My Name is Life - Holt International

From Your
Heart...
to Your
Home
Fulfilling the dream
of a family
for over 50 years.
Adoption from China
and other countries
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1-888-355-HOLT
finding families
for children
Dear Readers
When we set out to produce this special 50th anniversary edition of Holt International magazine,
we knew we could include only some of the highlights of Holt’s history. The more we worked on
this project, the more wonderful stories and photos we had to leave out. Still, we hope we’ve
captured some of the sweep and breadth of this wonderful story.
Holt’s rich history is populated with the lives of children, with workers and leaders who dedicated
themselves to the principle that children need families, and with contributors whose sacrificial
giving exemplifies a belief in the value of every child. Devoted people have brought their hard
work, skills and resources to place children into the loving arms of permanent parents, and we are
grateful for everyone.
We thank God for the incredible privilege of helping children. God’s hand has guided Holt International
through many difficult circumstances. And we praise Him for so many glorious moments
when we’ve seen His hand touching the life of a child and allowing us to be a part of His work.
Holt’s history is a valuable reminder of the Source of Holt’s success, but this history only introduces
us to the challenges ahead.
Those of you who read this publication now are a part of the continuing Holt story. So much
remains to be done. There are yet children around the world who need the love and belonging of
a family. You have a vital role in the lives of those children… and in the next chapters of Holt’s
history.
contents
A Legacy of Love
The Holt Story 4
A couple from rural Oregon changed
the world of adoption
Harry and Bertha Holt 8
Profiles of faith, love and determination
Adopting—the early years 12
The firsthand account of an adoptive mother
who witnessed one of the greatest crises Holt
International ever faced
Molly Holt 13
In 1955 she committed her life to serving
the children of Korea
A Legacy of Caring
Holt’s 50-year legacy 14
of serving children around the world
President’s Message 31
The Power of One… and Many
Gary Gamer highlights people who helped
children to have families.
A n I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n f e r e n c e H o s t e d b y H o l t I n t e r n a t i o n a l
—John Aeby, Editor
Cover: For 50 years Holt has
sought to elevate the status of
homeless children around the
world. While Holt develops
innovative programs every year,
simple human caring remains
Holt’s greatest tool for helping
children thrive until they can be
placed with a permanent family.
Two girls in China, 2005.
A conference for international leaders working on behalf
of orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children around
the world. Go to the website for more information:
www.holtinternational.org/conference
50th Anniversary Edition 2006 vol. 48 no. 2
holt international children’s services
P.O. Box 2880 (1195 City View) Eugene, OR 97402
Ph: 541/687.2202 Fax: 541/683.6175
our mission
Holt International is dedicated to carrying out God’s plan for
every child to have a permanent, loving family.
In 1955 Harry and Bertha Holt responded to the conviction
that God had called them to help children left homeless by the
Korean War. Though it took an act of the U.S. Congress, the
Holts adopted eight of those children. But they were moved by
the desperate plight of other orphaned children in Korea and other
countries as well, so they founded Holt International Children’s
Services in order to unite homeless children with families who
would love them as their own. Today Holt International serves
children and families in Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Ecuador,
Guatemala, Haiti, India, Korea, Mongolia, the Philippines,
Romania, Thailand, the United States, Uganda, Ukraine and
Vietnam.
president & ceo Gary N. Gamer
vice-president of programs & services Carole Stiles
vice-president of marketing & development Phillip A. Littleton
vice-president of public policy & advocacy Susan Soon-keum Cox
vice-president of finance & administration Kevin Sweeney
board of directors
chair James D. Barfoot vice-chair Julia K. Banta president emeritus
Dr. David H. Kim secretary Claire A. Noland members Andrew R.
Bailey, Rebecca C. Brandt, Kim S. Brown, Wilma R. Cheney,
Clinton C. Cottrell, Will C. Dantzler, Cynthia G. Davis, A.
Paul Disdier, Rosser B. Edwards, David L. Hafner, Jeffrey B.
Saddington, Shirley M. Stewart, Steven Stirling
holt international magazine is published bimonthly by Holt
International Children’s Services, Inc., a nonprofit Christian child
welfare organization. While Holt International is responsible for the
content of Holt International magazine, the viewpoints expressed in
this publication are not necessarily those of the organization.
editor John Aeby
managing editor Alice Evans
graphic design & LAYOUT Brian Campbell
assistant Sara Moss
subscription orders/inquiries and address changes
Send all editorial correspondence and changes of address to Holt
International magazine, Holt International, P.O. Box 2880, Eugene,
OR 97402. We ask for an annual donation of $20 to cover the
cost of publication and mailing inside the United States and $40
outside the United States. Holt welcomes the contribution of
letters and articles for publication, but assumes no responsibility
for return of letters, manuscripts, or photos.
reprint information
Permission from Holt International is required prior to reprinting any
portion of Holt International magazine. Please direct reprint requests
to editor John Aeby at 541/687.2202 or johna@holtinternational.org.
arkansas office
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Ph/Fax: 501/568.2827
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Ph: 916/487.4658 Fax: 916/487.7068
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Ph: 402/934.5031 Fax: 402/934.5034
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Missouri@holtinternational.org
oregon office
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Ph: 503/244.2440 Fax: 503/245.2498
new jersey office
340 Scotch Rd. (2nd Floor), Trenton, NJ 08628
Ph: 609/882.4972 Fax: 609/883.2398
Copyright ©2006 by Holt International Children’s Services, Inc.
ISSN 1047-7640
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