Transforming Trauma into Faith
In Iraq’s refugee camps, widows scarred by unimaginable loss are encountering the healing love of Christ
about us
Welcome to World Challenge
VISION
To expand and offer Christ-centered care to orphans and widows in war-torn, extreme poverty, and persecuted areas around the world.
Out of the world’s 158 million orphans, only 10 million have a safe home.
We want to change that.
THE MISSION
OF WORLD CHALLENGE
We seek to rescue orphans and widows from a life of abandonment, poverty, and hunger. By bringing them into a loving home, renewed health, emotional well-being, a hope for the future and most of all a new friendship with Jesus.
Where spiritual and material poverty overlap and Christians are ostracized and persecuted, we want to care for orphans and widows. Why? Because we believe that Jesus cares for them and that by caring for the most needy, we can shine the light of the Gospel that can change cultures for generations.
THE MESSAGE
OF WORLD CHALLENGE
The Gospel is at the forefront of all World Challenge has done for over 50 years. From our beginnings ministering to teenagers in the United States, international conferences for Christian leaders and the distribution of literature, to our core mission of caring for orphans and widows as James 1:27 instructs – World Challenge has seen God impact the lives of millions in word and action.
World Challenge, Inc. was founded by Reverend David Wilkerson in 1971 and served as a corporate umbrella for his worldwide conferences, book and tract publication, video production, evangelism, literature distribution, church planting, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers and many charitable outreaches.
Today, World Challenge shares the message of the gospel and serves orphans and widows.
Gary Wilkerson became president of World Challenge in 2011 and moves forward with the same heart and vision as his father.
Leadership
GARY WILKERSON
President
JOHN BAILEY
Chief Missions Officer
KELLY WILKERSON
Vice President
TODD KANNEGIETER
Chief Financial Officer
Board Members
BARRY MEGUIAR
Chairman
GARY WILKERSON
President
ROGER JONKER
Secretary
CARTER CONLON
TIM DILENA
CLAUDE HOUDE
RON BROWN
KELLY WILKERSON
Stories of Hope and Refuge
Providing Deeper Care than Ever Before
At World Challenge, we are committed to providing more than a temporary fix. In 2026, we are launching permanent care centers in several high-need countries to offer a safe home, dependable community, and the hope of Jesus. Through local partnerships, education, and job training, these women and children are equipped to thrive and lead in their own communities. Your one-time gift will fund these centers with the resources they need. Help us build a foundation for even deeper care in the coming years.
Continuous Care in War-torn Countries
Ivan's life was shattered by the war and then by sickness. He is now in a secure location, reunited with surviving family members, and receiving treatment because of donors like you. Your $40 monthly commitment ensures that orphans like Ivan have the treatment they need to survive and the community they need to thrive.
RECENT CONTENT
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The Global Impact of Pure Religion
War, poverty, and persecution have displaced millions of orphans and widows. But beyond survival, we are witnessing transformation. Through your generosity, hundreds have given their lives to Christ—many taking the courageous step of baptism as a public declaration of faith, even in hostile environments.