Testimonies of Transformation From East Africa!
Dear Friends,
We see God work in exciting ways in the children and families we serve, and I am deeply grateful to you for the part you play in offering them hope. I pray these testimonials of transformation encourage you and highlight the tangible impact of your support!
Now I have hope for a MUCH better future
“I was lucky to attend school once a week when I was young. Most days, my teachers sent me home because I couldn’t afford to pay my school fees. I was raised by a single mother who passed away when I was nine years old. I was placed in my grandmother’s care and helped around the house and the farm. I lost hope.
At the age of 11, I got an opportunity to go to the City of Hope. Suddenly, I didn’t have to worry about anything – clothing, food, or school. My needs were met, and I just had to make the most of the opportunity. I graduated from high school and am now studying Computer Science at Milligan University in the US.
My goal is to return home after graduation and help others. I can gratefully say that HopeCo has given me opportunities to succeed in life and a place to call home. Now I have hope for a better future. HopeCo’s mission is to transform lives, and my life can attest to this!”
Emanuel, a student with HopeCo
Girls feel safe because their families have been transformed!
“What is unique about City of Hope is our Christ-centeredness here. Our vision is to see transformed lives and flourishing communities, and every day our focus is to make this become a reality. In five or ten years, I see every family that we work with have their first school graduates. These families will see that growth is possible, resulting in lasting change. I see a future where our kids are planted in different regions in Tanzania and even across the globe. In our village, Ntagatcha, we are already seeing change. Negative practices like Female Genital Mutilation are dying in this area, and girls feel safe because their families have been transformed. We want to get to a point where even the thought of FGM never even crosses the mind of anyone around here. It used to feel as though there was a wall up between the community and the City of Hope, but that wall is being slowly broken down. We want to see this wall continue to be destroyed and for the community to join us in what we believe.”
Cynthia Joseph, Program Manager, Tanzania
embracing their second chance at life
"When girls come to the House of Faraja, they are usually timid and scared. But after much care and counseling, it is humbling to watch them open up and find their voice again. To hear their laughter and see their smiles is a confirmation that they want to fight for hope in their lives. And being re-enrolled in school is a big opportunity for them. The first day back at school is filled with joy as they turn away from their painful pasts and look to the future. One morning at 5 am, I saw three girls at our safe house sitting together and reading before school. Seeing how these girls embrace their second chance at life is incredible!”
Hilda Boke, House of Faraja Director, Kenya
A vision built on the gospel of jesus christ
“My greatest joy was not in sharing my wealth, strength, or Western insights; it was in meeting students on their journeys and offering hope from the pages of Scripture. That is what makes this place a true City of Hope: a vision built on and guided by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am forever grateful to the City of Hope for giving me and Emily, my wife, not only the opportunity to bless these children but also encouraging us to do so in the spirit and strength of Jesus.”
Alex Long, Intern at City of Hope
I know that God is working in this place
“Two years ago, one of the boys we serve, Philemon, was not doing well academically. To try and improve his performance, I met with him every day to encourage him and ask him questions. During our time together, there was a huge improvement – something every teacher loves to see in a student! Philemon is now doing well, will pass his final exams, and can go to university. He is well-behaved, listens to instructions, and then acts on them. When I ask him if he has unfinished work, he always says, “No!” In my opinion, he is the most improved student at our secondary school, and when I see a student like Philemon improving, it gives me hope that it is possible to help other students, too! I know God is working in this place because of all the changes I see in children like Philemon.”
Deusderith Majji, Secondary School Headteacher, Tanzania
Thank YOU for being part of the HopeCo family. We look ahead with anticipation for all that is to come - and we are excited to do it together!
With gratitude on behalf of the whole HopeCo team,
Matt Parker, CEO