“I can connect with HOPE on multiple levels,” says Marcia Malzahn (pictured above), laughing.

Born in Nicaragua, Marcia was a teenager when she and her family had to move to the Dominican Republic (D.R.) as refugees. Her time there helps her feel a special connection to HOPE’s work with Esperanza International, HOPE’s partner in the D.R.

As a Christian, Marcia says that HOPE’s Christ-centered mission resonates deeply with her. And as she’s spent most of her career working in banking, HOPE’s commitment to offering financial services and training to entrepreneurs and savings group members around the world aligns with her professional experience and passion.

Today, Marcia, who serves on HOPE’s local board in Minneapolis, has forged another link to HOPE. When she received the good news that she was going to become a grandmother, Marcia was inspired to write a book celebrating the milestones of pregnancy and how each person is created and formed by God. She also began reflecting on the 394,000 women, mothers, and grandmothers that HOPE serves around the world.

“When I first started this book, the Lord put on my heart that I’m to give away all the proceeds to nonprofits that help moms keep their babies,” Marcia says, acknowledging the many challenges that women, especially those living in poverty, face when it comes to having and raising little ones. “Being a mother is one of the biggest blessings—and it’s also hard work,” she recalls.

Drawing from her own experience, Inside Your Mama’s Tummy invites grandparents to read to their grandchildren about their incredible journey of development before being born into the world. In keeping with what she sensed the Lord was speaking to her, Marcia is giving all proceeds of orders from her book to HOPE and another U.S.-based nonprofit.

Marcia says, “Part of my calling is to help other women be successful—wherever they are in the world.”

To go on a journey with your little one through their nine months of development while also supporting HOPE, order a copy of Inside Your Mama’s Tummy here.*

* Using the link above should auto-populate the discount code box during the checkout process, but if not, enter “HOPE” in the discount code box.