HOPEww Volunteer Corps Kenya 2018 Report
Chris Walquist - Chicago, Illinois USA • August 21, 2018
In July, my daughter Lydia and I joined 20 other adventurers from the U.S. and Kenya for a two-week service project in south-central Kenya. Kenya is 9,400 miles from Chicago by air. But after being there for two weeks, I feel in my heart that it is very close! We spent a week in Nairobi and a week in the town of Embu. In Nairobi, we cleaned cabinets, chairs, and windows in the children’s ward of Kenyatta National Hospital. In Embu, we renovated a playground. In both places, we spent a lot of time with kids, and got up close and personal with a group of giraffes. Fun fact: a group of giraffes is called a tower. Ed Rothschild is 18 feet tall and weighs 6,000 pounds. I met him at the African Fund For Endangered Wildlife’s Giraffe Sanctuary. I was pretty thrilled. Ed just wanted to eat.
While we were in Kenya, Obama was also there, and got a lot of media attention. Many of the kids thought David was Obama. We were warmly received (perhaps even more so than was strictly warranted!)
We visited the HOPE worldwide office in Embu, and I have to say, I was deeply impressed. The office also functions as a drop-in center for people at risk from HIV. I have been a fan and supporter of HOPE worldwide for nearly all of my 30 years as a disciple, but I had not come close to grasping the depth and richness of HOPE worldwide's commitment to the communities they serve until I heard from the staff in detail what they were doing, and how they were doing it. You can read on the HOPEww website about their work, but it really only scratches the surface. When they say they are reaching those who really are in need, they are telling the truth!
As we began our third day at the hospital, I saw one of the girls hanging out in the hall of the children’s ward. She was about 9 years old, and was wearing a Minnesota Vikings sweater. I explained to her who the Vikings were, and asked if she was a football fan. She looked at me for a moment like I had two heads, and then said very soberly, “The something-somethings are here!” I had her repeat herself a couple of times, and figured out she was saying, “The Mzungus are here.” I wondered, should I run? I asked her, “Is that a sports team? Is that a tribe?” She didn’t give me any more information, so I went to one of the Kenyan brothers and told him what she said. He started laughing, and said, “Mzungu means ‘white foreign person’!”
Mzungus forever!
I can’t describe how close Lydia and I now feel to our brothers and sisters in Kenya. So many shared adventures and memories!
I am very grateful to the organizers of HOPE worldwide Volunteer Corps. These trips are incredibly diverse in their scope and specific areas of service. But no matter what you do or where you go, you will experience these life-changing and transformative elements:
- A core group of people who are together the whole time. By and large, whatever you experience, you experience together.
- Practical, daily, shared walk with Jesus and worship of God.
- Serving others who need your help, together.
- A clean and refreshing break from your normal, day-to-day routine.
- Cultural encounters that will challenge and change your view of the world.
Providing School Supplies for Students in Need
A Young Lebanese Story of Hope
I recently traveled to the United Nations in New York to represent HOPE worldwide at the United Nations. Seeing all of the flags at the UN captured something meaningful for me: nearly 193 nations represented in one place, each with its own history, challenges, and hopes for the future. It was a powerful reminder that the needs confronting our world are global—and that addressing them requires partnership across nations, organizations, businesses, faith communities, and local leaders. HOPE worldwide holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council ( ECOSOC ). This designation recognizes our organization's expertise and enables us to contribute to UN discussions and initiatives related to our mission and areas of impact. This status gives HOPE worldwide an opportunity to contribute to global conversations concerning poverty, health, education, clean water, food security, economic opportunity, disaster response, and sustainable development. These priorities closely align with both the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the focused areas of impact of HOPE worldwide 's program globally. The visit was important because HOPE worldwide already serves vulnerable communities across nearly 60 countries. Our presence at the United Nations allows us to bring the experience, perspective, and needs of those communities into a broader global conversation. It also creates opportunities to learn from other organizations, form strategic partnerships, and identify resources that can strengthen our work. One of my greatest takeaways was that no single organization—or nation—can solve these challenges alone. I was surrounded by representatives from approximately 90 nations, all discussing issues that cross geographic and political boundaries. The experience reinforced our belief in pursuing partnerships. We must be willing to learn from others, share what we have learned, and work together wherever our missions align. I was also reminded that global goals must ultimately become local action. The Sustainable Development Goals provide a helpful framework, but their true value is realized when a child receives an education, a family gains access to clean water, a community becomes better prepared for disaster, or someone acquires the skills necessary to support a family. That is where HOPE worldwide can make a distinctive contribution: connecting global priorities with trusted relationships and practical service in local communities. Going forward, this experience will help us more intentionally align and communicate our work within a globally recognized framework. It can also strengthen our credibility with governments, foundations, corporations, and nonprofit partners seeking experienced organizations capable of translating resources into measurable community impact. The visit was not simply about the United Nations. It was about HOPE worldwide taking its appropriate place in a global community committed to improving lives. Our status opens a door. Our responsibility is to walk through it with humility, clarity, and a commitment to meaningful partnership. Thank you, Dr. Ben Barnett HOPE worldwide CEO & President
A Partnership with Food for the Hungry Haiti and Wine to Water
And a Community Service Brigade to El Salvador
Partnering with the Church of Christ in Caracas
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and brother, Dave Tomlinson. Dave was a beloved part of the HOPE worldwide family who served in many capacities throughout his time with us, most recently as Chief Operating Officer before his retirement. He also played an important role in our Global Disaster Response and Community Service Brigades teams, serving alongside his wife, Angela. More than the roles he held, Dave was a cherished friend whose warmth, kindness, and genuine spirit touched so many people. His care for others was evident in the way he served, led, and built relationships with people around the world. Dave had a remarkable ability to encourage, uplift, and connect with people, reflecting God's love in both his leadership and his friendships. We will miss Dave deeply and are grateful for the many ways he gave of himself to HOPE worldwide and to the amazing people we get to serve. We’re holding Angela and their family close in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Dave’s presence will be deeply missed, but his faith, love, and example will remain in our hearts forever and his legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
HOPE worldwide’s SPARK Academy brings healing after floods
A Hurricane Melissa Relief Update
Offering healing through art, theater and sports
