Children's Development Mission

05/21/2026

Dear CDM Family,

It is with both sadness and deep hope in Christ that we share the passing of our dear friend, brother in Christ, and fellow Children’s Development Missions board member, Richard “Dick” Clarke, who went home to be with the Lord this Monday.

Many of you may not have known Dick personally, but his fingerprints are deeply woven into the story of CDM and the lives of countless children and families in Pakistan.

In 2021, through Sohail and the school ministry the Lord placed on our hearts, a small group of us came together to form Children’s Development Missions. From the very beginning, Dick was there — encouraging, praying, supporting, and helping us follow where we believed the Lord was leading.

Dick loved Jesus deeply, and it was evident to everyone around him that Christ was expressing His life through him. He carried a quiet humility, genuine compassion, wisdom, humor, and a deep love for people. Whether speaking with a friend, encouraging someone who was struggling, or discussing the ministry and the children we serve, Dick consistently pointed outwardly — toward Jesus and toward others.

Though our board met quarterly, those gatherings became much more than meetings. They became times of friendship, prayer, laughter, encouragement, and shared love for Christ. Dick always brought a calming presence and an encouraging heart. He reminded us often, not merely through words but through the way he lived, what it means to walk with Jesus faithfully.

His love for the children and families served through Sohail and Kamran’s ministry was sincere and heartfelt. He cared deeply that these children would not only receive food, education, and support, but that they would come to know the love and hope found in Jesus Christ.

Dick’s obituary beautifully describes a man devoted to his family, faithful in friendship, generous in spirit, and full of joy. Those of us who had the privilege of serving beside him experienced those same qualities firsthand. We will deeply miss our brother.

Yet even in grief, we rejoice in the hope we have in Jesus. Because Christ conquered death, we know this is not goodbye forever. Dick is now fully alive in the presence of the Savior he loved so dearly.

Please keep Sheila, his children, grandchildren, family, and friends in your prayers during this difficult season.

If you would like to read Dick’s obituary or leave a message for the family, you may do so here:

Richard “Dick” Clarke Obituary

Thank you for continuing to pray for the children, families, and ministry work the Lord called Dick to help support. His life reminds us that faithful encouragement, love for Jesus, and love for others leave an eternal impact.

With love in Christ,

Carey Odum
On behalf of the Board of Children’s Development Missions

02/26/2026

🤍 Learning to Trust the Provider 🤍

The Lord has been teaching us something deeply personal over these past months.

There was a time when I would pray for one large check to come in — something that would quickly cover every need in front of us. It seemed easier that way. Cleaner. Safer.

But what He has shown us instead is this:

He is providing.
Just not all at once.

Month after month, He has supplied what is needed — often through many believers, through His Church, His Bride. He has reminded us that this work is not sustained by one person or one gift, but by the Body of Christ moving together.

March is approaching. Right now, we have $600 toward needs that total about $2,600.

There was a time that number would have kept me up at night.

But the Lord continues to gently say,
“I am the Provider.”

So we place it in His hands again.

We share this not to create pressure, but to invite prayer — and to testify that God is faithful. He has never failed to provide what was needed, when it was needed.

And we trust Him still.

🤍

We see a world where underprivileged and marginalized children can stand up among their peers as educated future leaders and young professionals, effecting change in their own communities and breaking global cycles of poverty and unemployment.

02/26/2026

🤍 What the Lord Is Doing Through Children’s Development Mission 🤍

Children’s Development Mission exists to come alongside faithful believers who are serving in extremely difficult circumstances — where there are little to no safety nets, and where the Church often becomes the only help available.

Through partnership, prayer, and support, we have seen the Lord:

• Protect vulnerable children
• Provide food for families in crisis
• Rebuild homes
• Make medical care possible
• Sustain education for children who would otherwise go without
• Strengthen those who are sharing the gospel daily

We are not the source of these provisions.
Jesus is.

Again and again, He has reminded us that He is the Provider — and that He chooses to work through His Body, His Church, His Bride.

Some serve on the ground with courage and sacrifice.
Some pray faithfully.
Some give as the Lord leads.

Together, Christ supplies what is needed.

If you would like to be part of this work:

• Please pray for continued protection, provision, and endurance.
• Ask the Lord how He might have you participate.
• Consider coming alongside this ministry through ongoing or one-time support.

You can learn more or give at:
www.cdm4him.org

Children’s Development Mission, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

We operate with very little overhead and depend on the Lord’s monthly provision through His people.

Thank you for standing with the Church in action.
Thank you for praying.
And thank you for walking in faith with us as we trust the Lord to provide what is needed, month by month. 🤍

We see a world where underprivileged and marginalized children can stand up among their peers as educated future leaders and young professionals, effecting change in their own communities and breaking global cycles of poverty and unemployment.

02/24/2026

🤍 Grateful — and Continuing to Trust 🤍

As we step into March, we want to say thank you.

Because of your prayers and support in February, families were cared for, children remained protected, medical needs were addressed, and a pastoral family returned home after a long season of displacement.

We are deeply grateful for the way the Body of Christ continues to move together.

As we look ahead, we ask for continued prayer.

One young man is facing a rare skin condition that requires medical treatment, with no insurance or financial safety net available. We are trusting the Lord for healing, wisdom for doctors, and provision.

There are also some simple but important needs — growing children who need properly fitting clothes and shoes for the coming season. These practical things matter for dignity and daily life.

We share these not to create urgency, but to invite prayer and trust.

Christ has provided again and again.
We believe He will continue to do so.

Thank you for praying. Thank you for walking with us. 🤍

If you would like to learn more about this work, you can visit

We see a world where underprivileged and marginalized children can stand up among their peers as educated future leaders and young professionals, effecting change in their own communities and breaking global cycles of poverty and unemployment.

02/14/2026

We are deeply grateful for those who pray, encourage, and walk quietly alongside this work.

Much of what God is doing will never be seen publicly—but it is seen by Him.

Thank you for being part of what Jesus is doing. 🤍

02/13/2026

Please pray with us today:

• For strength for those serving daily
• For protection over vulnerable families
• For wisdom and rest
• For continued trust in the Lord, not ourselves

Thank you for standing with the Body of Christ in prayer.

02/10/2026

Thank supporters without asking

We are deeply grateful for those who pray, encourage, and walk quietly alongside this work.

Much of what God is doing will never be seen publicly—but it is seen by Him.

Thank you for being part of what Jesus is doing. 🤍

02/08/2026

What “Church” really looks like

In places where there are no safety nets and no options, the Church becomes family.

We are watching believers protect children, care for the sick, share food, and walk with the hurting—not because it is easy, but because Christ’s love compels them.

This is the Church in action. Quiet. Faithful. Real.

02/07/2026

This is Jesus’ work, not ours

What we are witnessing is not an organization at work—it is Jesus gathering His Body.

Some serve on the ground with courage and sacrifice.
Some pray from afar.
Some give quietly and faithfully.

Christ Himself is the One holding it all together.

Please pray with us as we continue to listen and follow His lead. 🤍

01/05/2026

A Christian school serving some of the poorest children has been forced to make painful decisions.

Due to limited funding, grade levels have been reduced, and classrooms that once served more children have gone quiet—not because the need is gone, but because resources are.

For many of these children, this school is their only access to education, protection, and hope. Especially for girls, education can mean the difference between opportunity and early forced marriage, between dignity and despair.

The mission has not changed.
The children are still there.
The need is urgent.

This is a moment for the Church to step in and help keep the doors open.

Pray, give, and help keep the doors open.

👉 Give here:

We see a world where underprivileged and marginalized children can stand up among their peers as educated future leaders and young professionals, effecting change in their own communities and breaking global cycles of poverty and unemployment.