Andrew Ryskamp, the director for World Renew-US, has been named chairperson of the Integral Alliance, a cohort of 19 global Christian relief and development agencies.
Andrew Ryskamp, the director for World Renew-US, has been named chairperson of the Integral Alliance, a cohort of 19 global Christian relief and development agencies.
The appointment, announced this week by the alliance’s board of directors, will take effect immediately. Ryskamp will continue his role as director of World Renew in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Ryskamp says being asked to fill the role as chair, vacated by Michael Nyenhuis from MAP International, is an honor. It is also humbling.
“My desire is to see Integral Alliance continue to flourish as it builds on the excellent ministry of its members and leverages it for the glory of God,” he says.
Together, Integral Alliance member organizations fight poverty in 85 countries and represent $675 million in ministry.
As the Integral Alliance, the organizations have the goal to coordinate their ministry efforts to avoid duplication and serve as many people as possible.
"My desire is to see Integral Alliance continue to flourish as it builds on the excellent ministry of its members and leverages it for the glory of God."
“Integral Alliance members have a variety of expertise and experience, but we all share a common commitment to serving God and carrying out ministry to those most in need in our world,” said Ryskamp.
“We also share key biblical motivations in our work such as partnering with local churches so that the witness of Christ’s love is strengthened.”
World Renew has been a member of the alliance since 2010.
Ryskamp says that being a member of Integral Alliance has been a tremendous blessing — for himself as well as for World Renew.
“As leaders of strongly Christian organizations from around the world, who care passionately about extending God's Kingdom to a hurting world, we not only collaborate together programmatically, but we become prayer partners for each other,” said Ryskamp.
Integral Alliance works collaboratively across its membership with a particular focus on working together in disasters.
Currently, Integral Alliance members are working in disaster responses in Syria, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and the Philippines.
In the Philippines, Integral Alliance members are funding and implementing a $13 million response to Typhoon Haiyan. World Renew is one of the main implementing partners of this project, with a total $6.8 million program plan, and several other Integral Alliance members are supporting this work with their prayers and financial gifts.
To date, World Renew has received $420.000 for Haiyan response from Integral Alliance members, with several major pledges still outstanding.
In addition, the Integral Alliance has developed a “hub” in the Philippines where members who are carrying out programming can share office space and staff and also meet together to coordinate their efforts. The end result is a streamlined process and budget for administrative overhead and more assistance for those most in need.