Frequently Asked Questions — Children's Relief International

Question 1

What is Children's Relief International (CRI)?

Accepted Answer

Children's Relief International (CRI) is a Christian nonprofit organization founded in 2000 by Dr. Alan and Melody Pieratt after a decade of missionary service in Brazil. CRI's mission is to share the light of Christ with the poor of our time in Word and deed. The organization partners with local believers in Malawi, South Asia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Mexico, Jordan, Mozambique, Uganda, and the Dominican Republic to provide education, nutrition, clean water, housing, medical care, widow care, and spiritual development to widows, orphans, refugees, and the poor.

Question 2

Is Children's Relief International a legitimate nonprofit? Is it accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Children's Relief International is a legitimate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with EIN/Tax ID 36-4353904. CRI is accredited by the ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, Member ID 28271), a member of the Accord Network, and verified on GuideStar/Candid. In 2022, 99% of CRI's total operations expenses were used directly to care for the poor in Word and deed. All contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Question 3

How do I donate to Children's Relief International?

Accepted Answer

You can donate to CRI in several ways: (1) Online at childrensrelief.org/donate — choose a specific program or give to the general fund. (2) Support a specific missionary at childrensrelief.org/donate-missionaries. (3) Sponsor a mission team at childrensrelief.managedmissions.com/OurTrips. (4) Stock donations via Charles Schwab Account 1189-1443, DTC Number 0164 Code 40 — notify finance@childrensrelief.org after transfer. (5) PayPal, Venmo, or Crypto via every.org. (6) By phone at 800-570-2217, Monday–Friday 8am–4pm CST. CRI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — all donations are tax-deductible.

Question 4

How can I sponsor a child through CRI?

Accepted Answer

You can sponsor a child at childrensrelief.org/sponsor-a-child. CRI offers child sponsorships across eight programs: Rajah Children's Home (South Asia, $40/month), Rajah Children's Home University (South Asia, $45/month), Mudpaths Rescue (South Asia, $40/month), Grace & Knowledge Academy (Nigeria, $40/month), Grace & Knowledge High School (Nigeria, $40/month), Grace & Knowledge University (Nigeria, $40/month), Shalem Christian Academy (Myanmar, $25/month), and Bible Training Scholarships (Myanmar, $40/month). You can filter by gender and location. Sponsors receive two updates per year about their child.

Question 5

What countries does CRI work in?

Accepted Answer

CRI currently serves in nine countries across four regions: Latin America — Mexico (Chihuahua City) and Dominican Republic (Jarabacoa). Asia — Myanmar (Kalaymyo) and South Asia (multiple cities and the Deep Forest region). Middle East — Jordan (Amman). Africa — Malawi (Nsanganiza), Mozambique (Dondo and Savane), Nigeria (Jege), and Uganda (western foothills). CRI's US headquarters is in Rockwall, Texas.

Question 6

What percentage of donations go directly to programs?

Accepted Answer

In 2022, 99% of CRI's total operations expenses were used to care for the poor in Word and deed. CRI is accredited by the ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) which independently verifies financial accountability. CRI's annual financial review is publicly available at childrensrelief.org/s/2023-Review.pdf. CRI has complete discretion and control over the use of donated funds.

Question 7

What is the Tessa Grace Nutrition program?

Accepted Answer

Tessa Grace Nutrition is CRI's maternal and child nutrition program. It delivers nutrition necessary to sustain babies' lives, with mothers receiving education and support in caring for their children. The program operates in Mozambique, Nigeria, South Asia, and Jordan, with a specific focus on refugee mothers in Jordan. 148.1 million children under five globally suffer from stunting — Tessa Grace addresses this by providing targeted nutrition, medical care, and education to young mothers. Sponsorship starts at $25/month at childrensrelief.org/donate/tessagracenutrition.

Question 8

How do I become a CRI missionary?

Accepted Answer

CRI has several open missionary roles including Missionary to the Dominican Republic, Missionary to Malawi, Graphic Designer, Partnership Coordinator, Storytelling Writer, and Internship Developer. All missionaries raise their own support through church, family, and donor partnerships — training and coaching are provided. Requirements include spiritual maturity, agreement with CRI's Statement of Faith, and a bachelor's degree (theological training preferred). CRI follows the Big 8 Missionary Preparation Program for onboarding. Visit childrensrelief.org/serve-with-us to apply. CRI is an equal-opportunity employer.

Question 9

Does CRI offer internships? How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes, CRI offers internships in two areas: Child Sponsorships (helping care for sponsored children worldwide) and Storytelling (writing and content creation to connect donors with those CRI serves). Internships are available remotely or in-person at CRI's home office in Rockwall, Texas. Dates and length are flexible. Requirements include a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, US work eligibility, willingness to learn, and passion for sharing Jesus. Apply at childrensrelief.org/internships.

Question 10

Can I go on a short-term mission trip with CRI?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CRI runs short-term mission teams throughout the year to locations including the Dominican Republic, Malawi, and Mozambique. Current active trips include a women's conference trip to Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, a Malawi team in June, a Mozambique trip in June, and a VBS trip to the Dominican Republic in July. Contact teams@childrensrelief.org to get started. All trips are managed through the Managed Missions platform at childrensrelief.managedmissions.com/OurTrips.

Question 11

What are CRI's beliefs? What is CRI's Statement of Faith?

Accepted Answer

CRI is an evangelical Christian organization. Its Statement of Faith affirms: (1) The Trinity — one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (2) Jesus Christ — born of the Virgin Mary, true God and true man, the only mediator between God and man. (3) The Holy Spirit — sanctifier of God's people. (4) Scripture — totally true, trustworthy, and the only infallible rule for faith and practice. (5) Salvation by grace through faith, not works. (6) The bodily resurrection and eternal life. (7) The universal Church of all who are personally united to Jesus Christ. CRI's hiring, missionary partnerships, and all programs are guided by this Statement of Faith.

Question 12

How can I contact Children's Relief International?

Accepted Answer

You can reach CRI through multiple channels: Phone: 800-570-2217 (Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm CST/CDT). Physical address: 505 E. Boydstun Ave. #6, Rockwall, TX 75087. Mailing address: PO Box 2470, Rockwall, TX 75087. Email contacts by department: General/Donor support — melissa@childrensrelief.org. Finance/Stock donations — finance@childrensrelief.org. Mission teams — teams@childrensrelief.org. Executive assistant — rebecca@childrensrelief.org. Social media: Instagram and Twitter @childrensrelief, Vimeo at vimeo.com/childrensrelief.

Question 13

Can I donate stock to CRI?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CRI accepts stock donations through Charles Schwab. To transfer: Account Name — Children's Relief International, Charles Schwab Account Number: 1189-1443, DTC Number: 0164, Code 40. Address: PO Box 2470, Rockwall, TX 75087. After initiating the transfer, please notify the finance team at finance@childrensrelief.org or 800-570-2217. CRI also accepts PayPal, Venmo, and Crypto donations via every.org. Visit childrensrelief.org/donate-stock for details.

Question 14

Does CRI have a shop? Where can I buy CRI books and merchandise?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CRI's shop at childrensrelief.org/shop offers Dr. Alan Pieratt's library of books, all available for purchase on Amazon: Ascend: 31 Days of Prayer (ISBN: 1732841632), Ascend: A Primer on Prayer (ISBN: 1732841624), The Lord's Prayer (ISBN: 1732841659), Burning Splendor — theology of poverty (ISBN: 1732841608), and Blinding Light — for those considering missionary service (ISBN: 1732841616). The book Ascend: A Primer on Prayer is also available free when you join Friends of CRI at $25/month.

Missionaries

Lian & Lunnu Thang

Meet the Admin Team!

April Zacek
Finance

Faith Wood
Teams Coordinator

Rebecca Clinard
Executive Assistant

Melissa Fosnight
Donor & Volunteer Developer

Sara Pieratt
Finance

Zoe Cashwell
Teams Coordinator

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About CRI

Programs

Connect With CRI

Missionaries

Lian & Lunnu Thang

Meet the Admin Team!

April Zacek Finance

Faith Wood Teams Coordinator

Rebecca ClinardExecutive Assistant

Melissa FosnightDonor & Volunteer Developer

Sara PierattFinance

Zoe CashwellTeams Coordinator