but the Forward Edge Family responded generously by providing food for 118 families! Our Create Hope Ghana program was featured not only through a moving video but also in the evening’s menu—guests enjoyed Jollof rice and banana cake, accompanied by beautiful centerpieces made from cloth woven in Ghana. We are deeply grateful to the 409 guests who joined us in person and online to raise vital support, bringing hope and transformation to vulnerable children around the world! OUR 2024 BENEFIT SPONSORSVoigt Brothers Construction Hinton Development McNair Septic Design & Consulting C12 AlwaysOn IT Catalyst Financial NW Industrial Training International Chick-l-A Portland & Vancouver9
STEPPING INTO THE STORY: A MEMBER’S JOURNEY TO OAXACAGod is moving, and we’re grateful for every Sell a Home, Save a Child Member who makes this mission possible! For years, Member Troy Daniels wanted to see rsthand the impact of his contributions, and in 2024, he joined a mission trip to Trigo y Miel and the Siloé school in Oaxaca, Mexico. “Words and videos cannot describe the feeling I had all week,” Troy shared. “To see the school curriculum, the physical activities, the nutritious meals, and the safe, loving environment being provided to these children was overwhelming. But nothing compared to the pure joy on their faces each day.” “But nothing compared to the pure joy on their faces ch day.”“Don’t hesitate—go. It’s life-changing to wit God’s wk firsthand.”Troy arrived eager to connect with the children and see the program in action. Whether teaching, playing, worshiping, or sharing meals, he was struck by the warmth and joy of everyone he met. “I will never forget the amount of love I witnessed from everyone at Trigo y Miel. I saw God’s love and joy in every person I met.” The experience left Troy eager to do more. He’s committed to learning Spanish and hopes to offer life-coaching classes on future trips. His advice to other Sell a Home, Save a Child members? “Don’t hesitate—go. It’s life-changing to witness God’s work rsthand.” Troy, owner of Bajaranza Realty, brokered by eXp Mexico, has always been passionate about helping others. When he learned about Sell a Home, Save a Child, he saw an opportunity to make an even greater impact. “By joining forces with Sell a Home, Save a Child, our team can keep helping people in real estate locally while also giving back globally. It’s a perfect win-win.” 10
Reyna’s childhood was lled with instability and hardship. She and her family moved frequently, never knowing how long they would stay in one place. At times, she and her sister were left alone while their mother worked tirelessly to provide for them. In those early years, Reyna learned to be quiet—to hide her thoughts and emotions out of fear of saying or doing the wrong thing. She didn’t dream about the future because she wasn’t sure what kind of future was even possible. That all changed when she discovered our program in Central America—and when two people she had never met chose to invest in her life. Ron and Jill Becker rst met Reyna in 2015 during a mission trip with Forward Edge. She was quiet, hesitant to engage, and spoke no English. But even with the language barrier, something unexplainable happened. Jill remarked, “She spoke no English; we spoke no Spanish. But there was an instant connection. God knew we both needed each other.”“God kw we both eded ch other.”Throughout the week, they sat with her at meals, participated in activities together, and, through an interpreter, began learning her story. She was new to our program and carried deep wounds from her past. By the end of their trip, the Beckers knew their relationship with Reyna was just beginning—they signed up to be her sponsors. Over the years, their connection deepened. Each trip back to Central America brought joyful reunions. During their visits, they shared meals, played games, laughed at their attempts to learn Spanish, and watched as Reyna slowly but surely came out of her shell. “As Reyna grew older, it was obvious to everyone that God had gifted her with a bright mind and a tender heart for Himself. Her dependence on Him healed her of many past sorrows and started her on a journey of trusting Him with her life. She not only grew physically, but mentally, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.” With the support of her sponsors and the community at our program, Reyna was able to focus on her education without the weight of survival holding her back. She successfully completed high school and then graduated from FINDING HER VOICE THROUGH THE GIFT OF SPONSORSHIPCHILD SPONSORSHIP11
“God gave me another chance to be here, and I am to be a bridge to help people come to Him.”“That shy girl has become a grown, responsible Christian woman and our relationship will last fever.” university with a degree in Political Science and International Relations. More than academics, our program became a place where she encountered Christ in a life-changing way. Reyna shared, “I think He is the only one who can help me be free. He is my Lord and Savior. My relationship with Him has grown a lot.” Now stepping into adulthood, Reyna carries a heart for those in need, shaped by her own journey. “I see a lot of people in need economically and spiritually. I would like to help these types of people have a better quality of life.” She dreams of using her career to strengthen and develop communities, helping people not only nancially but spiritually. Her time at our program didn’t just give her stability—it gave her a calling. “God gave me another chance to be here, and I am to be a bridge to help people come to Him.” 563Sponsors437Children in Sponsorship Program963SponsorshipsToday, Reyna is already walking in that calling. She now works at our program in Central America, serving in the accounting department, assisting with events, and translating for visiting teams. Once hesitant to speak, she now embraces her voice and uses it to serve others. Ron and Jill couldn’t be prouder. “That shy girl has become a grown, responsible Christian woman and our relationship will last forever.” Reyna’s story is a testament to the power of sponsorship—how investing in a child can change not only their life but also the lives of those they will one day impact. Because someone believed in her, she now walks condently into the future, ready to be a source of hope for others. 12
FAITH AND OBEDIENCE MOVE GOD’S PLAN If you’ve been around, you’ve likely heard us talk about Smithtown Christian School and its dynamic mission team of high schoolers, Undignied. This ever-changing group of drama students, led by the incredible Nancy Bambino, embarks on an annual journey of faith—stepping beyond the comforts of home to serve vulnerable children and their communities. In 2024, their path led them to our program in Ghana. They didn’t just go to help; they went to shine—to share Christ’s love through word and action. But what they didn’t realize was that God was orchestrating something far greater than they could have imagined. The team ministered through service and gospel-centered singing, dancing, and performances. Throughout their time in Ghana, they poured their hearts into sharing Bible stories, playing with children, and building relationships. One of those relationships was with Talata, a young “Talata listed with an open hrt, drawn to something she had ver known but longed f.”woman from a nearby village who had never heard of Jesus. The students eagerly shared about His love, and Talata listened with an open heart, drawn to something she had never known but longed for. 13Before leaving for Ghana, Taylor, the team leader, felt a strong prompting from God to bring a Bible. He didn’t know who it was meant for, but he obeyed. Throughout the trip, he searched for the right person, but no clear answer came. As the journey neared its end, Taylor felt led to invite the students into the decision, trusting that God would speak through them. Two girls on the team, remembering their encounter with Talata, immediately suggested that she should receive the Bible. What they didn’t realize was that, just the day before, Talata had asked her mother to request a Bible from Jonathan, Forward Edge’s Program Director in Ghana. The team handed the Bible to Jonathan, who took it back to Talata’s village. As he arrived, she ran to meet him, her face full of expectation. “Did you get my mother’s message?” she asked urgently. Jonathan was amazed—he had never received the request, but God had already answered it through Taylor’s obedience and the students’ faith. At that moment, Talata held in her hands what she had longed for: a gift straight from the heart of God.
“Hring my son sing those wds will remind me every day to live f Jesus.”The students’ impact didn’t stop with Talata. While in Ghana, they taught local children a simple song: “I wanna be like Jesus.” The melody stuck, and weeks later, a mother approached Jonathan with a question. Her son had been singing the song non-stop, but she didn’t understand the words. When Jonathan explained, her eyes lled with tears. “I come from a Muslim family and am married to a Muslim,” she shared. “But deep down, I know Jesus Christ is my Savior. No one has ever shown us love like this before. Hearing my son sing those words will remind me every day to live for Jesus.” In that moment, the students’ mission became more than a trip—it became part of a movement of God’s love, stretching far beyond what they could see. The seeds they planted were taking root in hearts and homes in ways only God could orchestrate. Their journey was never just about service; it was about stepping into the good works God had prepared for them long before they arrived. And as they returned home, their hearts carried the undeniable truth that when we step forward in faith, God moves in ways beyond our imagination. 14THE GOSPEL ECHOES THROUGH SONG
FUTUREAs we look ahead, we’re reminded that God is the one who birthed the mission and vision of Forward Edge, so we know He isn’t done yet. He continues to open doors and arrange connections with wonderful people who are sacrificially loving their communities but need the support and resources of the Forward Edge Family. In 2025, we’ll launch three new programs—expanding our impact in the countries where we serve—through new friends and old, God has led us to faithful leaders devoted to caring for children and families. We’re excited to step into the ‘good works’ He has prepared for us, trusting that even greater transformation lies ahead.In 2024, Forward Edge programs made a lasting impact on 5,855 children worldwide. These “community children” receive consistent support in at least two areas of holistic care—mind, body, and spirit—whether through meals, education, or spiritual discipleship. Within this group, a smaller number are “sponsorship children,” who receive comprehensive care, ensuring every aspect of their well-being is met. We strive to offer the same fullness of care to as many children as possible. Our goal for 2025 is to bring 150 more children into this deeper level of care. Expanding sponsorship requires increased resources, but we trust that God, who has already brought faithful partners like you alongside us, will provide. He has prepared this work in advance, and we invite you to pray with us for more people to step into this mission—so that together, we can help 150 more children thrive by the end of 2025. ...”which God prepared in advance f us to do.” CALLED TO MOREAle has served as an interpreter and mission team coordinator for Forward Edge in Oaxaca, Mexico since 2015. She and her husband, Esaú, lead our newest program at a church where they have been missionaries for over 20 years in a remote mountain community ve hours from Oaxaca City. There they minister through feeding and discipleship programs to indigenous people groups, including the Zapotecs, who have historically been isolated from the gospel.PROGRAM NAME: To All Children (Yuu’ge bido’ in Zapotec)DIRECTORS: Ale and Esaú PerezLOCATION: Oaxaca, Mexico15
We’ve supported Pastor Fiffe through our cherished partner, Barton Church in Oregon, since 2018 and directly since 2023. He and his team serve over 100 children with weekly meals and discipleship at his church, River of God, in Santiago—a major city about 30 minutes from our other program in El Cobre. Now, we’re excited to ofcially welcome Spring of Blessings as a Forward Edge program, expanding our mission to transform more children’s lives in Cuba.PROGRAM NAME: Spring of Blessings (Manantial de Bendiciones) DIRECTORS: Pastor Alexander and Selene FiffeLOCATION: Santiago, CubaMissionaries Tom and Wendy Hogan have served in Oaxaca, Mexico since 2008 and originally introduced us to our rst program there. Now, they’ve connected us with our newest program at their church, led by Pastor Alejandro and Ana, who have been serving children in the impoverished Las Lomas community for over a decade. Located in the hills outside Oaxaca City, this program serves dozens of children through nutritious meals and discipleship.PROGRAM NAME: Calvary Hills(Calvario Lomas in Spanish)DIRECTORS: Pastor Alejandro and Ana NeyraLOCATION: Oaxaca, Mexico16
2024 FINANCIALSTOTAL REVENUE $3.5M83% PROGRAMS$270K $136K $197K $501K $92K $809K $576K $224K $108K CUBA GHANA HAITI KENYA KOSOVA MEXICO CENTRAL AMERICA UGANDA DOMESTIC PARTNERSALLOCATION OF EXPENSESBREAKDOWN OF INVESTMENT BY PROGRAMIN 2024 WE INVESTED $3.5M14% ADMINISTRATIONNET WORTH $1.6M3% FUNDRAISINGThese are pre-audited numbers. For access to our balance sheet and more detailed nancials, feel free to reach out to giving@forwardedge.org. 17
David Andersen Jessica Cardwell Lisa DaSilva Brad Fenison (Secretary) John Greholver (Treasurer) Greg Seifert (Board Chair) Johna Shivers Gabe Winslow (Vice Chair) OUR 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORSACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY*Undesignated gifts go to operational costs at a higher percentage, typically bringing our overall expenditures on programs to 80-85% of total donations received – very high for the industry. 85% TO PROGRAMS85 cents of every dollar you give to one of our programs goes directly toward empowering children and families in need (15 cents to administration and fundraising).*4-STAR CHARITYYour investment in our mission will be put to use responsibly, effectively, and with high integrity, as evidenced by our 4-Star rating on Charity Navigator.REAL TRANSFORMATIONAll your gifts to help vulnerable children go toward effective programs dedicated to long-term, holistic transformation.CREDIBLE LOCAL LEADERSYour investment empowers credible, local leaders caring for their own people.18
www.forwardedge.org hello@forwardedge.org | (360) 574-3343 PO Box 1510, Brush Prairie, WA 98606“F we are God’s handiwk, crted in Christ Jesus to do gd wks, which God prepared in advance f us to do.”-Ephesians 2:10