WWO global leaders, partner organizations, and churches worldwide took part in taking the day to find ways to pause and reflect on how best to help those who are orphaned among us.  Orphan Sunday, which was held on November 9 this year, provided the space to process, learn, and find new ways to better care for children who are experiencing or at-risk of experiencing orphanhood.  

Here are some of the testimonies and photos from different regions. 

India  

Instead of a singular day, Orphan Sunday became a month-long celebration with 180 churches taking part in Maharashtra, India. Leaders and churches focused on bringing hope, light, and laughter to children living in hard places throughout the month. It concluded on 30th November with over 800 people taking part in the celebration.  

In November, 145 children and some of the mothers in Pune's Redlight District gathered along for a special day, filled with interactive games, fun treats, and fellowship right in the streets of Budhwar Peth (Pune's Redlight area). 

Anu Silas, WWO Regional Ambassador, was touched by the children they ministered to. She says; 

“Neena, (name changed), among those 145 children, had a twinkle in her eye. She could be six or seven years old. It seemed like she wanted to talk. I noticed her efforts to connect, and as soon as the event was over, I approached her. She leaned over, bending quickly, and tried touching my feet to thank me for the special time she'd experienced. I held her close and hugged her. I deeply felt God's heart move with love towards her and all those precious little ones. Touching feet is a cultural way to show respect or express thanks in a special way. I was humbled to acknowledge that I get to partner with God to be His hands and feet. I left the place, carrying these precious children in my heart, especially Neena. I hope to visit again for more details, follow-up, and to explore the possibilities of these children being placed in safe and loving families. “ 

Finland    

WWO Finland celebrated its first Orphan Sunday (known there as Sunday for Safe Childhood) with 15 churches and a total of 1, 150 people honoring orphans. Churches took different approaches from preaching on a topic related to Orphan Sunday, sharing personal stories and testimonies, or including children in their service. All the churches prayed for orphans and children who are living in precarious conditions.  

Churches leaders had this to say; 

"We prepared the event carefully and thoughtfully. I feel that the whole thing became a successful moment to launch a new campaign. The event included information, activities, prayer, teaching related to the topic, and an introduction to prayer for our own families: our children and young people. I feel that the dialogue that emerged when the issue was approached through personal experiences and memories towards information and prayer was successful.”  

"An absolutely brilliant program, I invested in a longer prayer and there were two speakers who were in the right place to fit the theme. The bar is set high for next year.” 

Philippines 

Kathy Minoza-Cueson, Pastor, Cornerstone Filipino Global Community Church, and World Without Orphans Philippines, participated in Orphan Sunday along with many other churches in the Philippines this year.  

“A highlight for us was introducing Orphan Sunday to other NGO’s (non-governmental organizations), agencies, and the government sector in our dinner fellowship with the ASEC for National Authority for Child Care (NACC),” she said. “Not only did the heads of the various organizations and pastors from churches agree to celebrate it yearly with us but it also opened the door for us to strengthen connection with the government. Early next year, we will sign a MOU (memorandum of understanding) with the government allowing churches to provide counseling and spiritual nurture to children in all homes run by local government units nationwide. This will also create a greater opportunity for churches to be involved in orphan care and encourage more church families to foster and adopt.”  

Singapore 

In Singapore, Orphan Sunday was marked by a special worship night titled “Come, Be Refreshed,” a meaningful evening that reflected God’s intentional care. Pastor Teh Hsin Too shared a powerful message on fostering as redemptive love, drawing from his experiences as an adoptive and foster parent and pointing to the Father heart of God.  

The room was filled with social service professionals, foster parents, adoptive families, foster children, volunteers, and supporters — each carrying God’s compassion into complex and emotionally heavy spaces where vulnerable children are cared for. The gathering acknowledged that this work is not easy and often requires courage, gentleness, and strength beyond human capacity. Together, participants found renewal, encouragement, and rest in God’s presence, reminded that they are not alone as they serve children and families in need. 

Bangladesh 

In Bangladesh, Orphan Sunday was marked by a united time of prayer and reflection as churches, parachurches, and organizations across the country came together to intercede for orphaned and vulnerable children. Many churches hosted special programs and shared messages focused on God’s heart for orphans and children in need. 

This collective response reflected a growing awareness and commitment within the Church in Bangladesh to pray, care, and take action so that children facing vulnerability are seen, supported, and surrounded by hope. 

Zimbabwe 

In Zimbabwe, many churches engaged to use Orphan Sunday as an opportunity to give voice to the cause of the fatherless.  

“In Zimbabwe, I feel that the cool part of Orphan Sunday this year is to see that after many years of advocacy we have many who have this set as a fixture in their church calendar way ahead of time and they are well connected to resources and ideas now,” said Sue Austen, World Without Orphans Zimbabwe.