05/21/2026
Dear Children of the World Family,
After more than 30 years of serving children and families, it is with a heart full of gratitude, reflection, and deep emotion that I announce the closing of Children of the World.
This decision has not come easily, nor without much prayer. For over three decades, Children of the World has been far more than an organization to me—it has been a calling from God.
When this journey first began, I could never have imagined the countless lives that would be touched, the families that would be formed, or the incredible ways God would move through this work. What began as an act of faith and obedience grew into a ministry dedicated to children, families, hope, and love. Time and again, I have witnessed God’s hand at work in extraordinary ways—opening doors when there seemed to be none, carrying families through difficult seasons, and bringing children into loving homes where they were deeply wanted and cherished.
For more than 30 years, it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to walk alongside families during some of their most meaningful moments. We celebrated new beginnings, stood together through challenges, prayed through uncertainties, and rejoiced in homecomings. We have witnessed miracles both big and small, and through it all, I have remained humbled that God allowed me to be part of something so much bigger than myself.
Children of the World was never simply about paperwork, programs, or process. It was always about people. It was about answering a calling to serve children, strengthen families, and reflect God’s love in tangible ways. Every child, every parent, every story mattered. Each one became part of the legacy of this ministry.
As I close this chapter, I do so with mixed emotions. There is sadness in saying goodbye to something that has shaped so much of my life, but there is also immense gratitude. I truly believe there are seasons for every calling, and I trust that just as God faithfully led me to begin this work, He is faithfully leading me through its closing.
But before we say goodbye, I want us to celebrate.
The story of Children of the World has never been about an agency—it has been about family. It has been about children finding homes, parents answering a calling to love, and lives forever changed through adoption. What better way to honor over 30 years of ministry than by gathering together to celebrate the beautiful families and countless adoptions that became the heart of this mission?
In celebration of the incredible adoption stories, lifelong connections, and the legacy of Children of the World, I warmly invite you to join us for our Adoption Celebration:
📍 Adoption Celebration
Saturday, August 15, 2026
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Fairhope United Methodist Church
Whether Children of the World was part of your family’s journey, you served alongside us, prayed for this ministry, or supported this mission in any way, we would be honored to celebrate with you. Come reconnect, share memories, celebrate the lives touched through adoption, and give thanks together for all that God has done.
To every family who entrusted Children of the World with your journey—thank you. To every staff member, social worker, volunteer, partner, donor, advocate, and prayer warrior who supported this mission over the years—thank you. Your compassion, dedication, and faithfulness have changed lives in ways we may never fully know this side of Heaven.
While the doors of Children of the World may close, the impact of this ministry will continue. The children who found loving families, the parents whose lives were forever changed, and the generations shaped by those acts of love are part of a beautiful legacy that cannot be measured.
I leave this season with a grateful heart and deep peace, knowing that God has been faithful every step of the way. It has been one of the greatest blessings of my life to serve in this calling.
Thank you for allowing Children of the World to be part of your story. I hope to see you on August 15 as we celebrate all that God has done together.
With love, gratitude, and faith,
Pat Lee
