Leading ALO into a Bright Future
“The days are near when
every vision will be fulfilled.”
— Ezekiel 12:23 NIV
Meet Doris Eckert, the new director of Asia’s Little Ones. Doris and her family lived and worked in Indonesia for most of the past 19 years. She has great stories that we’ll share in the coming months. In this interview, Doris shares her vision for ALO.
Why is there such a great need for ALO?
The enemy is using the current climate in the world to steal, kill, and destroy the hope and future of so many. Social distancing and stockpiling supplies are privileges afforded to the wealthy. But God is working. ALO ministries are still opening their doors and hearts to children in need.
What is ALO’s mission and purpose, and what is your vision for the future of this ministry?
Our mission is to provide needy children in Asia Pacific with three things essential for any child to thrive: a home, health (body, mind, and soul), and education.
Our purpose is twofold: First, to provide resources for ministries to do what God has called them to do in providing those three essentials (homes, health, and education). Second, to promote awareness of the great needs and to give people the opportunity to help change lives for eternity.
Our vision for the future is to…
• Be used by God to give hope and a future to children in Asia Pacific.
• Fund worthy programs in Asia that provide homes, healthcare/nutrition, and education for children in need. Our goal is to raise $500,000 in 2021 and then to GO BIGGER—increasing funding annually so that we never have to turn away a child in need due to lack of funding.
• Be a source of encouragement and daily intercession on behalf of children and young people across Asia—to PRAY BOLDER
• Empower our partners (those who give, those who serve the children, and the children they bless) to sacrificially fulfill the two great commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37, 39)—BE BRAVER stepping out in obedience to God.
• SHINE BRIGHTER—effectively presenting the needs of marginalized children in Asia to the church, inviting them to partner with ALO as we practice “pure and genuine religion,” which, according to God, “means caring for orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27 NLT).
Why should people consider partnering with ALO?
Anyone with a desire to do some good in this world should be involved! We rely on the prayers and donations of our partners. If people don’t give generously, we’re unable to fund important programs. If people don’t pray, they miss the opportunity to bless and be blessed. This year, those opportunities are greater because the needs are so much greater.
Because of crazy world conditions in 2020, ALO is facing a financial shortfall this year. I feel a great responsibility to make sure that doesn’t happen. Children are counting on ALO!
And we are uniquely situated to make a difference.
Due to the pandemic, some countries in Asia have endured lockdowns of many months. The poor, especially children, are facing tremendous challenges. Struggling economies mean money and food are scarcer. School closings have disproportionately impacted disadvantaged children, and child exploitation and trafficking have increased. Closed borders have kept relief organizations out. But ALO supports established local programs that have kept operating rescuing abused kids, providing nutritious meals, and helping kids learn.
But what will happen if they run out of resources? We can’t let that happen. Now, more than ever, they need our support.