About us
CRI Ministries was established in 2010 by Gary and Trish Cook of Lenoir City, Tennessee. CRI has partnered with a community in Nicaragua to develop a safe house for children. The ministry and supportive families work together to establish educational and growth opportunities. The ministry's goal is Compassion, Restoration, and Inspiration.
- Compassion - we desire to have compassion on others as Christ had compassion on us.
- Restoration - we desire to bring restoration to children through Jesus Christ.
- Inspiration - we desire that the children would go and inspire others to believe and serve.
The lost cry out for Hope! Join us as we share the Love and Hope of Jesus that brings restoration and inspires us to go and share with others the beautiful gift of compassion.
Board Members
Trish, Co-Founder/Director
"I went to Nicaragua for the first time in 2000 with a children's ministry. Falling in love with the people and a growing love for the country kept me coming back year after year. In 2007, I moved there for 3 years with my husband to support impoverished communities through mission teams. In June 2010 we returned not realizing that God had another plan for us to serve the children of Nicaragua through CRI."
Gary, Co-Founder/Treasurer
"My heart was left in Nicaragua from the first little hand that took hold of mine in 2000. Since that day I have known God's call to care for "the least of these". I know there is poverty all over the world... God just happened to set us apart with the people in Nicaragua. Our ultimate goal is to get all the kids off the street."
Maria, Co-Founder
Maria is the house-mother of all the kids in Nicaragua. She is the most compassionate, hardworking, honest, and caring woman you will meet! She has 3 children of her own that help with CRI Ministries. She teaches everyone she knows about the love of God and is truly the hands of feet of Christ. She is well-known in her community for serving the Lord and for helping children.
Camden, Secretary
"I have fallen in love with the people of Nicaragua over the past 10+ years. I am so thankful God has given me the opportunity to serve Him and love the kids of CRI Ministries. They are truly a part of my family and a huge piece of my heart."
Bud
"I have loved being apart of CRI Ministries for the lasts 7+ years. Led by God, it has expanded my heart to show others that someone loves them. My desire is to help lead the kids of CRI in that same direction, towards the love of Christ and showing that love to others."
Juanita
"I have been involved with CRI Ministries since the beginning. It is amazing to see how our kids are growing into what God has created them to be. It is such a blessing to be a part of the CRI kids and family!"
Linda
"I went the first time to Nicaragua in January 2016. Unless you have been, you cannot experience the love & appreciation of the kids at the CRI group home. I was changed forever; my heart is enlarged. We are the hands & feet of Jesus!"
Paulette
"I am a great grandmother of 5. Since being involved with CRI Ministries from the beginning, I have become the Granny Walker to them also. My passion is to show the CRI kids that dreams can come true. All you have to do is believe in God first."