January 30, 2013

Giving Joy

Shelly Meyer – Hand of Hope International Relations Officer 

One of the things I absolutely love about being the Hand of Hope International Relations Officer, and there are so many, is the time I get to spend visiting Hand of Hope sponsored children’s homes and feeding programs around the world. I just love getting to see the children whose lives are being restored because they now have a safe place to call home, good nutritious meals, the support of people who genuinely care for them, and the knowledge that Jesus loves them. Without these children’s homes and feeding programs, many of these children would be homeless, orphaned, going hungry, or even trafficked. But, because of your support these children are now happy, healthy and have hope for their futures. 

Last month we had a Christmas party for 250 of these precious children in Thailand. The children were served a special meal and received gifts of new sweat suits and toys. The children had so much fun playing games and being entertained by a special program. It is such an honor for us to share the love of Christ with these children and give them so much joy! 

Hand of Hope is the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Our goal is simply to help as many hurting people as we possibly can, to alleviate human suffering and to help Christians grow in their faith.

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January 23, 2013

Building Bridges in Indonesia

Jon Essen, Writer 

Watching Joyce teach on the daily television broadcast is always encouraging, challenging and uplifting, but watching her teach and share Christ half-way around the world is a completely different and unique experience for me. 

The Festival of Life in Jakarta, Indonesia, has been in the words of one major Christian leader in the country "an opportunity to build bridges to share the gospel, and not to build walls" for Christians in the nation of Indonesia. It's hard not to agree, as you watch Joyce and the entire team tirelessly do whatever it takes in order to pour into the lives of people who are so hungry to hear the Word of God and apply it to their personal lives. 

To see tens of thousands of people worshiping with all their heart, and in such an incredible state of desire to hear Joyce teach the Word, my heart can't help but be overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude. Excitement, because of how the Gospel is being shared and gratitude, because I realize that it's only happening because of the engagement of the friends and partners of Joyce Meyer Ministries

It makes me realize that our best days are without a doubt, still in front of us. Thanks for helping us continue to make a difference – the best is truly yet to come!
 
Hand of Hope is the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Our goal is simply to help as many hurting people as we possibly can, to alleviate human suffering and to help Christians grow in their faith.

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January 16, 2013

Indescribable Experience in Bali, Indonesia

Ginger Stache – JMM Chief Media Officer 

There are certain experiences in life that are nearly impossible to describe. Walking through a trash dump with eleven and twelve year old children who pick through it for just a few cents a day is such an experience -- words cannot express it. The odor, the flies, the injustice of it turns your stomach. And that moment at the end of the day when you walk away as they smile and wave good-bye is one that you can never forget.

While I wrestle with many emotions, I'm also filled with tremendous gratitude because in that terrible place there are many children who no longer have to work to survive. You see, the partners of Joyce Meyer Ministries are providing those children with nutritious meals and sharing the love of Jesus, freeing their families of that financial burden and enabling them to stay out of the dump and go to school.

So far we can't reach them all but we are doing what we can together. Some experiences are indescribably difficult, but they couldn't be more rewarding. Thank you for enabling Hand of Hope to make such a difference in Indonesia and around the world!
 
Hand of Hope is the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Our goal is simply to help as many hurting people as we possibly can, to alleviate human suffering and to help Christians grow in their faith.

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January 09, 2013

Helping Kids in Mozambique

Brad Senekal, JMM South Africa Outreach Director 

In spite of a history of war, communism, extreme poverty and the fact that many communities have yet to hear about Jesus, it is amazing to see what God is doing in Mozambique. Hand of Hope has strategically partnered with Iris Ministries in Northern Mozambique, an area of dire poverty and people who have not heard the Gospel, to provide hope to the people of the community.

Through Iris Ministries, we are supporting and growing a daily feeding and discipleship program for 500 orphaned and vulnerable kids. What struck me while assessing the progress and potential of the program is the love shining out of the children. They now possess such an unmistakable joy and trust despite their horrific testimonies. It is a clear reflection of the true love, acceptance and wholeness of Jesus now present in them. The look in their eyes says it all.

We don’t just feed hungry children, together we are introducing them to the real Jesus, and helping them develop a deeper relationship with their Father in Heaven! Thanks to the support of our friends and partners Hand of Hope is also drilling wells, sending medical support, and seeing the Gospel reach new ground in Mozambique!
 
Hand of Hope is the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Our goal is simply to help as many hurting people as we possibly can, to alleviate human suffering and to help Christians grow in their faith.

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January 02, 2013

Solomon Island Prison Outreach


Tom McKaskill – JMM Director Australia/Pacific Rim 

Regardless of where we live or what we do, we are all God’s people. He created us and He loves us all the same, regardless of ethnicity, wealth, age, or culture. He calls on us all to reach out and help those less fortunate than ourselves to the best of our abilities, whether it is close to home or on the other side of the world in a little known place like Honiara, capital of the Solomon Islands.

We recently had the opportunity to visit with inmates in the Solomon Islands at three different prisons. We distributed hundreds of hygiene gift bags that included one of Joyce’s books. Most importantly though, 43 inmates accepted Christ by praying the prayer of salvation.

The prison chaplain was really touched by what transpired with the services and the giving of the gifts. He told us that no one had ever done something like this before and was so very appreciative of our visit. As we departed, we received a standing ovation from all of the inmates in the main yards, amid calls of thank you. The church pastors that accompanied us were so excited, they committed to return for additional evangelism and teaching.

Hand of Hope was able to touch and transform lives in a small, forgotten part of the world because of our faithful partners and friends. What a joy and honor it is to be a part of touching lives in every corner of the earth…and then some.

 
Hand of Hope is the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Our goal is simply to help as many hurting people as we possibly can, to alleviate human suffering and to help Christians grow in their faith.

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