Staff Spotlight – Jimbo Savley

What is your job title and description here at Small World?

I am CEO/Executive Director. I’m responsible for the vision and mission of Small World. I oversee our orphan ministry, birthparent ministry and adoption agency operations. It is my responsibility to carry out God’s calling on Small World and it is my great pleasure to do so.

How long have you been working with Small World?

30 years

What do you enjoy most about your job?

There are various things from hearing the happy tears of an adoptive parent being matched with a child or a birthparents smile when they see there is hope or getting to visit with the kids in orphanages like our home in Liberia and then later seeing them at the Small World office or events in the US with their forever family.  But most of all, it’s knowing that we are carrying out God’s mission for Small World, making orphans a son or daughter again.

How have you grown personally from working at Small World and with their families?

I’m constantly growing. God continually uses the work we do to shape and mold me as He sees fit. My compassion has grown, my patience has grown and my dedication to justice for the orphan has grown.

Why do you love adoption?

The orphan is innocent. They didn’t ask to be born in a family who can’t or won’t care for them. In so many cultures they are looked down upon, seen as the lowest of society and seen as not worthy of attention.  But God.  He says they are worthy of His attention. Even though most of the world says they are not worthy, adoption says they are. That is a picture of what God offers to each of us, even though we are not worthy of Him, He says come, be My son/daughter.  That is why I love adoption.

What is a memorable story and how you have seen God move through Small World?

I’ve had a hand in many adoptions over my 30 years and there are many that stand out. But one has recently stood out. It’s always fun to help in some way on any adoption, but when that child is close by and you have interaction with them in your community it feels even more real. A number of years ago a local family adopted a child from Small World.  In various capacities I’ve enjoyed seeing that child grow up in my community and I feel good about it every time I see them.  But, recently I witnessed that child as a teen give their heart to Christ. Personally, that is the best, because now we are a part of a larger and everlasting community.

Why is the Liberia program so important?

It’s important because there are children who do not have a family who can or want to care for them. We have the cure for that, adoption.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

James 1:27 NLT “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”