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The CTL Story
Over 30 years of God's faithfulness
What began as a response to the Romanian orphan crisis has grown into a global ministry serving vulnerable children and families around the world. For more than 30 years, God has faithfully opened doors, built partnerships and transformed lives through the work of Children to Love. Explore the milestones that have shaped our story.
1989
The fall of communism in Romania exposes the devastating conditions inside the country’s orphanage system, where thousands of abandoned children were living in neglect and extreme poverty.
1991
A missions team sent through Joni and Friends travels to Romania to serve children with disabilities. Among the team members is DeAnn Sampley of Bakersfield, whose experience becomes part of the foundation for what would later become Children to Love. DeAnn Sampley (left) is pictured with Joni Eareckson Tada, during their first Romania trip in 1991.
1993
Children to Love International is officially founded in response to the orphan crisis in Romania. Early efforts focus on providing practical aid, building relationships inside orphanages and supporting vulnerable children through ongoing ministry presence.
2000
As Romania's social system rebuilds, CTL Romania expands from orphanage ministry into long-term support for struggling families, community programs and advocacy for vulnerable children.
2013
CTL partnerships expand into Uganda through Mercy Childcare Ministry.
2020
CTL formally establishes partnership with Grace Boarding House in Thailand.
OCTOBER 5, 1990
A nationally televised report reveals the realities of Romanian orphanages to the world, inspiring many to respond to the crisis.
1992
Teams from Laurelglen Bible Church in Bakersfield begin traveling to Romania. International adoptions occur, but a deeper question emerges: What more can be done for the children who remain?
1990s
Throughout the 1990s, CTL regularly sent teams and humanitarian aid to Romania while building deep relationships with orphanages, local leaders and vulnerable families in Bucharest. These years laid the foundation for the long-term partnerships and ministry approach that continue to shape CTL today.
2008
CTL begins its first international partnership outside Romania in India, marking a significant shift toward investing in locally led ministries to provide long-term, sustainable care for vulnerable children in the name of Jesus.
2017
Children to Love begins partnering with Future for Children in Ukraine, serving vulnerable children and families.
Today
Today, Children to Love International partners with locally led ministries in Romania, India, Uganda, Ukraine and Thailand to serve more than 1,600 vulnerable children each day. What began as a response to the Romanian orphan crisis has grown into a global ministry bringing care, discipleship, education and the hope of the Gospel to children and families in need.