Hope in Action
i58 Global is an Anabaptist (Christian) faith-based organization (FBO) dedicated to serving refugees and forcibly displaced people, governed by an executive board representing seven churches in the USA. As an Anabaptist organization, we are rooted in a tradition that emphasizes peacemaking and service to the marginalized, values that have shaped our community-centered approach to humanitarian work.
Born out of the critical Syrian refugee crisis that flowed into Greece in 2015, the organization has since expanded its reach across multiple countries and locations where we have served thousands of refugees.
Our name and foundational vision were inspired by Isaiah chapter 58, which calls for a lifestyle of active compassion: feeding the hungry, sheltering the weary, clothing the vulnerable, and breaking chains of oppression. Guided by this vision, we partner with international agencies and, where appropriate, in-country NGOs to bring Hope in Action to individuals rebuilding their lives along the global refugee highway.
Our unique role as a faith-motivated organization aligns with the UNHCR’s landmark 2012 High Commissioner’s Dialogue on Protection Challenges. This historic gathering explicitly recognized the indispensable partnership of faith-based organizations, highlighting their unique capacity to foster local trust, build community resilience, and provide critical humanitarian relief in complex environments where non-faith-based agencies face operational limitations. By bridging these gaps, we help ensure that vulnerable populations receive comprehensive and dignified care.
Our Vision
That the whole world would see the glory of the Lord.
Our Mission
To recruit, send, and organize relief workers, empowering them to provide and share hope with refugees in Greece and beyond.
Our Core Values
Integrity
We seek to uphold truth and love in all relationships. By valuing partnerships and transparency, we aim to cultivate an environment that strengthens trust and community.
Walk of Faith
We are committed to following God’s calling through the open doors presented by the global refugee crisis. As the situation continues to change, we remain flexible and responsive to the needs that arise.
Forward Focus
We prepare volunteers spiritually for future Kingdom service by fostering collaboration, growth, and adaptability both personally and within our teams.
Kingdom Passion
We seek to work with God’s people around the world to share the light of the Gospel and extend Christ’s love in practical ways. We are also committed to discipleship, encouraging seekers and believers to grow in their relationship with God.
Through partnerships with NGOs and other faith-based organizations, we seek to support refugees across the continuum from emergency response to recovery and long-term stability.
Grounded in the belief that every refugee bears inherent value as an image-bearer of God, i58 endeavors to provide holistic, relational support that nurtures healing and restored dignity.
We engage with individuals and families from crisis to integration, helping refugees rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and experience restored hope.
Continuum of Response
A Brief History
The Beginning: Lesvos & Camp Moria
i58 Global began in November 2015 in response to the Syrian refugee crisis, when a small team traveled to the island of Lesvos to serve people arriving by boat. With no formal structure or long-term plan, they came simply to be present and meet immediate needs.
Meeting Needs, Building Trust
Small teams began serving in Camp Moria, starting with overlooked tasks like cleaning overcrowded bathrooms. By serving faithfully and humbly wherever needed, they built trust that opened the door to broader roles, including shelter allocation and helping newly arrived asylum seekers find tents.
Needs Beyond Measure
Arrivals to the Greek islands increased dramatically. Volunteers described overwhelming need, insufficient resources, and constant movement of new arrivals.
Fire, Crisis, and Commitment
Camp Moria faced devastating fires and unrest, displacing thousands overnight.
A Shift Toward Long-Term Presence
The crisis transitioned from emergency response to long-term presence. Despite COVID restrictions and ongoing instability, i58 committed to staying and serving for as long as asylum seekers continue to arrive.
Expansion to Germany, Romania/Ukraine
Opportunities presented themselves for i58 Global to expand its presence beyond Greece.
Crisis Response & Sustainability
A devastating earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria, prompting i58 Global to send volunteers to support food distribution, shelter, and relief efforts.
Faithful Through Change
Our staff and volunteers demonstrated dedication, wisdom, and resilience throughout the year. We experienced both joy and sorrow, marked by loss, new life, farewells, and the arrival of new team members. Through every transition, we remain grateful for God's faithful guidance and the strength He provides.
Financial Transparency
As a 501(c)3 organization we are committed to the responsible stewardship of every resource entrusted to us. To maintain transparency and build trust with supporters and partners, our annual reports and financial information are publicly available.
Annual Reports
i58's annual reports provide an overview of the year’s activities, impact, and financial accountability.
