Beth and Dennis Weibling’s philanthropy journey began with a single act of love—sponsoring a child through World Vision shortly after adopting their first child. As their family grew, so did their sponsorships—one for each of their three children to pray for daily.

“We wanted our children to understand that not all kids have what they have,” Beth reflects. That desire eventually
led to a bold step of faith: responding to a radio appeal by sponsoring 58 additional children in the Dominican Republic. “It was what was needed to close the gap, so we stepped in,” Dennis says.

Over time, their questions expanded beyond individual children: What about the children who aren’t sponsored? Is this investment leading to long term change? Those questions ultimately broadened their vision—from helping children to transforming entire communities.

A visit to Tanzania proved pivotal. Seeing World Vision’s work firsthand, they witnessed the Biblical Empowered Worldview (BEWV) approach in action and experienced the impact of giving beyond sponsorship. They also visited the THRIVE economic empowerment program, which initially impressed them—but Dennis, a managing director at Rally Capital LLC, needed concrete data to fully validate the impact. Once that data was provided, the picture became clear.

Now I see with my head what my heart and eyes were seeing,” he said. Moved by both evidence and experience, the Weiblings made a significant investment in the foundational infrastructure behind the THRIVE business plan. Their support—including VisionFund technology systems and Biblical Empowered Worldview training for staff—is helping to equip 10 million people with tools to overcome poverty.

But for Beth and Dennis, the most meaningful impact was witnessing a shift in mindset.

“For people who’ve lived in poverty for generations, there are few examples of success,” Dennis explains. “World Vision teaches them the value they have as children of God. When people understand they are made in God’s image, everything changes. With
that belief—and the tools to succeed—the results follow.”

Their faith in Jesus shapes every aspect of their philanthropy and lead them to join the National Leadership Council to collaborate with other like minded philanthropists in giving, investing, and praying for the work. Through their extensive travels to see World Vision’s programs firsthand, they have gained a profound appreciation for how the body of Christ is at work around the world.

Beyond their own giving, Beth and Dennis have inspired others through challenges and matching opportunities, including a recent four year gift matching initiative designed to invite more people into community transformation. Their investment hasn’t just changed lives—it has changed futures.

Watch their story

We invite you to explore the stories of 6 Philanthropists who are partnering with World Vision to empower families to overcome poverty.