HOPE International

The Battle for Rwanda

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

It’s been eight months since I’ve returned home from Rwanda, and one impression from the trip keeps coming back to me: Satan has never felt more real to me than he did in Rwanda. It wasn’t because the people I met seemed evil. On the contrary, it was because they were welcoming and wonderful, and without the influence of Satan, I can’t imagine how 18 years ago, these incredible people could have spent 100 days engaged in a gruesome slaughter of their neighbors, friends, and families. Continue Reading…

A Journey in Photos: Rwanda

A Rwandan artisan turns recycled paper into designer greeting cards via Cards from Africa. HOPE introduced savings groups to the vibrant young staff—all orphans—of this organization.

Cards from Africa. After the recycled paper is blended into a pulp, it is dyed and dried under the Rwandan sun.

Stay tuned: Spiritual Integration Blogging from Congo and Rwanda

Over the next few days, I will be sharing some thoughts and reflections from my recent visit to Brazzaville, Republic of Congo and Kigali, Rwanda. The trip was incredible for a variety of reasons. God is transforming lives in amazing ways, and the teams in each program are doing a great job of steadily improving our spiritual integration (SI) efforts. So please tune in over the coming days, as I share the most meaningful thoughts and impressions from the trip.

The Heart to Save in the Philippines

In this video interview, Lalaine Naquita, the Savings and Credit Association program specialist for HOPE’s partner CCT, talks about how the very poor in the Philippines are finding a way to save.

Lalaine’s team of 35 savings facilitators targets nontraditional clientele, including street dwellers, indigenous populations, fishermen, and even children. Some wouldn’t think these individuals could save—sometimes they don’t think they can—but the importance of saving is nowhere more evident than among these populations, where a savings account can provide a vital safety net. Already the program has grown to reach over 2,600 savers throughout the country. Lalaine’s goals for the program are ambitious, to say the least: “My goal is that all of the SCA partners would know God as their Savior and learn why savings is so important,” she says.

In the Lancaster, PA, area? Join HOPE International and Community Fellowship Church this Wednesday, June 20, at 7 p.m. for “When Helping Hurts,” a free live webinar with Dr. Brian Fikkert, executive director of the Chalmers Center for Economic Development and co-author of When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor … and Yourself.

In When Helping Hurts, Fikkert and co-author Steve Corbett draw on years of experience in international development to discuss common pitfalls Christ’s followers face as we seek to overcome poverty. They also detail practical strategies for developing sustainable solutions that empower the poor rather than hurting them.

In Wednesday’s webinar, Fikkert will draw on themes from the book and engage attendees to move beyond good intentions to concrete actions that can make a difference for those living in poverty. Moderated by Peter Greer, president and CEO of HOPE International, the webinar will be broadcast live at Community Fellowship Church (200 Bethel Drive, Lancaster, PA) and is free and open to the public. Unfortunately, we are not able to stream the event for those unable to attend in person.

Learn more through Facebook or by contacting Lori Scannapieco, events manager, at [nohide]lori@hopeinternational.org[/nohide] or 717-464-3220 ext. 140.

Photo courtesy of Covenant College.

HOPE International’s 2012 Thurman Award Winner

Each year, the Thurman Award, established in honor of HOPE’s first CEO and his wife, recognizes a client who demonstrates HOPE’s values of perseverance, compassion, strength of character, and creativity. This year we are pleased to celebrate John Njerere, a client from HOPE’s savings program in Zimbabwe, where we have partnered with Acta Non Verba Zimbabwe and Central Baptist Church since 2011. Watch John describe how the holistic training he received helped him move from beggar to provider and read his full story below.

In the ‘80s, John Njerere worked as an undersecretary in Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Higher Education. A promising up-and-comer, he quickly rose through the ranks, attaining in only nine months a position normally reserved for those with over a decade’s experience. But his success came at great cost: As the pressures mounted, John had a breakdown and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Because of the stigma attached to psychiatric problems in Africa, he lost all formal employment, and a man accustomed to high rank and great responsibility was forced to beg for his income. Although his wife traveled to South Africa seeking work, their family hovered on the brink of starvation. Continue Reading…

Jill Heisey

By Jill Heisey

The Battle for Rwanda

Chris Horst

By Chris Horst

A Journey in Photos: Rwanda

Matthew Rohrs

By Matthew Rohrs

Stay tuned: Spiritual Integration Blogging from Congo and Rwanda

HOPE Intl

By HOPE Intl

The Heart to Save in the Philippines

HOPE Intl

By HOPE Intl

Free Webinar: “When Helping Hurts”

HOPE Intl

By HOPE Intl

HOPE International’s 2012 Thurman Award Winner

About HOPE

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