Stories of Hope | December 2022

HOPEGO | DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

With a radiant smile plastered across her face, Esline ran to greet her friends the minute she watched them pass through the doors of her church. This was a completely different Esline from the previous year. Last year, Esline would barely lift her tired eyes, and her disposition was utterly weary.

The Chapel, a partner church in Buffalo, NY, has been on many HopeGo trips with Mission of Hope through the years. In the Dominican Republic, they continually serve in the community of Cecara with Pastor David. On a recent trip, they walked into Pastor David’s church on Sunday and immediately were greeted with a joyful hug from this familiar friend, her face barely containing her ear-to-ear smile.

The previous year, the Chapel team was working on a project at Pastor David’s church, and they stepped outside to take a break during the demolition process. Esline walked by during the break, and they started a conversation with her. Esline wouldn’t look at any of the men, and she mumbled her words together. Sensing she was weary, Pastor Leroy and the team began to ask questions and get to know her story. They shared their stories and clearly explained the gospel to Esline, sharing that even in the midst of all she’d done and experienced, Jesus is in the business of restoration. After hearing about the finished work of Jesus on the cross, Esline decided to accept Christ as her Savior and place her hope in Him. The team prayed with her and prayed that God would continue to make Himself known to her long after they left. They saw Esline three days later, and she was like an entirely new woman—full of joy.

This year, the team walked into church and was greeted by joyful Esline; it was a humbling reminder that God allows us to be a part of each other’s redemption story and the impact made during a HopeGo trip lasts far longer than a week. The local pastors, translators, and staff continue cultivating relationships, and God continues pursuing people. Esline’s gratitude to the team for accepting her as she was, sharing the gospel with her, and being a tangible representation of Jesus to her was a reminder that God is actively pursuing people.



AGRONOMY STORY | HAITI

Joseph Chilet, 17 years old, lives in a rural mountain village in Haiti called K-Michel, which is right outside of Zoranje. His parents have eight children, and Joseph is the sixth child. He is in the 6th grade at school and is a participant in the Mission of Hope Agro-School project.

Before being involved in the project, Joseph used to stay at home to help his father with agricultural activities during the school year. It was a time during his life when he was strongly considering giving up school to go to the Dominican Republic, as is the case with many young people in his neighborhood.

Fortunately, with his participation in the Agro-School project, he sees life in another way. This project provided him with knowledge of God and His Word through the devotional times. Also, it provided him with practical life advice and technical training from agricultural technicians.

Joseph has committed to prioritizing his studies and hopes to become a vibrant leader in his community. Please pray for Joseph and the young adults like him who God is preparing to be leaders in Haiti.

Thank you to all of our sponsors and to all of our donors who are helping to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. Life transformation for every man, woman, and child would not be possible without your support.