Breaking the Cycle of Generational Poverty, One Child at a Time

Anusha is one little girl with a very big dream: She wants to be a doctor.

But unlike many children in her situation, Anusha—an orphan—may actually get the chance to fulfill that dream, thanks to the love and support of Back2Back Ministries, an international Christian nonprofit dedicated to being a voice for orphaned and impoverished children to help break the cycle of generational poverty.

“Love has absolutely been the driving force in all that we’ve done,” says Beth Guckenberger, who founded Back2Back with her husband, Todd, in 1997 after the Holy Spirit led them to move to Mexico.

With sites today in Mexico, India, Nigeria and Haiti, Back2Back uses a five-point child development plan to provide holistic orphan care that meets the spiritual, physical, educational, emotional and social needs of the children it serves.

The ministry partners with locals and with churches, with universities and with schools to offer financial and human resources along with encouragement, prayer and training to accomplish goals.

Through Back2Back’s child sponsorship and education programs, children receive nutritious food, clothes, shelter and medical care and are given the chance to further their education.

But the ministry does more than provide meals and schooling.

“We want growth that’s sustainable, that’s really going deep,” says Claire Rogers, Back2Back’s communications coordinator. “We don’t focus on numbers. We see children as individuals, doing whatever it takes for them to work through the trauma of their past … so they can thrive in the future.”

As so many of the children Back2Back serves have come out of neglected and abusive situations, they receive professional counseling, are taught important life and communication skills, and experience the love of Jesus through the dedicated volunteers and discipleship and Bible study opportunities.

“Every new program has been something that God has laid before us,” Beth Guckenberger says. “I emphasize that it doesn’t matter what your background is. God is just looking for two things: faithfulness and availability. He’ll do amazing things through you. Clearly the credit goes to Him.”