The Power of an Engaged Church

World Renew is truly blessed with a generous and faithful church community. Many of our church partners have stood with us for years, walking alongside us in ministry to build hope and change lives.

One shining example is First Christian Reformed Church (CRC) in Kingston, Ontario, a church that has been fundraising for World Renew’s Goat Program for over 15 years. Their ongoing commitment has raised nearly $200,000, and behind this remarkable tradition is a story of faith, action, and impact.

In the early 2000s, a group of members from First CRC visited Uganda, East Africa, where they witnessed firsthand how World Renew’s Goat Program transforms lives. They saw how a simple gift of two goats could lift families out of poverty, providing meat, milk, income, and opportunities for stability. Goats are easy to keep; they multiply quickly—often producing twice within 18 months—and they can be sold to cover household needs or emergencies. The benefits ripple through entire communities.

Inspired by what they saw, the group returned home and mobilized their church to take action. They launched an annual goat fundraising tradition that continues to this day, helping change the narrative for families facing poverty and food insecurity.

Earlier this year, World Renew staff returned to that same community in Uganda. What they saw was astonishing: there were more goats than people! It was a visible reminder of how the passion and commitment of one engaged church can spark lasting change. Today, that community is thriving — expanding beyond goats into sustainable agriculture, creation care, cash crops, beekeeping, and village savings and loan programs.

This is what happens when a church leans in, takes action, and commits to transformation — one community at a time. That is the power of an engaged church.