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HOPE Intl

Apr 9 2025

HOPE Intl

 News
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Data from Rwandan savings groups shows strong impact

It’s been 17 years since HOPE International began partnering with churches in Rwanda to bring savings groups to families living in poverty. Over that time, we’ve partnered with more than 2,900 churches to serve more than 720,000 savings group members!  We thank God for the opportunity to serve so many men and women with our Rwandan church partners.

At the same time, we know the need is still great. Today, of the 13 million people in Rwanda, 40% of the population still lives on less than $2.90 a day (World Bank). 

To better reach more families and ensure we’re serving our current savings group members well, we regularly sit down with people we serve to hear from them. In 2022, we interviewed 312 savings group members served by HOPE Rwanda—and the results were encouraging!   Continue Reading…

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HOPE Intl

Dec 23 2024

HOPE Intl

 News Stories we love
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Top 5 stories of 2024

There’s so much we’re grateful for as we reflect on 2024. From bringing more hearts to saving faith to empowering Ukrainian IDPs and members of Zimbabwe’s isolated Doma community, God has done incredible things across the HOPE International network.

Of the stories we shared last year, the HOPE community loved these five the most. May these top five stories of 2024 encourage you today—and prompt you to praise God for all He’s done!

Continue Reading…

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HOPE Intl

Nov 26 2024

HOPE Intl

 Staff / Travels
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What my 3-year-old taught me about helping people in poverty

By Alisa Hoober, HOPE Board Member

Earlier this year, I had the incredible opportunity to visit HOPE International’s work in Zambia.

I’ve traveled and seen poverty before, but being with my children changed how I related to those I met. It was a blessing to visit with our whole family, especially with my three young daughters.

At home, we pray for HOPE and support their work—but showing our children HOPE in action was something I won’t forget. Continue Reading…

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HOPE Intl

Sep 5 2024

HOPE Intl

 Photos / Media
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Celebrated photographer captures dreams on camera

Over the course of his career, Jeremy Cowart has garnered recognition for his compelling portraits of celebrities like Taylor Swift, Sting, Kelly Clarkson, and Lauren Daigle. He’s shot campaigns for companies like Nike and Fortune Magazine.

But for Jeremy, his craft isn’t about prestige or accolades—it’s about storytelling. And he believes everyone’s story matters.

In 2024, Jeremy traveled with HOPE International to Rwanda, where he got to meet the members of Urumuri (“light”) savings group. During their time together, group members drew the dreams they have for themselves and their families. Jeremy captured the moment—and the look of joy and pride on each member’s face.

This fall, HOPE will feature a curated gallery of Jeremy’s portraits at events held across the United States. For now, here’s a peek at some of the images featured in the show—and some of the dreams that men and women in Rwanda are holding onto for their future: Continue Reading…

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HOPE Intl

Aug 2 2024

HOPE Intl

 News Stories we love
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Displaced but undeterred: Ukrainian IDPs show radical generosity

Imagine your lunch break being interrupted by bombs exploding in the next town over. Hearing of war coming closer on the news. Realizing that to remain safe, you and your family need to leave your home. Packing up your car and waiting in traffic for hours. Living in another family’s house for months, not knowing if you’ll ever make it back home.  

This is the reality for millions of Ukrainian men, women, and children today. Two years after Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the United Nations Refugee Agency, or UNHCR, estimates that there are now 3.7 million internally displaced people (IDPs) in Ukraine. 

Many in eastern Ukraine fled west, now living as IDPs with Ukrainian host families. As the war continues, they’ve had to adjust to being far from home with no end date. It hasn’t been an easy road.  

Yet even amid loss and adjusting to a new life, these families are displaying determination, community-mindedness, and generosity. And at HOPE International, we’re dedicated to walking with Ukraine’s men and women—as we have been since 1997. 
Continue Reading…

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HOPE Intl

Jul 18 2024

HOPE Intl

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Q&A with HOPE Benin’s country director

Yvette, HOPE Benin's country director

In 2023, HOPE International expanded to start a new savings group program in Benin! Last November, Yvette Missainhoun (pictured above) joined us as HOPE Benin’s country director. Since then, she’s formed a team of skilled, dedicated staff and built relationships with local church leaders. On June 22, we celebrated HOPE Benin’s launch with two new church partners!

Yvette holds bachelor’s degrees in accounting and theology and has taken various practical training courses in France, South Africa, and the U.S. She carries a wealth of experience in leadership and management with various Christian organizations in Benin. We’re deeply grateful for her commitment to bringing Christ’s love and economic revival to underserved communities. Yvette lives with her husband and their three sons in the southern region of Benin.

Recently, Yvette sat down with us to share about why we’re launching savings groups in Benin, who our church partners are, and how we can pray for her team.

Continue Reading…

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