Who We are

Why We Exist

To see orphaned and vulnerable children empowered to thrive and lead within their own communities.

F4O exists to address the orphan crisis in Mozambique through long-term, sustainable solutions. Rather than temporary aid, we focus on empowerment—partnering with children and communities as they develop the skills, faith, and leadership needed to build lasting change for generations to come.

Our Values

Empowerment Over Dependency

We believe true transformation happens when children and communities are equipped to become self-sustaining. Every initiative is designed to build independence, dignity, and long-term impact.

Partnership With Purpose

Lasting change is only possible through trusted relationships. We work alongside local leaders, caregivers, and communities to ensure solutions are culturally relevant, community-led, and sustainable.

Faith
in Action

Our work is guided by Biblical principles of love, stewardship, and service. We seek to live out our faith through practical action, integrity, and compassion in everything we do.

What We Believe

This is how we view God, Jesus, the Bible, man, and many significant aspects of our faith. Firmly rooted in Scripture, our beliefs guide our decisions as a church.

The Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it was inspired by God, the Bible is truth without any mixture of error and is completely relevant to our daily lives.

The Trinity

God has existed in relationship with Himself for all eternity. He exists as one substance in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Although each member of the Trinity serves different functions, they each possess equal power and authority.

The Father

God is great: He is all powerful, all knowing, ever present, unchanging, completely worthy of our trust, and above all, Holy. It is in Him that we live, move and exist. God is good. He is our Father. He is loving, compassionate, and faithful to His people and His promises.

The Son

Jesus Christ is completely human but, at the same time, completely God. He is the only plan for bringing people who are far from God back into a right relationship with God. He lived a perfect life, so that He could be a substitution for us in satisfying God’s demands for perfection. He defeated death in His resurrection so that we can have life.

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit’s presence assures us of our relationship with Christ. He guides believers into all truth and exalts Christ. He convicts people of their sin, God’s righteousness, and the coming judgment. He comforts us, gives us spiritual gifts, and makes us more like Christ.

Eternity

Man was created to exist forever. He will exist either eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is Heaven. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.

Man

The Bible is God’s Word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it was inspired by God, the Bible is truth without any mixture of error and is completely relevant to our daily lives.

Salvation

God has existed in relationship with Himself for all eternity. He exists as one substance in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Although each member of the Trinity serves different functions, they each possess equal power and authority.

The Church

The Church is a local community of believers unified through faith in Christ. It is committed to the teachings of Christ and obeying all of His commands, and it seeks to bring the Gospel to the world. The Church works together in love and unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ.

What We Believe

Our beliefs shape how we serve, partner, and engage with communities. These principles guide our mission and ensure that everything we do remains focused on dignity, sustainability, and hope.

Our Leadership

The Rev. Wayne Lavender, Ph.d. Executive Director

is a United Methodist pastor currently serving as the executive director of the Foundation 4 Orphans and faculty member in the political science departments at Quinnipiac University and the University of Connecticut. A graduate of the doctoral program at George Mason’s School of Public Policy in 2010, he earned his BA. from Drew University, and an MA. and M.Div. from the Pacific School of Religion. The winner of the Harry Denman Evangelism Award in 2004 for his ministry at the New Milford UMC in New Milford, CT, Wayne has worked and taught at universities in Iraq, Mozambique, and the United States. He is the author of nine books, including Pure Religion, and is currently working with Oxford University Press on the book Imperial Christianity scheduled to be published later this year. Wayne lives close to nature with his wife Maureen at the conference and retreat center for the Foundation 4 Orphans in Hamden, Connecticut.

Rev. Alzira Isaac

Mozambique Country Manager
Alzira is a United Methodist Church elder serving as the Country Manager in Mozambique for the F4O – Zoe Empowers program. She been working with orphaned and vulnerable youth for over a decade, first as the coordinator for womens projects in Mozambique where she oversaw the orphanages F4O had constructed and funded, and now with F4O – Zoe empowers. She is competent in team and resource management, overseeing daily operations and organizational development strategies to efficiently achieve our gouls and objectives.