Love Beyond The Orphanage: Empowering Adult Orphans

05/19/2026

It was a privilege to call her “Mom” for the last forty years. A week ago, Colleen Mayberry, a most remarkable woman, passed away. She devoted her life, heart and time to faithfully serve the Lord.

When I first met her I was an adult orphan in Korea. She took a leap of faith and brought me to America and made me a part of the Mayberry family. I was recently going through some of the old cards and letters I received from Mom while waiting for the visa to travel to America. She wrote, “…we do really feel that you are a special kind of a daughter to us. We have prepared a place for you in our home and in our hearts.”🥹

Because of her, I’ve been so blessed by having been adopted into such a beautiful family. Through her constant love, hundreds—if not thousands—of aged-out orphans have been given the opportunity for hope and love through the ministry of Love Beyond the Orphanage. She was my constant source of guidance and advocate for my calling, especially when I felt discouraged or needed encouragement. She was a prayer warrior, always ready to help me refocus on the purpose of my work.🙏

She leaves behind an amazing legacy. Her simple act of love and obedience to God has multiplied and will continue to impact the lives of aged-out orphans.

I am so thankful that Mom waited for me to return from my trip to Korea, where we celebrated our 10-year anniversary and hosted the 4th Move On Fair. I got to spend the final days sharing the Move On Fair videos and making her favorite coffee.

She knew her decision to bring me into her life blossomed into so many blessings to others like me who were raised in orphanages.
God is saying, “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” as He embraces my Mom in His arms.🤍

Mom, you are forever in my heart and I am forever grateful for you choosing to rescue me despite all odds. Rest in peace, Mom. You were my safe-haven, my greatest blessing, and my guiding light. Heaven gained a truly extraordinary angel, and we will miss you more than words can ever express. Until we meet again. ❤️

Colleen Mayberry
02/10/1937 - 05/13/2026
_______
The memorial service in her honor is scheduled for August 8th in Milton-Freewater, Oregon.

She had a deep heart for orphans and strongly believed in providing opportunities, support, and family for aged-out young adults. To continue honoring the causes that were meaningful to her, gifts may be made to Love Beyond the Orphanage.(https://www.lovebeyondtheorphanage.org

Our website updates are currently a bit behind, but we hope to catch up soon. Thank you so much for your love, prayers, and support during this time.💛

05/06/2026

We held a very special Fellowship dinner with LBTO Scholars alongside U.S. supporters and family members who traveled to Korea to attend the Move On Fair.

This intimate evening of shared meals, encouragement, and fellowship took place the day after the Move On Fair and was generously funded by the tour participants. My deep appreciation goes out to the entire tour group for making such a beautiful evening possible.

Eighteen current and former LBTO Scholars joined us as we spent meaningful time listening to their inspiring stories and getting to know one another more personally. A video presentation from last year’s Summer Workshop gave our supporters a glimpse into the scholarship program and highlighted the growth, hard work, and dedication of each student throughout the year.

The evening was filled with warmth, heartfelt conversations, laughter, and gratitude. Hearing directly from the students and witnessing the impact of the program was deeply meaningful for many of our supporters.

Moments like these remind us that support goes far beyond financial assistance — it creates hope, opportunity, lasting relationships, and brighter futures for aged-out young adults.

As we reflect on the past ten years of LBTO’s ministry, we are humbled by God’s faithfulness and incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported this journey through prayers, generosity, encouragement, and presence.

Together, we look forward to continuing to provide opportunities for growth, education, healing, and community for aged-out young adults. ❤️

All of our programs are funded by private donors. Your one-time or monthly recurring gift helps provide hope, education, and encouragement to aged-out young adults. To learn more, please visit www.lovebeyondtheorphanage.org

04/28/2026

The 4th Move On Fair was a resounding success! Hundreds of aged-out young adults and high school students from orphanages joined us alongside 42 organizations and groups featuring more than 60 booths. The day was filled with inspiring performances, encouraging messages, prizes, delicious food, gifts, and countless opportunities for connection. The joy in the room was undeniable.

We were honored to recognize three outstanding individuals for leadership, volunteer service, and life transformation through the Move On Fair.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Kim Mi-ae, National Assembly Representative, Eun Seong-ho (Ministry of Health and Welfare), Kim Yosep (Korea Child Welfare Association), Son I-seon (National Center for the Rights of the Child), Steve Morrison of MPAK, and Oh Chang-hwa of Korean Adoption Families Association for their warm congratulatory remarks, words of encouragement, and valuable updates on current policies and resources. Their presence added tremendous weight and value to the event.

This year was especially meaningful as supporters and families traveled from the United States to attend as we also celebrated 10 years of ministry. The “English Chat Zone with LBTO Friends from the U.S.” brought laughter, stories, games, and friendship.

A heartfelt thank you to all participating organizations, our amazing volunteers, generous sponsors, and everyone who prayed for this event. You helped create a day filled with hope, joy, and belonging.

God knows every need and provides faithfully—and we witnessed it once again at the Move On Fair.♥️


#(사)자립준비청년후원회

04/05/2026

Easter is a beautiful reminder of the many kind-hearted people around us—those who help transform the lives of aged-out young adults whose dreams have often been shattered, leaving them with shame, discouragement, and hopelessness. Through this shared compassion and devotion, we are able to extend love and support, reminding them of Christ’s unfailing love.

This gift is made possible through our faith in Christ and His saving grace. Because we have received such grace, we are compelled to share it with others—especially those in need of hope, belonging, and love. This is the true heart of Easter.
As we celebrate His unconditional love, my heart is filled with deep joy and gratitude.

I pray that you and your family will experience the fullness of His salvation today, and that you will celebrate with your loved ones the true meaning of Easter—Christ’s redemption and the gift of grace. May you have a wonderful and joyous day.

Happy and blessed Easter! ✝️💐💝

www.lovebeyondtheorphanage.org

02/20/2026

We were truly blessed to successfully host our annual Lunar New Year Celebration, welcoming 58 aged-out adults! My deepest gratitude goes to our manager for her meticulous preparation and to our incredible volunteers—many of whom are aged-out adults themselves. It warms my heart to see them so freely give their time and energy to ensure a smooth, joyful, and meaningful experience for everyone.

One of the highlights of the evening was the homemade rice cake soup (tteokguk), lovingly prepared by our “eemos” (aunties). These two dear women are my sisters from the orphanage—faithful pillars of support whenever I am in Korea. Instead of spending the holiday with their own families, they chose to serve the LBTO family. Their selfless love speaks volumes.
Some participants shared:�“It’s my first time in my life eating rice cake soup that someone made for me and sharing it together like a family. Thank you so much.”�“I was so surprised to hear that you woke up at dawn to make the rice cake soup. It’s been such a long time since I’ve had it that I even teared up a little! It was so delicious. Thank you, Aunties!”

This celebration is about more than games, food, snacks, or even the red envelopes (sebae—our traditional New Year’s bow to elders in exchange for blessings and gifts). Here, we experience family—belonging, love, camaraderie, joy, and the precious gift of being together.

My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the many supporters who made this celebration possible. Thank you for your love, prayers, and generous financial support. Wishing you and your family a new year filled with God’s abundant blessing!🎉🇰🇷💖

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02/08/2026

🎉 The 2026 LBTO Scholarship Program has officially launched in Seoul! 🎉

Yesterday marked the kickoff of our 2026 Scholarship Program, welcoming 20 new scholars at orientation.

Several 2025 scholars also joined us, generously sharing their accomplishments and offering encouragement to our newest members—an inspiring reminder of what is possible.

It was truly heartwarming to hear the new scholars reflect on their first day. They shared feeling welcomed, encouraged, motivated, and genuinely excited to be part of the LBTO family.

This scholarship is both a privilege and a commitment. Our scholars and job seekers are held to a high standard of accountability, which includes:

• Monthly updates
• Two hours of volunteer service each month
• Participation in enrichment programs
• Volunteering at the Move On Fair
• Mandatory attendance at the Summer Workshop
• Maintaining and improving academic performance

These expectations reflect our belief in growth, gratitude, and stewardship, made possible by the generosity of our incredible supporters.

One unique and highly valued aspect of the LBTO Scholarship Program is the opportunity to learn and practice English, which continues to attract motivated and ambitious students.

This year’s scholars are pursuing a wide range of meaningful career paths, including police officer, art professor, social worker, law, advertising, political science, ultrasound technician, physical therapist, and preparation for the National Exam.

Many of these young adults have been studying largely on their own—often without consistent encouragement or affirmation. You are their anchor, helping them stay motivated, persevere, and believe in their potential.

Thank you for making this life-changing opportunity possible through your financial support and faithful prayers. Together, we are shaping futures and empowering aged-out scholars to thrive. 💙

To give to this worthy program:
www.lovebeyondtheorphanage.org
Zelle - 541.520.5115 /Wells Fargo ( leave your contact info. in the memo)

02/01/2026

02/01/2026

Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare for the Scholarship Orientation on Saturday, February 7 and to celebrate Lunar New Year, and prepare for the 4th Move On Fair.

We are so blessed to be celebrating another Lunar New Year. Looking back at all the fun memories of past celebrations and looking forward to many more to come made possible by all of your prayers and support.

We have made giving easier with fee-free donations through Zelle, ensuring every dollar goes directly to our scholars.
📱 Zelle number: 541-520-5115 (Wells Fargo)

✍️ Please include your name(s), address, and phone number in the memo so we may properly acknowledge your gift.

Every dollar matters. Every act of generosity counts. Thank you for your trust, love, and unwavering support.

02/01/2026

My first of several trips this year began yesterday, and I’m back in Korea to host the Scholarship Orientation, celebrate Lunar New Year, and prepare for the 4th Move On Fair.

I look forward to meeting our newest 2026 Scholarship recipients, celebrating the achievements of our former scholars, and reminding each new student that they, too, can now pursue their dreams without the heavy burden of financial worry.

At Love Beyond the Orphanage, we don’t simply fund education—we walk alongside our scholars as mentors, guides, and family. Through monthly updates and year-round engagement, we invest deeply in their growth, resilience, and future.

Selecting scholars was no small task: 75 applications for just 20 spots, and 22 scholars will be in the program this year. Just days ago, one of our 2025 scholars—who spent months pouring every weekday and weekend into exam preparation—received the long-awaited news that she passed Korea’s rigorous national exam and will now serve as an elementary school teacher. (In Korea, this exam is offered only once a year and demands extraordinary perseverance.)

Her story is just one glimpse of what becomes possible when hope is paired with opportunity. Without the faithful generosity of our supporters, many of these young adults would be forced to settle for less—not for lack of talent, but because of financial constraints. Thank you for once again giving aged-out youth permission to dream boldly.

Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare for the Scholarship Orientation on Saturday, February 7.

To continue strengthening our Scholarship Program, sustained financial support is essential—and we have exciting news! 🎉 Giving is now easier with fee-free donations through Zelle, ensuring every dollar goes directly to our scholars.

📱 Zelle number: 541-520-5115 (Wells Fargo)
✍️ Please include your name(s), address, and phone number in the memo so we may properly acknowledge your gift.

Every dollar matters. Every act of generosity counts. Thank you for your trust, love, and unwavering support. 💛 Here is a beautiful letter from a former scholarship student—one that will truly warm your heart!

02/01/2026

My first of several trips this year began yesterday, and I’m back in Korea to host the Scholarship Orientation, celebrate Lunar New Year, and prepare for the 4th Move On Fair.

I look forward to meeting our newest 2026 Scholarship recipients, celebrating the achievements of our former scholars, and reminding each new student that they, too, can now pursue their dreams without the heavy burden of financial worry.

At Love Beyond the Orphanage, we don’t simply fund education—we walk alongside our scholars as mentors, guides, and family. Through monthly updates and year-round engagement, we invest deeply in their growth, resilience, and future.

Selecting scholars was no small task: 75 applications for just 20 spots, and 22 scholars will be in the program this year. Just days ago, one of our 2025 scholars—who spent months pouring every weekday and weekend into exam preparation—received the long-awaited news that she passed Korea’s rigorous national exam and will now serve as an elementary school teacher. (In Korea, this exam is offered only once a year and demands extraordinary perseverance.)

Her story is just one glimpse of what becomes possible when hope is paired with opportunity. Without the faithful generosity of our supporters, many of these young adults would be forced to settle for less—not for lack of talent, but because of financial constraints. Thank you for once again giving aged-out youth permission to dream boldly.

Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare for the Scholarship Orientation on Saturday, February 7.

To continue strengthening our Scholarship Program, sustained financial support is essential—and we have exciting news! 🎉 Giving is now easier with fee-free donations through Zelle, ensuring every dollar goes directly to our scholars.

📱 Zelle number: 541-520-5115 (Wells Fargo)
✍️ Please include your name(s), address, and phone number in the memo so we may properly acknowledge your gift.

Every dollar matters. Every act of generosity counts. Thank you for your trust, love, and unwavering support. 💛 Here is a beautiful letter from a former scholarship student—one that will truly warm your heart!

To the LBTO Manager ♡
Hello, Manager!
I am So-rim, a scholarship student from the 2025.
As the end of the year approaches and I look back over this past year, I realized how deeply grateful I am. I had always felt thankful, but I also wanted to express my apologies, and I felt this letter would allow me to share both.
When I first joined LBTO, to be honest, I think I was still weighed down by my past pain and mistakes—I felt quite negative, closed off, and unsure of myself.
But thanks to the support you provided—such as coaching and living expenses—I was able to study in the field I truly wanted to pursue. Along the way, I also met so many wonderful people.
The LBTO manager, Julie, the representative, the many supporters behind the scenes, and even my fellow scholarship students who are kind, sincere, and such positive influences—I am truly grateful to so many people.
To be completely honest, there were times when I underestimated myself, failed to recognize my own worth, and spent some difficult moments. But now, I have grown into someone who laughs more, becomes more proactive, and thinks more positively—mentally and emotionally healthier. Because many people now see me as a positive person, I believe this past year has been a truly healing and fulfilling one for me.
The first orientation, the workshops, the LBTO camp, and the retreat—all of these are precious memories that I will never forget.
Although my pace may be slow, I will continue to trust in my own abilities, not give up, and work diligently toward my dreams. Thank you so much!
I will be praying that the manager and everyone at LBTO will be filled with happiness in the coming year as well ♡
December 27, 2025
From, So-rim