Orphaned & Vulnerable Children (OVC) Essentials is offered in partnership with the Christian Alliance for Orphans and provides broadened and deepened knowledge of best practices and critical issues within OVC care. Alongside an encouraging and stimulating community, OVC Essentials supplies challenge where necessary, and plenty inspiration for the road ahead.
OVC Essentials is offered in the spring, summer and fall. Apply now at the link below to start the approval process for an OVC Essentials Course Grant from Hephzibah62:4!
- Wesleyan University Students
- Church staff or lay leaders of Hephzibah62:4 Partner Churches
OVC Essentials was fundamental for my growth in knowledge and passion as a future Christian Counsellor.
I grew up without a father but in this course, I re-affirmed what I’ve always felt in my heart. I have an eternal Father who is God and who is always there for me, in the same way God is for the many vulnerable children on the entire planet. In this course, I was able to grasp precise material for distinctive subjects such as trauma, adoption and foster care. Every speaker brought their heart into the subject they exposed.
— Andrea, Kingswood University Student from Sussex, New Brunswick
Areas of Study: Bachelor of Theology, Christian Counselling Minor
(OVC Essentials) gives you valuable information and resources that help make a difference at any stage of life and ministry you are in.
It will stretch and challenge you in the best way possible. It has helped make an impact on my call and future ministry. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to take this course.
— Sharon, Kingswood University Student from Indian Trail, North Carolina
Areas of Study: BA in Christian Counseling, on Wesleyan Ordination Track
If everyone had the opportunity to go through the OVC Essentials course, it could truly change the dynamic of the universal Church.
I learned the importance of being others-focused and how you can help impact the community around you for good. I learned that it’s time to stand up and make a change in our communities, in our countries and around the world. Through this course God grabbed my attention most by showing me that there is still a lot of Kingdom work to be done.
— Aaron, Kingswood University Student from New Brunswick, Canada
Areas of Study: Children’s Ministry and Counseling
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to receive a Hephzibah62:4 OVC Essentials Course Grant?
Wesleyan church staff, lay leaders and volunteers of Hephzibah62:4 Partner Churches, plus current students of any of the five Wesleyan universities (Kingswood, Houghton, Indiana Wesleyan, Oklahoma Wesleyan, Southern Wesleyan), with a faculty recommendation.
The OVC Essentials Course Grant is offered as a reimbursement, on successful completion of the course. The up-front cost of the course is $99. Important: If you have extenuating circumstances, where covering this fee up front represents a hardship, do not hesitate to contact us to discuss other options. We are committed to your success in this opportunity!
What is the benefit of taking this course?
The course will help equip Wesleyan students and church leaders with insight and best practices as they work to transform the lives of vulnerable children through their roles as students, church members, community members, professionals and parents. Upon completion, earn a CAFO OVC Essentials Certificate – a notable addition to a resume, achievement to share with employers, and a significant personal accomplishment.
What does the curriculum cover?
Each week of OVC Essentials focuses on a different topic – poverty alleviation, adoption, foster care, short-term missions, family preservation and family-based care, trauma and attachment, cultivating an inner life and more!
When is the course offered?
OVC Essentials is offered 3 times/year Fall, Spring and Summer. Registration opens about 6 weeks before that session begins.
What does the Hephzibah62:4 grant cover for those taking the course?
Tuition and materials. All materials required for the course will be provided to you online.
What is the estimated workload?
4-6 hours/week, depending on your learning style.
What does the weekly work consist of?
Weekly assignments consist of readings, videos, and audio content to digest, as well as participation in a group online forum and Q&A calls with experts and leaders in the field.
The only group meeting time will be on Wednesdays for one hour, which consist of video calls with a guest speaker.
For those who can’t attend live, there is an option to listen to the recording and send the instructor a page of your notes/reflections.
What if I have a vacation scheduled during the course?
No problem! The OVC Essentials Course staff will work with you to make the requirements manageable while working around your vacation schedule.
Are there any other requirements for Hephzibah62:4 grant recipients?
We also ask for a one paragraph testimonial about your experience, a high-quality head shot and permission to use your first name, photo and testimonial for Hephzibah62:4 promotion.
I’m interested! What’s next?
Pastors and lay leaders of Hephzibah62:4 partner churches and Wesleyan university students, apply here for an OVC Essentials Course Grant. Not yet a Hephzibah62:4 partner church? Find more information here.