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Tumultuous, eventful, heavy, uplifting — this year has held a lot. At World Relief, we’ve responded to the unexpected — landslides, outbreaks of violence, upheaval and uncertainty due to shifting federal policies and programs — while staying faithful to our mission of boldly engaging the world’s greatest crises in partnership with the church. All this, we’ve been able to do thanks to the dedication of our partners, staff and volunteers, showing up day after day to walk alongside families in crisis.
And thanks to readers like you. You’ve joined us to advocate for just policies to support refugees and immigrants here in the U.S., you’ve given generously to stand in the gap when federal funding was cut, and you’ve prayed faithfully for our work and the families we serve.
As 2025 comes to a close, I am filled with gratitude and hope. Thank you for showing up. Here’s a brief look back at all we’ve done together — the best images of the year.
Ukrainian Women’s Fitness
Rochester, NY
This Ukrainian Women’s Fitness Class meets at the World Relief Western NY office in Rochester. Oleksii, the instructor (not pictured), came to the U.S. under the Uniting for Ukraine program and was welcomed by World Relief. He is pursuing his dream career as a fitness trainer, and leads this class for other Ukrainians served by World Relief.
Mommy and Me
Fort Worth, TX
The Mommy and Me class is part of the Refugee School Institute at the World Relief Texas office in Fort Worth, providing learning opportunities for children up to 2 years old and their mothers, who include refugees from Afghanistan and Myanmar. Unfortunately, due to funding, this class ended in June.
From Kenya to Spokane
Spokane, WA
Ziporah lives in Spokane, Washington, but she first encountered World Relief in her youth in Turkana, Kenya. She attended school in Kakuma Refugee camp, where World Relief ran a food program. Her journey to Spokane is remarkable, including competitive marathons and getting stranded in Alabama during the COVID pandemic, and reuniting with another World Relief office 20 years later. Read the rest of her story here.
World Relief at UNGA
New York City, NY
As part of the 80th UN General Assembly High Level Week in New York City, World Relief hosted a side event on faith-based responses to the global displacement crisis. Over 117 million people across the world have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution, violence and conflict. The need is great, and World Relief is boldly responding in partnership with the church.
Access to Clean Water Restored
Western Darfur, Sudan
World Relief first built this water yard in 2018. In the years since then, it was destroyed by conflict and rehabilitated twice. This water yard, sourced from a river 2 km away, provides clean water to Murrayat Village in Western Darfur. Access to safe drinking water is essential to human health and flourishing.
A Cooking Class for Displaced Mothers
Adre, Chad
World Relief operates a nutrition center in the town of Adre, Chad, on the border with Sudan. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes in Sudan due to conflict and violence, many crossing the border at Adre. World Relief’s nutrition center offers supplementary feeding programs for children suffering from malnutrition and, pictured here, a cooking class for mothers.
International Day of Rural Women
Karongi, Rwanda
World Relief, in partnership with The Starbucks Foundation, celebrated International Day of Rural Women in Karongi district, Rwanda. The celebration honored women farmers, including those who have been financially empowered to grow their businesses and provide food security for their families.
Vocational Educational Training
Malawi
A Vocational Educational Training (VET) instructor demonstrates tailoring techniques to a group of young students. World Relief’s VET Program in Malawi offers young people pathways to training in vocational skills like carpentry, baking and tailoring, equipping them with a means to earn an income and help provide for themselves and their families.
Saving in South Sudan
Maridi, South Sudan
World Relief helps churches in South Sudan work together to improve conditions in their communities through programs like savings groups and agricultural training. Suzan, a resident of Maridi, participated in a saving initiative through her church. With the funds she saved, she opened a stall at the market and now sells cassava leaves harvested from her farm.
Early Childhood Education in Cambodia
Stoung, Kampong Thom, Cambodia
These children show off some colorful artworks made in a crafting activity. Their caregivers participated in a training in Early Childhood Development for children aged 3-5.