Extreme Response

MEET BELLA, DREAM CENTER TEACHING ASSISTANT
Introducing Izabella ("Aunty Bella") Pauls as a new member of the Fish Hoek Dream Center team. We are excited to welcome Bella to our team as an assistant teacher to the Bigs (older kids). She has jumped in helping with homework, creating helpful tools for the learners, and most importantly, building relationships!

We praise Jesus for adding her to our team so we can serve and love the kids even more faithfully. Bella is helping students studying and providing academic support. She will assist teaching Afrikaans when needed.

"What drew me to ER was the strong sense of purpose and faith-centered environment, and I felt that the Lord was leading me in this direction," Bella said.
Read more about Bella: https://conta.cc/4tWIIps.

An extraordinary transformation is taking place in Quito and we want you to be part or it. Last year, we purchased a former motorcycle shop that substantially expands the space to minister to the recycling (AKA Quito Dump) families and the broader community.

It will be the new home of the Quito Dream and Family Center. After 13 years in the overcrowded building we rented, we're ready to move and grow. God guided us to this building, and thanks to generous donors, renovations are underway.

We are thankful for two “maestros” (Spanish for contractors) bringing this project to life. We also are grateful to every volunteer who visits Quito and puts their own fingerprints on the story of this property.

Our first step was to make the property safe. We hired a security company, installed cameras, built gates, locks and window bars, and reinforced stairs. The property is now secure. We are excited to start on classrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, outdoor spaces and more.

Interested in visiting Quito to help with this multi-phase project? Visit our mobilization page: https://extremeresponse.org/get-involved/short-term-teams/.

You Can Make a Difference
Every year since 1997, ER has shared Christmas with at-risk people - those who are oppressed, impoverished or weighed down by life trials. Together, we can help transform their lives through education, job training, life skills and faith. Come with us to Ecuador or South Africa as we share the Good News through Christmas Outreaches. Sign up and be part of either trip! Visit https://extremeresponse.org/get-involved/christmas-teams/ to learn more.

We were blessed to have an energetic team of volunteers from Union University in Tennessee serve in South Africa last month. The team traveled to Fish Hoek to serve at the Dream Center and local schools, including Paul Greyling school next door.

They engaged the kids by listening to them read, playing basketball, helping with homework assignments, all while providing lots of encouragement and hugs.

"The joy of these kids is amazing. I've never seen children so welcoming, hugging us when we arrive and leave each day," shared Morgan. "It’s amazing how they are building relationship with us so quickly and that they welcome people so openly. It's clear they've been taught to love others well, and it's been a privilege to experience that. I'm genuinely sad that my time here is coming to an end."
Read more: https://conta.cc/4tWIIps.

MEET ANKE, OUR REGIONAL ADMIN. COORDINATOR

We are pleased to share that Anke Ferreira is ER's new Africa Region Administrative Coordinator. The devoted mother of two boys, she is married to Wayne, ER's Africa Regional Director. Anke is a dynamic and multifaceted professional whose experience integrates law, project management, creativity, wellness, and social impact.

Her journey has been enriched through her work with non-profit organizations in South Africa and Mozambique, where she engaged with diverse cultures and communities.Known for her solution-oriented mindset and ability to execute with excellence, Anke brings energy, insight, and intentionality into every space she steps into. Read more about Anke in our July News: https://conta.cc/4tWIIps.

One misconception in nonprofit work is that growth simply means doing more. More programs. More people served. More activity. But healthy, lasting growth requires much more than expansion alone.

We have learned that sustainable impact is built through strong relationships, trusted leadership, thoughtful planning and thinking long-term about the communities we serve. It means preparing carefully, strengthening what already exists, and making sure growth is supported in a healthy and responsible way. That kind of growth may happen more slowly, but it creates something far more meaningful: stability, consistency, and impact that lasts.

Thank you for being part of a community that values lasting impact and growth!
Meaghan Catron, Director of Development

Experience the Beauty of South Africa as an ER Volunteer
The Cape of Good Hope is located at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. It was first rounded by Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias in 1488. He named it the “Cape of Storms” because of treacherous seas. It was renamed the “Cape of Good Hope” because it opened a sea route to the East. Today, it's part of Table Mountain National Park and a popular destination. (Drive South Africa). Experience South Africa by volunteering with ER. Learn how: https://extremeresponse.org/get-involved/experience-er/.

Celebrating 25 Years of ER
"I’ve seen people from every walk of life step out in faith and discover that God can use their gifts, experiences, and talents to bring hope to others. I’ve watched people learn to pray, give and go in ways that bring Him glory. ER’s story is people saying “yes” to God and allowing Him to work through them.

"As we celebrate 25 years of ministry, my hope is God will continue to mobilize people to live lives of compassion, service and faith. I believe the greatest chapters of ER’s story are still ahead." – Ruth Harris, ER Mobilization Director
Read about ER's 25 Years: https://extremeresponse.org/er-celebrates-25-years/.

Today we honor the life of Joe Wendel. Joe and Julie, his wife, have invested deeply into the lives of countless people by loving them deeply, seeing opportunities for life change, and actively pursuing them. Joe, 52, of Noblesville, IN, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully following a cardiac event on May 16.

From an earthly perspective, we grieve at Joe’s passing and we ask that you pray for Julie and their sons Luke and Jake.

From a spiritual perspective, we celebrate Joe’s unflagging love for God and people. He was a strong supporter of ER staff members, our programs and Leader Mundial. Joe and Julie created the 7 Silos Foundation to help people worldwide.

“Joe will be greatly missed by so many people,” shared ER Mobilization Director Ruth Harris “But knowing he is healed and joyful in heaven with Jesus brings peace in the midst of the sadness.”

"We often say our lives have a ripple effect,” said Brad McKenna, ER President & CEO. “Joe’s life certainly did, in the most positive way."

“Over the years, we’ve had tons of shared experiences with Joe and Julie, including ER visiting projects and people,"said ER Founder Jerry Carnill. "Because Joe traveled to the ministry sites and personally talked with people, he heard their stories, saw their needs and realized the potential for life change was great.

“Joe was all about investing in people. He called it capacity-building. He did this by giving of his time, money and wisdom. He helped ER as an organization build capacity to reach more people. While Joe was incredibly generous, giving is not his legacy. It’s his love for people and the way he saw everyone uniquely."

Read more about Joe's life and impact: https://extremeresponse.org/er-tributes/.

You Are Making a Difference!
Your support is changing HUNDREDS of lives. Our iBIKE mobile education program celebrated Moving Up Day where 130 kids (YAY!) graduated to the next level. We recognized the kids for their growth and achievement. These students are a living testimony of God’s faithfulness. Watch the reel: https://www.facebook.com/61551915730295/videos/pcb.122285166218063857/1009015912023922.