Faith That Builds Foundations

From financial literacy in Detroit to respite for families facing pediatric cancer, plus more.

At MinistryWatch, our mission is to help Christians become more faithful, generous, and effective stewards of the resources God has entrusted to them. It’s why we advocate for transparency, accountability, and efficiency in Christian ministries. Because of that, we cover stories we’d rather not have to—waste, fraud, and abuse—unapologetically, believing these stories offer lessons for ministries and donors alike.

But we also seek to amplify stories of ministries doing excellent work. That’s what this column is for—to spotlight ministries making a difference in their own communities and around the world. We pray this weekly roundup is a blessing to you—an encouragement to keep going and a reminder that faithful stewardship is often simple and steady, and that for every story we publish about poor stewardship, many others are prayerfully laboring to steward well.

With that, here’s this week’s roundup of ministries making a difference:

Central Detroit Christian Community Development

Photo via CDC Facebook page

Did you know April is also National Financial Literacy Month? In Detroit, Central Detroit Christian Community Development (CDC)—alongside Detroit Housing Network and United Credit Education Services—is offering a no-cost, in-person and virtual Financial Empowerment Workshop series to educate and equip residents. The workshops cover practical topics like credit and ID monitoring, budgeting, debt payoff, savings goals, money management, fair housing, and life and legacy planning.

CDC is a faith-based nonprofit in Detroit that says its mission is to empower people, create positive opportunities, and love neighbors as ourselves. As a community development corporation, it offers programs such as financial and housing counseling to help residents build stability, and it mobilizes volunteers to strengthen homes and neighborhoods. Central Detroit Christian Community Development has a 4 Star Financial Efficiency Rating and an A Transparency Grade in the MinistryWatch database, and a Donor Confidence Score of 92.

Blue Skies

Photo, blueskiesministries.org

Each year, more than 17,000 children are diagnosed with cancer—about 47 families a day. Blue Skies Ministries supports families facing pediatric cancer and understands that a diagnosis affects everyone in the family. Blue Skies’ mission is to share the hope of Jesus while giving families a break from hospital life and a place to breathe. Through beach camps, mountain getaways, and local programs, the ministry creates space for families to “get away” from the pressures that come with the diagnosis. Blue Skies says they want to provide opportunities for children to laugh and feel like kids again, for siblings to be included and celebrated, and for parents to find rest, encouragement, and friendships with others on a similar road. A strong volunteer base heavily supports the ministry, and its latest camp is underway in Port St. Joe, Florida. When families can’t travel, Blue Skies provides “Hope Boxes” with practical supplies and early-days encouragement.

International Fellowship of Evangelical Students USA

Photo via IFES Facebook page

Later this week, the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students will host its Global Giving Day, a 48-hour fundraising and prayer campaign beginning on April 16, 2026. IFES is a global network of student-led Christian movements that helps university students follow Jesus and share the gospel on campus, supporting locally-led groups in 180+ countries and territories through training, resources, and partnerships.

IFES says it reaches about 500,000 students each year, with a vision of students “thriving together” as communities of disciples and a Christian witness in every university. This year’s giving day frames students as weary of superficial online life and hungry for “real spirituality,” and invites supporters to fund programs for students, young graduates, and staff. Last year, it drew 400+ supporters from 100+ countries/territories and raised about $243,000 for 25+ initiatives. In the MinistryWatch database, International Fellowship of Evangelical Students USA has a 4 Star Financial Efficiency Rating, an A Transparency Grade, and a Donor Confidence Score of 100.

Children of the Nations

Photo, Children of the Nations website

Children of the Nations (COTN) is entering a new season of leadership: the organization recently announced that Steve Bundy will be its next CEO, effective May 1, 2026. The ministry’s work aims to raise “children who transform nations” by providing holistic, Christ-centered care for orphaned and vulnerable children. COTN reports serving 5,270 children through projects in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Malawi, Sierra Leone, and Uganda, and partnering with local communities to help children thrive. Sponsors and supporters foster long-term stability for the children, covering their schooling and medical needs, and provide mentorship and discipleship, aiming to help them grow into resilient adults who strengthen their communities. Children of the Nations has a 3 Star Financial Efficiency Rating and an A Transparency Grade in the MinistryWatch database, and a Donor Confidence Score of 100.

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