2025
The first global invitation
- 35
- countries represented
- 85
- missionary kids
- 76
- artworks exhibited
- 23
- award recipients
The first MK Art Competition connected missionary kids across 35 countries through original visual art and personal stories.
Our impact
Specific evidence. Human stories. A longer horizon.
We report what has happened without overstating what has not yet been measured. Each number below belongs to a distinct program year—and every number points back to a young person whose work was seen.
Documented program record
Two years, reported separately.
The 2025 and 2026 figures describe different participation cohorts. They are not presented as cumulative totals, which keeps the public record clear and verifiable.
2026
Recognition widening toward opportunity
- 22
- countries represented
- 44
- artists and artworks
- 39
- award recipients
- $15,100
- cash awards
The official award record lists 39 recipients and $15,100 in cash awards, together with a special invitation to the United States.
What the record means
Beyond reach alone.
Participation and award figures show scale. These four movements explain the kind of value the program is designed to create.
- 01
Visibility
Young people and their work are brought into view with names, stories, and context—not reduced to a number.
- 02
Affirmation
Thoughtful recognition helps a young person see that a gift, experience, and point of view carry value.
- 03
Connection
Exhibitions and collaboration bring families, artists, educators, churches, media, and supporters into the same story.
- 04
Opportunity
Awards, educational support, counseling connections, and invitations begin to turn recognition into a next step.
2026 selected work
Every result has a name and a point of view.
These selected works are introduced with the artist, country, recognition, and title recorded in the organization’s source material.
Da-yun Oh
Grand Prize
My Path, A New Path
Vietnam
Ga-eun Hwang
First Prize
The Beautiful Blending
Cambodia
Se-sang Yoon
Excellence Award
Beginning Mind
Cambodia
So-myeong Wi
Excellence Award
Despair, Presence, and Restoration
India
Ha-yeong Kuk
Special Award
Blossoming: A Life Brought to Bloom by Light
Thailand
Transparency
Trust belongs in the public record.
153 The Story is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) and classified as a public charity under section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). The determination letter records an exemption effective date of February 23, 2026.
- Employer identification number
- 41-4435509
- Public charity status
- 170(b)(1)(A)(vi)
- IRS letter date
- April 21, 2026
- Exemption effective
- February 23, 2026
As the organization grows, annual impact reports, program reports, governance information, and appropriate financial information can be added here.
Read the IRS determination letterHelp shape what comes next