My Nonprofit Reviews

I have previously volunteered for and, since then, continued following VOB’s ventures with the people of Tijuana as well as those of the First Nations, and I am always impressed by their commitment to their pursuit of service and worship. They are true to their cause and have been so for several years now, faithful to update their sponsors and those who are only able to contribute with prayers and an occasional lend of hand. Because of their size, nearly all of their donations go straight into the ministry, with only their living expenses being covered. What’s more, they have been able to sponsor children in Tijuana through school who would otherwise had to have dropped out due to lack of funds! This nonprofit is all heart!

Voice of the Bride goes far above the expectations of any not for profit organization that I have heard of, from the time dedicated regardless of circumstance to the genuine care and intention of the staff (however small it may be on that day!), Voice of the Bride is one of the best I have ever served!

The NFP was began by Wayne Kiger-Rice, a man invested in his ministry and solely funded by the support that he and his wife, Carol, have fundraised and have coming in from faithful donors, month after month, some giving for over a decade! Wayne has partnered with many local churches, food stores, and warehouses, all offering the extra food that would be disposed of due to the inability to send it out and brings it to those in need across the border to Tijuana. His connections have grown immensely in the past 7 years as he continued to serve diligently, rain or shine, solo or with other volunteers, all with the intent on not only feeding the hungry, but embracing the virtue of compassion. His genuine love for people has extended not only to those hungry souls, but has granted him good standing with the aduanas at the border who know him by name and face since he crosses 3 times a week! He also went so far as to connect with the locals and partner with their ministries to make a bigger impact and spread the wealth to even deeper reaches of Baja California. His partners have helped him pour into the rehab centers, orphanages, convents, and even the aqueducts where more and more homeless are finding themselves. His personal impact alone has also affected the lives of several families that he has befriended and personally makes the extra effort to support. Wayne's love for people knows no bounds.

When I was able to begin serving, it was merely by helping sort food and load his truck as it would cross the border. Later, I found myself available to go down and take part in the more intimate part of the organization and found myself enamored by the joy the locals had when we arrived. They were eager to not only help me with the off-loads and prep work, but also just as eager to invite me in, meet their families, and even share what they had with me. The love reciprocates even today as I am no longer able to volunteer since having moved out of San Diego.

Wayne has invested a great deal into the operations, resource allocation, connections, and personal attention he gives to each member of the team (volunteers in San Diego and Tijuana and sponsors from across the country) Regardless of how little money may come in, he still finds a way to make it work and puts an emphasis on reminding himself daily of why he does what he does... His heart never waivers from his passion, and his passion will always be to serve.

All in all, Voice of the Bride is, by far, one of the most intentional and loving ministries that I have had the privilege of serving alongside and, should I ever find myself back in San Diego, you can be sure that I will be back in the midst of sorting spoiled foods from good food and loading the truck that finds its way across the border each week. It is an opportunity to see the world through new eyes and the joy and heartfelt gratitude that is reciprocated when Wayne arrives is second to none. If you are looking for a NFP to sponsor, partner with or volunteer for, THIS IS IT!

- Jimmy "The Human Crane"