Midyear Update
Atlanta, GA — July 8th, 2026
The year may be halfway done, but God isn't done moving. Saving Susan Ministry and all of our champions continue to make a big impact. We have many more exciting things on the horizon.
Here are some exciting updates and opportunities ahead:
Emotional Care Program
Earlier in the year we started our partnership with Hope for the Heart! This collaboration strengthens our Emotional Care Program, equipping us with biblically grounded resources to better serve vulnerable children who have experienced trauma.
In April, we launched small-group topical studies with our students, creating safe spaces for deeper emotional and spiritual growth. Each group began with the topic of Hope. The groups all reported meaningful and successful conversations. One advocate shared that she was “surprised by how deeply they wanted to engage
with the topic.”
Our team trip to Guatemala allowed us to implement some of the tools Hope for the Heart gave us and to do a therapeutic art project with the students centered on the theme of hope. Each child created a scrapbook-style poster highlighting what they were grateful for, what they hope for, and the things they enjoy. It was a beautiful experience to see their creativity come to life through Scripture verses, meaningful images, personal dreams, and simple everyday blessings that bring them joy.
Kids from Manos show off their art projects they did with the team.
Manos de Compasión Trip
The Manos team being commissioned at Mars Hill Community Church
Our first team trip went to Guatemala in June to serve at Manos de Compasión. This was a group of diverse ages from all over the US who used their different gifts to serve the kids and caregivers at Manos during the week. The team led an art therapy project, played sports, cooked a meal for the house parents, and had a lake day with the kids.
Oliver Returns to Cambodia
The Music Academy is a vital expression of our mission, and we couldn't do the work in Cambodia without our music director Oliver. He returned to Cambodia in May to teach the students at Bileg and Imparting Smiles. The kids are growing in their skills, learning new instruments, diving into music theory and the musical history of Cambodia, and using their skills during Sunday services.
Oliver working hard with the students as they practice and perform during Sunday service worship.
Impacting Lives
At Saving Susan Ministry, we believe caring for vulnerable children sometimes means standing in the gap for their families, too. One family of children were reunited with their mother, and thanks to their faithful Parent Partners, they continue to be known, loved, and supported through our Advocate Program.
Their mother who is their sole provider, urgently needed surgery after years of worsening health that has left her unable to work. The children's Parent Partners were able to help fund her surgery and aftercare so she can now recover and have a better quality of life to continue providing for her children.
Save the Date: Rally for Susan
August 13, 2026
Marietta Country Club
Our annual ladies-only Tennis & Pickleball fundraiser is back!
•Open to all skill levels
•Includes a luncheon open to everyone (fan passes available!)
Together, we will:
• Play
• Gather
• Be inspired
• Encounter God
• Help orphaned children experience the love of family and a brighter future
2026 Championship Ball Gala
This year’s annual Gala—our “Championship Ball”—will be hosted at Truist Park November 12th.
Get ready for an unforgettable evening as we come together to celebrate the impact of Saving Susan Ministry and rally around the children we serve. What began with one life—Susan—has grown into a mission reaching hundreds of orphaned and vulnerable children, and this night is all about stepping up to the plate to do even more.
Thank you
None of this is possible without you—your prayers, your generosity, and your heart for vulnerable children around the world.
Together, we are bringing healing, restoring identity, and sharing the love of Christ—one child at a time.
We’re excited to see what God still has planned for the rest of 2026.
