This photo changed everything. In 2010, Ken DeYoung responded to a relief effort and met a man named Eddy. The integrity and compassion, the deep faith in him were things that resonated for Ken. Meeting the orphan girls that Eddy and his wife cared for was the moment Ken had his box shattered, and he knew he was changed. 

Years later, we stand on the other side of prayer, obedience, risks taken, and lives changed as GoServ Global has reached more than 10+ countries around the world, served thousands of people in need, provided food, shelter, medical care, skills trainings, and more through donors and mission teams. The first person to reject any recognition or credit for the impossible things we’ve seen happen when someone says “yes” is Ken. 

“Ken DeYoung embodies the compassion, perseverance and servant leadership that define the Robert D. Ray Iowa SHARES Humanitarian Award,” said Mashal Husain, President, World Food Prize Foundation. “What began with a response to a humanitarian crisis evolved into a long-term commitment to helping communities thrive. Through his vision and determination, thousands of children and families have gained access to food, education, healthcare and opportunity. DeYoung’s work reflects Iowa’s enduring tradition of humanitarian leadership and global engagement, a legacy Governor Ray championed throughout his life. I have no doubt he would be proud to see that legacy carried forward through Ken’s service today.” ~ article written by Iowa Hunger Summit

While we whole-heartedly celebrate and honor the role Ken has filled these past 15+ years, we know that none of it would have happened without the faithfulness of the many and without God. Ken will be presented the award at the Iowa Hunger Summit, an annual event that addresses the issues of hunger and food insecurity in Iowa and around the world. This year’s Summit is July 22, 2026. GoServ Global was invited last year as an exhibitor, and we will return this year for our second opportunity to present the work we do to address food needs and our other humanitarian efforts.

Honored and grateful, but continuing to press on for the many more “yes”‘s we hope to say in the years to come.