About Us
History
In 1993, TouchGlobal, then Compassion Ministries, was nothing more than a dream to assist EFCA International Mission personnel engaged in relief and development programs. The onslaught of world crises in the mid-90's propelled the ministry to become more actively involved in the role of crisis response. Through these efforts several new church planting works were begun and a number of other church planting efforts were significantly strengthened. From 1996-2000 over $1 million was given through Compassion Ministries to impact our church planting work in over 20 different countries around the world.
In 2001, EFCA Compassion Ministries moved to its current location in Rockford, IL. With a team of five, the ministry grew to engage more volunteers in the function of the "Ministry Center" - sorting, packing and shipping supplies for ministry locations worldwide. In 2002, Gift-in-Kind receipts reached nearly $1 million.
In 2004, the South Asia Tsunami became the largest single response of the Evangelical Free Church of America to any global crisis. Over $1.6 million was given through EFCA Compassion Ministries to enable our response to this event in this creative access context. Then, in the summer of 2005, the South Asia response was eclipsed by Hurricane Katrina. An outpouring from the EFCA of both financial assistance (totaling in excess of $2 million) and volunteer help in the New Orleans area. This has resulted in an unprecedented demonstration of compassion and because of it, many people have come to a new faith in Christ.
In 2006, EFCA Compassion Ministries became TouchGlobal. The ministry continues to grow in response to the many opportunities presented the EFCA to demonstrate compassion both domestically and internationally. As God continues to lay these opportunities at our doorstep, our response is that of our denomination. By providing platforms for ministry to those in need, we assist our churches in the demonstration of compassion in order to multiply healthy churches among all people.
