The world’s largest evangelical network and one of the world’s largest Christian relief organizations announced their global partnership on Wednesday.

World Evangelical Alliance, which claims to represent some 420 million evangelical Christian worldwide, and World Vision International, which works in 98 countries and serves nearly 100 million, have agreed to work together on initiatives that bring holistic care to children, promote social justice, and contribute to Christian unity and cooperation.

“World Vision International brings a long history of effective Christian engagement with the poor and oppressed,” said the Rev. Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, the international director of the WEA. “We are delighted that World Vision is joining our other global partners and members to bring great synergy and impact for Christian witness across the world.”

Meanwhile, WVI’s vice president for Christian Commitments, Valdir Steuernagel, said he has high hopes that the partnership will help both organizations fulfill their mission and strengthen the church body.

“We believe our partnership with WEA will help us strengthen our grass roots relationship with churches worldwide to support our advocacy on behalf of children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice,” said Steuernagel. “We look forward to building on our past history with WEA and creating a strong partnership for years to come.”

World Vision International joins WEA as its 12th Global Partner. Global Partner membership is given to international networks that specialize in a field that contribute to WEA’s mission and objectives.