Dave Donaldson, Co-Founder of CityServe and Convoy of Hope, Episode 272
Listen Here Now on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen to podcasts)
Dave Donaldson is a visionary leader dedicated to mobilizing churches and communities to serve those in need. As a co-founder of CityServe and Convoy of Hope, he has spent decades working on the front lines of disaster relief, social impact, and faith-driven community outreach. His journey was shaped by personal tragedy—losing his father and debilitating his mother in a devastating accident at the age of nine. The generosity and compassion he experienced from others in his time of need ignited a lifelong passion for helping vulnerable populations. Today, CityServe is transforming lives through initiatives addressing foster care, adoption, homelessness, human trafficking, and disaster response.
In this episode of The Wow Factor, Dave shares his powerful story of resilience, faith, and service. From co-founding Convoy of Hope to leading CityServe, he reveals how the church can be a driving force in meeting tangible needs and strengthening communities. He also discusses the role of faith-based organizations in shaping public policy, how CityServe collaborates with churches, businesses and the government to maximize impact, and why generosity is at the core of lasting change. This conversation is packed with insights on responsible compassion, faith-driven leadership, and making a real difference in the world.
"If God can get it through you, He’ll give it to you." – Dave Donaldson
"Serving the poor is not just an act of obedience—it’s an act of faith. Give, and you will see how God multiplies." – Dave Donaldson
“There is no greater infrastructure than Jesus and his Church.” - Dave Donaldson
This Week on The Wow Factor:
A Life Shaped by Generosity: How Dave’s childhood tragedy and the kindness of others inspired his mission to serve.
The Birth of Convoy of Hope and CityServe: The journey from feeding families to
creating a global network of churches engaged in transformative outreach.
The Power of the Local Church: Why Dave believes that churches are the most effective organizations for meeting community needs.
Faith in Action: How CityServe equips churches with resources like food, furniture, and mentorship programs to serve their neighbors.
Competing for Influence: Why faith-based organizations should engage in public policy and funding opportunities to maximize their reach.
Generosity as a Lifestyle: Dave’s firsthand experiences of how radical generosity leads to life-changing miracles.
Overcoming Compassion Fatigue: How to stay engaged and continue making an impact despite the overwhelming needs in the world.
Dave Donaldson’s Words of Wisdom:
Generosity isn’t just about giving—it’s about transformation. When you step into the lives of others with compassion, you not only change their world, but you also change your own. True leadership is about action, and true faith is about serving.
Connect with CityServe:
Connect with Convoy of Hope:
Connect with The Wow Factor:
