How Do We Choose and Trust Our Partners Around the World?
This is the question we’re asked more than any other — and we love it. Why? Because it gives us the chance to share what truly defines us as a charity. Since 1992, CRY has held fast to one foundational belief: relationship is the DNA of everything we do.
Rather than operating as an institution that simply distributes aid, we’ve embraced collaboration and mutuality as a way of operating. Over the years, we’ve shared best practices, introduced leaders to others doing similar work, and connected with countless individuals at conferences, informal gatherings, and across communities worldwide.
Before we knew it, something beautiful had formed — not just a network in the abstract sense, but a real, living, breathing, social network built on trust, shared vision, and friendship.
All of the individuals and organisations we work with have come to us either through trusted introductions or what we would call divine encounters. We meet in person or online; travel to their home nation, we share meals, stories, and pray together. In many cases, we’ve visited their homes, met their families — and they’ve met ours.
We build relationships with friends — or, as it’s often so beautifully said in the Global South, with brothers and sisters.
And this goes deeper than logistics. We share a common faith, vision, and passion for children rising beyond poverty. We don’t see ourselves as superior or more capable. But rather, we believe in mutuality. While we may bring resources or support, our partners bring insight, wisdom, and local leadership that shapes and sharpens the work being done on the ground.
At CRY, we often say: we are only as good as our partners. And we mean it. So when people ask, “How do you choose and trust your partners?” — the answer is simple: Beyond meeting Charity Commission requirements — including regular reports, evidence of impact, and on-site visits — we walk together, build trust, and work side by side with our partners to bring lasting change to children’s lives.
Since our founding, we have operated with a model rooted in humility, mutuality, and collaboration—an approach that has enabled both us and our partners to effectively support children caught in the grip of poverty around the world.
This principle also aligns deeply with our Christian values and identity. Throughout the Bible, we see that meaningful, lasting work is rarely done in isolation — but in collaboration. Jesus chose twelve disciples to walk with Him (Luke 6:12–16), and often sent them out two by two (Mark 6:7). Paul referred to believers as co-workers in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:9; Romans 16:3). The early Church modelled shared life and mission, meeting together, praying, breaking bread, and sharing resources (Acts 2:42–47).
Collaboration isn’t just strategic — it’s biblical. It reflects the relational heart of God and the way His Kingdom advances: together.
Curious to dig deeper into this approach and way of thinking? Here are some resources we recommend:
Book: A Just Mission - Laying Down Power and Embracing Mutuality | by Mekdes Haddis
Book: Global Humility - Attitudes for Mission | by Andy McCullough
