GRIDLEY - About 20 years ago, Gary Ringger made a commitment that ended up changing the lives of thousands of children worldwide.

Ringger owned a Gridley company that produced rice crisps, soy crisps and cookie pieces for such things as granola, cereal and candy bars. It was a spin off of the family-owned Ringger Foods, a Gridley pig feed business that his father, Edwin, started in 1947.

But the food business wasn't succeeding.

"We were losing money," said the younger Ringger. "And the responsibility of making food really hit me. If we did something wrong, it could hurt someone. I woke up each night, consumed with fear and worry."

He became a physical wreck and had the classic symptoms of depression. He said he cried all the time.

Christianity had always played a major role in Ringger's life and with that as a foundation - and a few wise words from a close friend - Ringger decided to make a pledge to God.

"Instead of quitting, I made a commitment that if the business succeeded and I ever sold it, I would pay myself my investment and some interest and if God blessed me beyond, I would use it for Kingdom purposes."

About eight years later, Ringger sold his then-successful business to Kerry Foods, and "thought and prayed for three to five months" about carrying out his pledge to God. Kerry Foods is a global food ingredient company started in Ireland.

A few years before, Ringger, now 54, and his wife, Marla, had privately helped a couple with the cost of adopting a child. So, Ringger's thoughts naturally turned to helping children, especially orphans.

He used part of the proceeds from the sale of his company to start The Manna Group Foundation, the operational funding arm of an organization called Lifesong for Orphans, and another portion to start Watershed Foods, a small Gridley company that freeze-dries fruit for about 20 customers, including Kellogg's.

Ringger, who rarely grants interviews and prefers to remain behind the scenes while giving credit to others, had a long-term plan that Watershed eventually would help provide the funding for Lifesong.

Initially, the foundation focused on financial help for couples wanting to adopt. It offers a $3,000 per child matching grant or a $10,000 interest-free loan for each adoption. So far, it's helped with nearly 1,000 adoptions, said Andy Lehman, vice president of Lifesong for Orphans.

Another focus was added after a mission trip to the Ukraine.

"We saw kids living in sewers and abandoned cars, sniffing glue and having rampant sexual acts," said Lehman.

Lifesong decided to help and since has partnered with five Ukraine orphanages that care for 1,200 children ages 4 to 20. It started two transitional homes to teach young adults life skills that will help them adapt to the challenges of adulthood.

The connection to the plight of children in other countries soon led Lifesong to expand its mission again. It now helps orphanages/schools in Zambia, India and Honduras and is in the midst of building a partnership with an agency in Ethiopia.

"There are 143 million orphans in the world," said Lehman. "Only 1 percent get adopted, so 99 percent need to be reached. Orphans are the most moldable, in terms of changing their lives. Children are easily changed; the vicious cycle can be changed."

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About Lifesong

-- Has a $3.4 million 2009 budget for its adoption and orphanage programs

-- Employs 217 staff members at its sites throughout the world

-- Depends on 350 volunteers

-- Covers about $400,000 in operational costs, salaries and travel expenses through The Manna Group Foundation, started by Gary Ringger, allowing 100 percent of donations to Lifesong to go directly to care for orphans

Donations: Can be sent to Lifesong for Orphans, P.O. Box 40, Gridley, IL 61744

More information: Visit www.lifesongfororphans.org