As we’re in the midst of this exciting launch in Ethiopia, I wanted to share with you some of the factors that we use at Children’s HopeChestin deciding how to expand. As you can tell from my previous posts, not everything goes according to plan and you have to be flexible and get very good and turning lemons into lemonade.

When we talk about expansion in the U.S., we’re typically looking at seven different factors. These are “guiding principles” that may be expressed differently in each country where we choose to work. They are identified here as guidelines for expansion and the type of information our executive leadership needs before committing to expansion. Not all principles will line up perfectly…and many could be weak or developing at the point of making a commitment to expand. 

1. Spiritual: Expansion follows the conviction of the Holy Spirit in His guidance of the leadership of Children’s HopeChest.
2. Sponsoring Organizations: Expansion depends upon the interest of CHC partners (churches and businesses) to establish a long-term presence through our sponsorship program.
3. Donor Investment: Expansion requires the investment of donor seed money in the initial stages.
4. Ministry Partners: Expansion to new countries requires strong, in-country, national-led partner ministries with a true heart of caring for orphans in their distress.
5. Mission-Centered Programming: Expansion must afford Children’s HopeChest the ability to support programs that are consistent with the mission that every orphan knows Him, experiences the blessing of family, and acquires skills for independent living.
6. Infrastructure: Expansiondemands CHC have the appropriate U.S.infrastructure in place to support and grow new ministries in new places.
7. Country Selection: Expansionrequires significant due diligence before selecting a country for new programming—this includes cultural considerations as well as travel realities.