The Story of Orphan Sunday

Orphan Sunday began in 2002 in a small church in Kalingalinga, a poor community in Lusaka, Zambia. Pastor Chondwe, sensing God’s call for his congregation to serve orphans and widows, dedicated a Sunday to reflect on what it means to love the vulnerable. Though the church was deeply affected by poverty, the members responded with stunning generosity — bringing what little they had: food, shoes, clothing, and prayers. Everyone gave something.

An American visitor, Gary Schneider, witnessed this powerful moment and shared the vision when he returned home. The simple act of faith in one Zambian church became a spark that lit a global movement. Today, Orphan Sunday is observed in more than 100 nations, uniting churches across cultures and continents in shared prayer and advocacy — proclaiming that every child deserves a safe, loving family.