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A team of heroes is needed to help people in vulnerable communities break free from generational poverty.
Extreme Response is driven by servant-minded people who take action to defeat poverty in the communities where we serve. We do this using three program areas:
We use a team approach to fight poverty and change the lives of oppressed people. Missionary and local staff work in our programs. Volunteers travel to our three regions to serve as short-term teams or as individuals. Donors and prayer partners generously help make all this possible.
Program Partners, like-minded organizations that provide resources (staff, land, buildings, expertise), bolster some of our programs. We also work with Community Affiliates who help navigate local culture and meet community needs using proven solutions.
In 1997, ER co-founders Jerry and Dawn Carnill living in Quito, Ecuador saw the need to help families living and working in the city’s garbage dump. They believed if the kids had access to the right resources, their futures would be bright. Our mission then – and now – is to change the lives of those living in extreme situations through love, nutrition, health and faith. Our programs are the bridges that allow this to happen.

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Vanessa: ‘If There Are No Teachers Like Us, What Will Happen to the Kids?’

Oswalds Bring Servant Mindset to South Africa

ER Celebrates 25 Years!

Vocational Training Uplifts 73 Women

30 Years of Christmas: 200,000 Lives Touched

Five Ways to Add Adventure to Your Life

Celebrating the Life of Joe Wendel

Celebrating Beloved Volunteers

Transformation Stories

Plane Conversation Leads to Surprise

ER Annual Report 2025

ER Annual Report 2024

ER Annual Report 2023 Preview

ER Annual Report 2022

Brad McKenna

Jerry Carnill

Dawn Carnill

Ron Gilbert

Doug Darr

Ruth Harris

Tim Fausch

Joshua Benavidez

Wayne Ferreria

Abby Carnill

Aimee Hurtubise

Amy Townsend

Andreina Berrú

Anke Ferreira

Anne Benavidez

Anne Haag

Brice Wilson

Chloe de Bruin

Corinne Bryan

Corinne Robinson

Daniel Lopez

David Sace

Erika Recalde

Jason Chappell

Jenny Reitz-Compere

Johanna Hidalgo

Jomz Emboltura

Jose Jimenez

Meaghan Catron

Nieves Nivelo

Pen Bullo

Rachel Icenogle

Raymond Sumaya

Samantha Wilson

Teresa Jimenez

Nick Carnill

Wayne Ferreira

Ron Townsend

Sara Walkowski

Silvia Pazmiño

Steve Haag

Walt Walkowski

Xavier Hidalgo

Zac Carnill

Your Monthly Dose of Inspiration is Ready Unlike your TV, we've got nothing but good news. Take 5 and soak up this encouragement. Read about Christmas outreaches, a 25-year ER highlight, the power of gratitude, tasty cooking, awesome volunteers, a unifying African prayer and more! Read our highlights: https://conta.cc/4BulGu0. #ToegetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse #calledtoserve #BuiltToLast

SUPPLIES FOR ER CHRISTMAS OUTREACHES Last month ER founders Jerry and Dawn Carnill made a stop at a favorite place – Grace Kidz at Grace Snellville Church. According to Dawn, Grace has done gift drives for ER for the past 18 years. "Jerry and I spoke at their KidzLife ministry to share the purpose and opportunity of the outreaches. The kids collect school supplies, toothbrushes, cars, dolls and other gift items for us to give away at our Christmas parties. Grace has been a tremendous help by donating thousands of gifts for the 3,000+ kids we celebrate with each year." Grace Snellville Church shared: "We had a great kick-off to our Christmas in October celebrations!!! Wonderful donations were brought in by our amazing Kidz to support ER Christmas parties around the world!" Thank you Grace Kidz for investing in ER Christmas outreaches, which run Nov. 28-Dec. 8. We still need supplies for our 2026 festivities. To donate, go to https://extremeresponse.org/us-donations/ and designate "Christmas Celebrations".

Eight volunteers from Bethlehem Church traveled to Ecuador to host a two-day retreat for women in the Quito recycling community. Team members shared Bible lessons, led activities and served the ladies meals. In the final session four women placed their faith in Jesus! The team also invested in the Dream Center students and worked at Magdalena's home renovation project. They painted inside and outside and installed a concrete wall to address erosion and water issues. Thank you, Bethlehem, for letting your lights shine in Quito. #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

While You Are Praying for USA Elections... Pray for Extreme Response too! Our entire global team met via video to provide program updates, share rich and diverse cultural heritage, and encourage one another to serve well. Led by our Africa region, we finished our time by praying out loud simultaneously in different languages and accents. It was uplifting and unifying. #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheWorld #extremeresponse

We want to Reach More People! Reach is ER's three-year commitment to expand our ability to share the Gospel, make disciples, and help people thrive. Through expanded programs, new property, and community spaces, we're working toward the ability to reach 3,000+ people every year with love, hope, and lasting transformation. More people reached. More lives changed. An eternal impact. Learn more at https://extremeresponse.org/reach/ #Reach3000 #ExtremeResponse #Impact

A Day in the Life of an ER Volunteer! We are so thankful for our short-term teams and their hearts to serve others. #ExtremeResponse #MissionTrip #DITL

Why? Your spirit will thank you for reading ER's uplifting October highlights. We share why the Oswalds are volunteering in South Africa, why Annalyn is prospering in Metro Manila, why Doug and Gloria are celebrating, why we renamed our Quito ministry building, why ER went platinum and why you'll want to be part of our Reach Campaign. Find out why: https://conta.cc/3SC0QHP. #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

What is Koukouwouj ? Longtime ER partner House of Hope has been rescuing and caring for abandoned kids in Haiti for 70 years! Today, Haitians face incredible struggles just to afford food and supplies. Read the latest update from ER missionary Jenny Reitz who shares how the ministry is persevering in the face of oppression and learn what Koukouwouj is: https://tinyurl.com/3r9jmbwz #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture

New Name: ER Quito Community Center It's a small change with HUGE implications. Our new ministry facility is now called the ER Quito Community Center. It will house the Dream Center, the Recycling Women's program, new vocational training, worship, and outreach events. "Community Center" better represents all we are doing and our plans to do even more in the days ahead. This site will serve local people in multiple ways as we seek to meet their physical and spiritual needs. One of the main functions of the Community Center is to house our Quito Dream Center where we focus on education reinforcement and discipleship for 40 children who are part of the recycling community. We had long outgrown the rental space used since 2013. The first objective for this new space was to remodel a floor for the Dream Center in time for the 2026-27 school year. We achieved this goal. On Sept. 14, we welcomed our students for their first day! #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #calledtoserve #BuiltToLast #extremeresponse

WE MOVED! 🎉 Check out the new ER Quito Community Center! After lots of preparation, hard work, and moving, the building has started hosting our programs, but the work isn’t finished yet! Stay tuned for more information about Reach 3000 coming soon! #ExtremeResponse #Reach #Community

Oswalds Bring Servant Mindset to ER Programs Meet David and Ramona Oswald, a wonderful "retired" couple from north Georgia using their golden years to invest into the lives of children. This is David’s second trip to South Africa and Ramona’s first. David traveled the world through his previous career and is an all around handyman who has been helping ER and our partners. Ramona assists him and also helps at the Fish Hoek Dream Center. "David and Ramona embody servant-hearted leadership and model what it means to make a short-term investment with a lasting impact," said Africa Region Administrative Coordinator Anke Ferreira. "They serve wherever we have a need, including working on Peace of God Farm, assisting our partner ministry Living Hope, building and painting projects in Ocean View, and serving at the Dream Center where Ramona reads with the younger children. "Their willingness to serve with such flexibility and humility has been a blessing to us and to those they encounter. We are deeply grateful for the time they invested in South Africa." Special thanks to former Ecuador missionary Ty Stakes, who now runs the 7 Silos foundation, for connecting the Oswalds with ER! #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

Your Investment in Annalyn is Paying Huge Dividends! The woman in the white shirt is Annalyn, a member and a leader in the local co-op ER started through the Pathway Of Hope (PFH) program. Her personal goals align with the values of the co-op and her retail shop in Metro Manila is helping her thrive, thanks to friends like you. Since it's founding, the co-op has helped hundreds of women save their hard-earned cash, gain interest, and provide loans for entrepreneurs like Annalyn. "I'm excited to see her growth and have her micro business flourish with God's blessings," shared PFH's Pen Bullo. Bravo, Annalyn on your success! #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

Today is World Teachers Day. In celebration, meet Vanessa Jhanne. Vanessa became an iBIKE teacher in June and is making a huge impact on the children. In this reel, she shares the power of teaching outdoors through our "school on wheels" in neighborhoods that are in great need. "When iBIKE is canceled because of bad weather, it makes me sad because it's a missed opportunity for the academic lesson and for Bible stories. If there are no teachers like us, what will happen to the kids? They won't get the education they need to hear. So if we don't do this, who will?" Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" #CalledToServe #builttolast #TogetherWeCan #InsprireTheFuture #extremeresponse

As a supporter of ER, you deserve to know your donations are being used wisely. That is why we undergo a yearly audit, provide an annual report, and participate in third-party evaluation services like Candid, Charity Navigator and ECFA. We're especially excited to share that we've qualified for Candid's highest badge of transparency - Platinum. Thank you for your trust. Together, we are helping people escape physical and spiritual poverty every day! #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

See the "Church of Gold" in Ecuador Quito provides a rich mosaic of architecture. Officially founded in 1534 by Spanish conquistadors, a "must-see" highlight is Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, or “Church of Gold”. It features a gold-leaf altar, rose-gray stones from the Pichincha volcano, and is one of the top Baroque structures in all of South America. See Quito when you volunteer with ER. Click to learn how.� Source: Quasar Expeditions #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

Doug & Gloria Darr Reflect "For 25 years, ER leadership, staff and volunteers have faithfully served those God has placed in our path—meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs and sharing the hope of the Gospel. Today, we are celebrating the incredible fruit of that faithfulness: lives transformed, stories rewritten, and people surrendering their lives to Christ. �"We are grateful for every person who has played a part in this journey and are excited about what God is still doing through ER. As we look toward the next 25 years, please pray with us that the Lord will use ER in even greater ways to impact lives for eternity. Consider how you might be part of the story yet to be written!" – Doug and Gloria Darr. #calledtoserve #BuiltToLast #extremeresponse

Fun Fact: Take in the Beauty of South Africa Table Mountain rises 3,562 feet above Cape Town. It's the only natural site on earth to have a constellation (Mensa - Latin for "table") named after it. Hike it in 1.5-5 hours or take a 5-minute cable car. We recommend the tram! Visit South Africa by volunteering with ER: https://extremeresponse.org/get-involved/experience-er/.� Photo: Encyclopedia Britannica #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

What a difference! The first image shows our extremely cramped outdoor space at the current Quito Community Center. The second photo shows our new space that blows the doors open to reaching the Recycling Community. Imagine 40 kids playing soccer on the tiny patio. Now envision them in the expansive space. We have big dreams to renovate all this space to host Christmas outreaches, family gatherings, trainings, exercise and gardening. Stay tuned for more! #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture

Since Grade 1, Annalie (privacy name) has dreamed of becoming a teacher—and today, she’s stepping into that dream. She recently job-shadowed in a classroom at Paul Greyling School, adjacent to the Fish Hoek Dream Center. We couldn’t be more proud of her courage, determination and big vision. She is 17 and lights up when working with younger children. Annalie is studying to take her GED exams and pursuing more job shadowing. Kids like Annalie are thriving thanks to your support. #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

We're celebrating 25 years. Watch this short clip to see our Dream Center kids and staff celebrating a quarter century of ER: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1736513344333651. #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #CalledToServe #BuiltToLast

Meet Josie, a cook/teacher at the Taguig Dream Center (TDC) in Metro Manila. ER's Brad McKenna visited the Philippines. One stop was Taguig, where we team up with Youth Mobilization to operate the TDC. Josie works at the TDC because it provides her with purpose. She experiences joy knowing the kids are well fed. This is where Josie thrives. Each week, she prepares dozens of meals. Watch this reel introducing Josie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeteJd9_MOY. #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture

🎄 Celebrate Christmas by serving in Ecuador! 🇪🇨 This Christmas season, join Extreme Response in Quito, Ecuador, from November 29–December 6, as we celebrate 30 years of Christmas teams! Together, we’ll host Christmas celebrations, distribute food and gifts, and build meaningful connections with the community. Ready to serve? Sign up by September 15 to be part of the team! For more information, email Christmas@extremeresponse.org #Christmas #ExtremeResponse #Serve

Michigan Volunteers Support First Quito Training With the help of the Romeo Independent Missions Team, we hosted our first Dremel training in Quito. The team helped everyone learn to use the tool. These volunteers did much more. They led a craft, a Bible lesson, provided childcare and served breakfast. The team provided valuable brawn by setting block for a home that is undergoing repairs. This labor goes a long way to deepen trust, meet physical and spiritual needs, and show love for our neighbors. Thank you Romeo team! Plan your volunteer experience with ER: https://extremeresponse.org/get-involved/experience-er/. #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

Your Support is Creating Community Impact Your prayers and support are helping Filipinos engage deeply in Bible studies. Police and community leaders are leaning into faith to serve their communities! Watch this reel capturing a moment of worship led by our iBIKE team: https://www.facebook.com/reel/4423198434627560. Thanks you! #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

We've Got Great News... Our new update contains exciting news! Read about "Reach", a dynamic plan to multiply the number of people we impact. Read about epic opportunities taking place in Ecuador. Read about Annalie, who is pursuing a dream she set back in 1st grade to become a teacher. Read about 25 years of ER and awesome volunteers. Read it all: https://conta.cc/3TR1mC1. #TogetherWeCan

Sweet Smells: Evidence of Growing Life Skills We love helping people gain new skills. We provide vocational training to help people generate income by learning to sew, farm, make handmade crafts, do food prep and massage therapy. We also teach life skills to help people truly thrive. Recently, ER's Nick Carnill taught baking in Beaufort West, South Africa. This was our first group of bakers. We partnered with ATAIM to bring this class to some amazing trainees. They learned to bake cakes, cookies and cinnamon rolls. It was a joy to see the room filled with smiles, laughter and great smells! Thank you supporters for making this possible. #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

Loving Recyclers Never Gets Old A team of vibrant volunteers from Lowcountry Community Church, Bluffton, SC, traveled to Quito to serve with ER. One stop was the Garbage Transfer Station where they served a meal to night shift workers. These meals reinforce our love and care for the community. Pastor Jose shared a message with the recyclers and encouraged them to draw near to God. This was Lowcountry's second trip to Ecuador. They hosted a weeklong VBS, facilitated worship, a Bible story, small group discussion, prayer and a craft. Lowcountry also engaged in manual labor. They finished transporting cinder blocks up the hill for an ongoing home repair project. The team helped renovate our new building by painting, tiling and cleaning. Thank you Lowcountry! #TogetherWeCan #InsprireTheFuture #extremeresponse

Dream Center Teens Experience Serving Others We have amazing Fish Hoek Dream Center teens. They stepped out in faith, served others with joyful hearts, and showed the love of Jesus to every person they met on a service trip. We partnered with ATAIM in the work God is doing in Beaufort West. Watch this reel: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1145058081465221. “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matt. 5:16. #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture

We're So Proud of these Dream Center Graduates They did it! Three young ladies, Sydney, Angela, and Olivia (privacy names) from the Quito Recycling Community graduated from high school this year. Sydney and Olivia have been with us since the days of ER's Dump Daycare. All three overcame tough odds and are now pursuing even bigger dreams. Angela is about to take her college entrance exams. She hopes to attend university and study international business. Sydney plans to become a preschool teacher. Olivia has dreams of traveling the world and being a vet. These grads are great examples of why we do what we do. Most kids from the Recycling Community don't graduate. Thanks to our Dream Center team and supporters like you, they now have options and opportunities. Well done Sydney, Angela and Olivia. May God bless your next steps! #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

Serve with Extreme Response in South Africa this Christmas!🎄 Celebrate the Christmas season by joining us in Cape Town, South Africa, from November 28-December 6. Serve alongside our team as we host celebrations, distribute food and gifts, and share the love of Christ with local families. Sign up by September 15 to join this team! For more information, email Christmas@extremeresponse.org #Christmas #ExtremeResponse #Serve

Volunteers Pour into Fish Hoek Community Las month, a team from Graystone Church, Loganville, GA, hosted a holiday club at the Fish Hoek Dream Center. They did an incredible job connecting with the children, who loved it! It was pure joy seeing the team laugh, worship and make lasting memories with the kids and ER staff. We pray God continues to use what He has done in and through each of you. Thank you Greystone team for serving so well! #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

When You Visit the Philippines, Try This Morning Treat Taho is a delicious cultural breakfast food that Filipino's love. ◦ Derived from Chinese Douhua ◦ Transformed from savory to sweet ◦ Community bonding ritual ◦ Crosses all social classes "Culture is not just found in museums. It's found on the streets and cafes of Manila," shared ER's Anne Benavidez. Experience the Philippines! Volunteer with ER: https://extremeresponse.org/get-involved/experience-er/ #calledtoserve #builttolast #extremeresponse

Center Grove Church Sends Volunteers to Ecuador This energetic team of volunteers from Greenwood, IN, returned to serve in Quito. They helped celebrate the end of the Ecuador school year with a party that recognized each student's hard work. The team presented training events for our women's programs and Bible lessons for the Dream Center children. They poured a concrete foundation for an ongoing home repair project and helped renovate our new building by patching the roof, painting the basement walls and scouring the floors. Thank you Center Grove for investing in the lives of the recycling community! #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

Your Active Engagement is Transforming Lives Last month I served alongside a short-term team of ER volunteers in Ecuador. We got to paint, move cinder blocks, and host a field trip and VBS with the Dream Center kids. However, my favorite memories were the unplanned moments... seeing relationships strengthened, team members pray over our teachers, contractors, and students, and sharing genuine hugs. I am reminded the greatest gift volunteers bring isn't what they do—it's that they come. They leave the comfort of home, invest their vacation time, and choose to be fully present. This communicates something every child, parent, and staff member longs to hear: You matter. You are valued. You are seen. You are not forgotten. If you've ever volunteered, prayed, or sponsored a team member, thank you for your partnership. It is a privilege to witness what God does when people say "yes". Meaghan Catron, Director of Development #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

A glimpse into summer in Ecuador! ☀️ This past week, a team from Low Country Community Church joined us and served in many meaningful ways. From leading a VBS to helping with the new Dream center building and serving at the transfer station, they poured their hearts into our community. We are so thankful for their willingness to be the hands and feet of Jesus!

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10 We are so thankful for each person who serves and shares their gifts with Extreme Response. Whether by going on a trip, praying, giving, or encouraging our teams, you make a lasting impact. The work we do wouldn't be possible without you! #ExtremeResponse #ServeOthers #FaithinAction

Nothing compares to His presence 🤍 #ExtremeResponse #Serve #Wonder

#Our excitement is building for the new Family & Dream Center! ER's Zac Carnill and Jose Jimenez recently met with our architect (rooftop photo) to discuss plans. Together, we have cast a vision to maximize the space's layout to serve more people with greater capability. Zac has been using his experience working at 84 Lumber as he engages with local contractors. Working with our Quito team, Zac designed and planned each room. The goal is to create spaces to serve our needs for today and tomorrow, while remaining flexible for the unknown. Zac and Johanna Hidalgo have engaged a lawyer, an architect, an engineer and contractors to verify plans adhere to code and the law. We get to work as soon as we receive the green light on each item. Our first step was to create rooms with walls on the main level and basement level. On the main level, the maestros and team volunteers created concrete walls for a large teaching kitchen (see photo) and bathrooms. Downstairs, the large open mechanic shop has been segmented into rooms to house a carpentry workshop, sewing room, clinic, gathering space, and Christmas outreach game storage. We are dreaming of the ways God will fill them with people and ministry! Interested in visiting Quito to help with this multi-phase restoration? Visit our mobilization page and submit your form: https://extremeresponse.org/get-involved/experience-er/. #calledtoserve #BuiltToLast #extremeresponse

30 YEARS OF CHRISTMAS: 200,000+ LIVES TOUCHED By Dawn Carnill, Director of Christmas Outreach Meet Diana (second from left in group photo). She grew up in the garbage dump until the government relocated families outside the landfill. Now 40, Diana (see photo with Dawn) remembers the crafts, games and blankets distributed during the 2000 Christmas celebration. Today, she works at the recycling station. Her story reminds us what we do matters. A craft. A game. A blanket. A gift. A conversation. These acts of love leave an imprint that lasts for decades. This year marks 30 years of Christmas Celebrations. Yes, 30 years! While ER is celebrating 25 years of ministry this year (we incorporated as a charitable organization in 2001), our story actually began before that with a simple Christmas party in the Quito Dump. There, God planted the seeds of what would become a ministry impacting lives globally. During the past three decades, more than 200,000 people have been reached through these celebrations. We continue this incredible tradition, but we need you to be part of the story by praying, giving and going. Christmas Outreach remains a vital part of ER. We want to share God's love and celebrate the birth of Christ with those we serve and their communities. We want to introduce people to Jesus, build lasting relationships, and encourage spiritual growth through discipleship. This year, we invite you to join one of our two Christmas teams going to Quito and South Africa. You can bring joy to someone who has little reason to smile. Hug a child who needs to know they are loved. Help someone play a game, create a craft, or receive a gift. Look someone in the eye and remind them that they are seen, valued and precious to God. These simple moments may seem small, but they leave a lasting impact—not only on those we serve, but on you. Thirty years ago, a Christmas celebration in a garbage dump started something extraordinary. Help write the next chapter! Join one of our teams or make a donation to provide gifts for our parties. Contact Dawn at Christmas@extremeresponse.org. #calledtoserve #BuiltToLast #extremeresponse

Your Support of ER Vocational Training Has Enormous Impact! ER's Golden Hands training recently completed a successful partnership with Junior Chamber International (JCI), a global network of young leaders ages 18-40 who take action to change in their communities. We provided trainers and curriculum to teach sewing to 73 women who were part of a community program called "Threads of Life". Our partnership with JCI produced more than trained seamstresses. It transformed lives. We saw the gospel move, relationships deepen and a new generation of leaders catch a vision for service. In every group, women responded to the gospel with visible, raw conviction. Those who prayed the sinner’s prayer did so with tears in their eyes — including Muslim participants. Our students felt the love of God the moment they stepped into the Golden Hands training room. Learning to sew and finish projects was stressful. Every day they left smiling, a picture of hope replacing fear. This partnership shows that when skill training is paired with love, dignity and the gospel, transformation multiplies. Women are gaining livelihood. Young leaders are gaining purpose. And ER supporters like you can rest assured: your investment in ER vocational training is bearing lasting fruit! #calledtoserve #BuiltToLast #extremeresponse

Three Countries. One mission. 🌎 Extreme Response International is working to change lives around the world through Dream Centers, vocational training, and the message of the Gospel. Each of these communities is an opportunity to build relationships, teach, and share God’s love. Together, we are making an eternal impact all over the world. #ExtremeResponse #GlobalChange #Serve

At Extreme Response, we believe in life change. We serve because we have seen the cycles of generational poverty broken by the lasting change found in a relationship with Jesus. We’re creating physical and spiritual pathways of hope for those living in extreme conditions. 🧡This is the heart behind everything we do.

🇺🇸Happy Fourth of July! Today as we celebrate our nation's freedom we're also grateful for the eternal freedom found in Christ. "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17 This is the freedom we celebrate every day in every community we serve. Wishing you a safe and blessed Independence Day! #IndependenceDay #FaithandFreedom #ExtremeResponse

FUN FACT: Visit This Underground River in the Philippines The 5.1-mile Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River is located inside a beautiful national park. It flows through a 20-mile cave system beneath mountains. Photo: https://southeastasiabackpacker.com/ It is the longest navigable underground river in the world that humans can easily travel through by boat. Experience the Philippines! Volunteer with ER: https://extremeresponse.org/get-involved/experience-er/. #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

25 YEARS OF ER: VALUING HURTING PEOPLE "For my family and me, being part of ER since the early days has been deeply meaningful. As Ecuadorians, we have witnessed firsthand how serving local communities with love and consistency can truly transform lives. We have seen children grow, families find support and people regain hope for their future. "Our desire is ER will continue reaching more communities across Ecuador, creating spaces where people feel valued, encouraged and inspired to dream. We are grateful to be part of a ministry that reflects God’s love in such a tangible way and continues planting hope for future generations." – Johanna Hidalgo, ER Americas co-Director "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." – Jeremiah 29:11 #CalledToServe #BuiltToLast #extremeresponse

MEET BELLA, DREAM CENTER TEACHING ASSISTANT Introducing Izabella ("Aunty Bella") Pauls as a new member of the Fish Hoek Dream Center team. We are excited to welcome Bella to our team as an assistant teacher to the Bigs (older kids). She has jumped in helping with homework, creating helpful tools for the learners, and most importantly, building relationships! We praise Jesus for adding her to our team so we can serve and love the kids even more faithfully. Bella is helping students studying and providing academic support. She will assist teaching Afrikaans when needed. "What drew me to ER was the strong sense of purpose and faith-centered environment, and I felt that the Lord was leading me in this direction," Bella said. Read more about Bella: https://conta.cc/4tWIIps. #calledtoserve #BuiltToLast #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

An extraordinary transformation is taking place in Quito and we want you to be part or it. Last year, we purchased a former motorcycle shop that substantially expands the space to minister to the recycling (AKA Quito Dump) families and the broader community. It will be the new home of the Quito Dream and Family Center. After 13 years in the overcrowded building we rented, we're ready to move and grow. God guided us to this building, and thanks to generous donors, renovations are underway. We are thankful for two “maestros” (Spanish for contractors) bringing this project to life. We also are grateful to every volunteer who visits Quito and puts their own fingerprints on the story of this property. Our first step was to make the property safe. We hired a security company, installed cameras, built gates, locks and window bars, and reinforced stairs. The property is now secure. We are excited to start on classrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, outdoor spaces and more. Interested in visiting Quito to help with this multi-phase project? Visit our mobilization page: https://extremeresponse.org/get-involved/short-term-teams/. #calledtoserve #BuiltToLast #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

You Can Make a Difference Every year since 1997, ER has shared Christmas with at-risk people - those who are oppressed, impoverished or weighed down by life trials. Together, we can help transform their lives through education, job training, life skills and faith. Come with us to Ecuador or South Africa as we share the Good News through Christmas Outreaches. Sign up and be part of either trip! Visit https://extremeresponse.org/get-involved/christmas-teams/. #extremeresponse #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture

We were blessed to have an energetic team of volunteers from Union University in Tennessee serve in South Africa last month. The team traveled to Fish Hoek to serve at the Dream Center and local schools, including Paul Greyling school next door. They engaged the kids by listening to them read, playing basketball, helping with homework assignments, all while providing lots of encouragement and hugs. "The joy of these kids is amazing. I've never seen children so welcoming, hugging us when we arrive and leave each day," shared Morgan. "It’s amazing how they are building relationship with us so quickly and that they welcome people so openly. It's clear they've been taught to love others well, and it's been a privilege to experience that. I'm genuinely sad that my time here is coming to an end." Read more: https://conta.cc/4tWIIps. #calledtoserve #BuiltToLast #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

MEET ANKE, OUR REGIONAL ADMIN. COORDINATOR We are pleased to share that Anke Ferreira is ER's new Africa Region Administrative Coordinator. The devoted mother of two boys, she is married to Wayne, ER's Africa Regional Director. Anke is a dynamic and multifaceted professional whose experience integrates law, project management, creativity, wellness, and social impact. Her journey has been enriched through her work with non-profit organizations in South Africa and Mozambique, where she engaged with diverse cultures and communities.Known for her solution-oriented mindset and ability to execute with excellence, Anke brings energy, insight, and intentionality into every space she steps into. Read more about Anke in our July News: https://conta.cc/4tWIIps. #calledtoserve #BuiltToLast #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

One misconception in nonprofit work is that growth simply means doing more. More programs. More people served. More activity. But healthy, lasting growth requires much more than expansion alone. We have learned that sustainable impact is built through strong relationships, trusted leadership, thoughtful planning and thinking long-term about the communities we serve. It means preparing carefully, strengthening what already exists, and making sure growth is supported in a healthy and responsible way. That kind of growth may happen more slowly, but it creates something far more meaningful: stability, consistency, and impact that lasts. Thank you for being part of a community that values lasting impact and growth! Meaghan Catron, Director of Development #calledtoserve #BuiltToLast #TogetherWeCan #InspireTheFuture #extremeresponse

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Extreme Response International staff