Mission trips, whether local or abroad, provide a way for caring individuals to make a difference in the lives of people in need, and can be transformational to both the helpers and those being helped. That’s what happened in 2013 to Jay Arntzen. On a church mission trip to Cambodia visiting a home for orphaned children, Jay discovered an affinity for the children, and especially a child called Vichika. Jetlagged and overwhelmed by the challenge of the new language, Jay called her Susan in their early interactions. It was easy to be inspired by the lively spirit of these children and he felt compelled to do more. Upon return to Cobb County, he and his wife Tracy began praying about the calling he received to provide the support of a family for the children. They learned quickly that Cambodia’s borders were closed to adoption, so they would need to find another way.
After spending a year talking with mentors and researching potential strategies, Jay and Tracy returned to Cambodia and began laying the groundwork for a Parent-Partnering concept at the orphanage. The commitment of a parent-partner is to come alongside a child and to provide the relational and financial assistance needed to help them succeed in life. The leaders of the children’s home were receptive to the idea, and after some additional preparation, they started their 501(c)(3) called Saving Susan Ministry.
In the next few years, they would hold fundraisers, hire staff, and grow their number of church partnerships, volunteer parent partners and children being helped through the program. They increased opportunities by adding music programs, English learning, and a Next Steps program offering scholarships to college or vocational school. Their aim is to actively work to equip young people with the skills they need to earn a living, and to avoid becoming at risk for poverty or human trafficking.
On the administrative side, Saving Susan Ministry took steps forward by becoming accredited by the ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) and acceptance into CAFO (Christian Alliance for Orphans). These accomplishments help to affirm its ministry and how it operates and seeks excellence in every area. Additionally, they have added an extra level of oversight by opening an agency fund at Cobb Community Foundation.
The team at Saving Susan Ministry is one of many nonprofits that made the decision to open an agency fund at CCF. As part of CCF’s commitment to connect donors who care with causes that matter, we partner with nonprofits who are making a difference for the Cobb community and beyond. We share information about our agency fundholder programs with potential donors through local media, our website, our online communications programs, and through our Nonprofits Making a Difference Bus Tours.
Saving Susan Ministry is one of the highlighted nonprofits on the next Nonprofits Making a Difference Bus Tour on May 5. To support the work that the Saving Susan Ministry is doing to elevate care of the orphaned and abandoned in developing countries through local Christian partnerships, you may visit their giving page here.
