Mail

HYC New Delhi: Jillian Taylor

Hope Worldwide • March 29, 2015

I learned a great number of things during my first (and hopefully not last) Hope Youth Corps in Delhi, India over Christmas 2014. I was not a disciple yet, during this HYC, but I was studying the Bible, and so heading into this adventure, I just tried to keep an open mind. I knew the conditions of the slums would be unimaginable and the wounds of the lepers something my selfish, very sheltered brain couldn’t envision. I knew that Hope Youth Corps would be impacting, I’d been told so by all of my friends who had had the privilege of going on one, but I really didn’t know how impacting HYC really would be, or how much God would work on my heart through the people of Delhi.

As a typical “Kingdom Kid” my studies had been going well before this HYC, but I was struggling with having a sense of urgency. I had worked through some challenges, but then I was just kind of stuck; stuck in a rut. HYC was just what I needed though, and God knew that. He had this in His plan all along.

Between being out all day serving, listening to lessons and having quiet times, there was a lot of time for growing and learning. There was one particular lesson that I remember that was about the 10 Advantages of Being Poor. #1 was: “The poor know they are in urgent need of redemption.” And #10 was: “The poor can respond to the call of the gospel with a certain abandonment and uncomplicated totality because they have so little to lose and are ready for anything.” This lesson left me asking myself some pretty tough questions. Where was my urgency? What was I waiting for? What was holding me back from the water? And even tougher questions about my soul and where I was going to spend eternity, which I just couldn’t ignore any longer. As Haggai 1:5-6 says, “Now this is what the Lord Almighty says; ‘Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in your pocket with holes in it.” I stumbled upon this scripture during the early hours of a sunrise in Delhi, giving me even more to reflect upon.

The next day, we visited the Village of Hope, and bandaged lepers, literally just like Jesus would have. The scriptures came alive to me. For the word of God IS living and active, working like a double-edged sword on my heart during HYC and continuing to do so today.

HYC softened my heart.

I made lifelong friends; a group of disciples that inspire and encourage me to no end. It is a very dear wish of mine that everyone would get the chance to go on a HYC sometime during their life. Sending in my application was one of the best decisions I made. But the very best decision I’ve ever made and ever will make was that I made Jesus Lord of my life on March 1st, 2015, just two months after I returned home from India.

Hope Youth Corps was a major factor in which lead me to getting baptized. It was that push I needed. It’s a cliché to say, but going to Delhi, India was life-changing. God is greater, and I’m just so grateful that I was given this experience.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Partnership Highlight: HOPE worldwide & US Acute Care Solutions

September 11, 2026

And a Community Service Brigade to El Salvador

Providing Earthquake Relief in Venezuela

September 3, 2026

Partnering with the Church of Christ in Caracas

Remembering Dave Tomlinson

September 1, 2026

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.