A Half Century of the Human Needs and Global Resources Program
“22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death..."
1 Corinthians 15:22-26
“The church, we say, is such a struggling minority to take upon itself the task of changing society. This overlooks the fact that the powers of the kingdom are already present. The kingdom is not entirely future, a sudden invasion from outer space at the end of time. It is here, leavening history in a powerful way.” (Dr. Melba Maggay, Transforming Society 1994)
The “Each in Turn” theme for the 50th anniversary events draws inspiration from 1 Corinthians 15, where we witness the early church wondering about the significance of Jesus’ resurrection. In looking back over 50 years of Human Needs and Global Resources, we invite our alumni, partner organization friends, and campus community to consider the past, present and future signs of Jesus’ resurrection life within and among us. What seeds were planted in our lives – as interns, as organizational leaders, and as educators – in seasons past that are bearing good fruit today? Who were those who offered creative, courageous witness to Jesus – the first crop of a harvest of life – even as they “faced death every day”? How are we to ordinarily live and work for resurrection today, in energetic anticipation of fullness of justice and abundant life to come?
We invite you to join us in 2026 to celebrate our 50th anniversary!
Every Human Needs & Global Resources alum and host organization partner is invited to return to campus to reminisce, fellowship, and share stories of God's faithfulness. We will host a variety of events, so keep an eye out here for further details!
50th Anniversary Schedule of Events
Come celebrate with us! We invite you to check back often for anniversary event updates and program announcements.
Conversations with HNGR alumni guests: Dr. J. Todd Billings (Uganda ’94) and Collin Flake, M.Div. (Indonesia ‘17)
With special guests Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst (A Rocha Costa Rica), Christophe Mbonyingabo and Diane Kantarama (Christian Action for Reconciliation and Social Assistance, CARSA), Dr. Rolando Pérez Vela, and José Vinces Rodríguez (Paz y Esperanza), Lalbiakhlui (Kuki) Rokhum (A Rocha International), and Dr. Melba Maggay (Institute for Studies in Asian Church and Culture, ISACC).
Schedule of Events
(* Public Event , *** HNGR Alumni and Partners only)
Thursday, September 17, 2026
- 50th Anniversary Open House *
- 3:00pm - 5:00pm, McAlister Hall Lobby
- "Mennomeal" Thursday Dinner ***
- 5:30pm - 6:30pm, Location TBD
- Plenary talk with Dr. Melba Maggay & Dr. Jordan Ryan (Associate Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College) *
- 7:00pm - 8:30pm, Barrows Auditorium, Billy Graham Hall
Friday, September 18, 2026
- Wheaton College Chapel with Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst *
- 10:40am - 11:20am, Edman Chapel, Watch Live here.
- 50th Anniversary Commissioning Dinner with Special Guests ***
- 6:00pm - 9:00pm, Coray Auditorium
Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Breakfast and Reconciliation Workshop with Diane Kantarama & Christophe Mbonyigabo ***
- 8:30am - 12:00 noon, Location TBD
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Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert (Dr. Benjamin Klemme, conductor)
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Featuring world premiere of a new orchestral work by Dr. Xavier Beteta
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Edman Chapel (7:30 pm)
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With special guests Drs. Deepak and Ashita Singh, Emmanuel Hospital Association, India