I can’t say enough about how grateful our family is to the church in providing such a life changing program as HOPE Youth Corps! I remember when the kids were young, hearing about the program, and how many young people were truly changed from the inside as a result of the program. We couldn’t wait to send our kids!
The summer my son turned 16, he attended HOPE Youth Corps in Alaska. They spent a few weeks in the wild building a camp for underprivileged kids. He built more than buildings there though; he built new relationships with teens from all around the US, who were all trying to be their best for God.
He came home so encouraged to serve, but more importantly with a vision for what God was doing in churches around the US in their teen ministries.
Seeing what an impact it made, we were excited to send him during his Christmas break to HOPE Youth Corps in India.
This was a bit scarier, and required more faith and prayer. He spent several weeks serving children, serving the sick, and serving the poor. He also got to worship and stay with some brothers and sisters in the church there.
More than that, he got to room and spend all his time with great brothers and sisters from around the world. He had great quiet times, deep talks, and built amazing relationships. He came home with a vision for what God is doing all around the world!
We are excited to send him, as well as his 16 year old sister, this summer on HOPE Youth Corps. It does take some planning and saving. It doesn’t happen magically; you have to research it, sign up for it, and raise the money for it. But it is the best investment in your children’s spiritual future!
And on September 20, 2015, Ryan Toomey, my Alaska and India traveler, was baptized into Christ!
