Contact Us

samra — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:25:57 +0000

Contact Life of Hope Ministries

Thank you for visiting our website. Please fill out the following form to contact us by email about our involvement programs and ways to be a partner in ministry. When you are finished, click the ‘Submit’ button to send us your message. You will see a confirmation below.

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Internships

samra — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:25:44 +0000

Life of Hope Ministries Internships Available
Our current internships are scheduled to last from 2 months to 12 months. Life of Hope Ministries co-ordinates the internships with our field partners. (see Field Partners) The number of internships vary based on the current needs of our partners. Spanish skills are helpful and required for some internships.

(Click to download intern application)

Intern in a School Setting
Want to intern in a school setting? We are looking for people that want an opportunity to teach or assist teachers in educating children at risk. The interns will serve children that have been rescued from the streets and those living in ghettos.

Intern in a Child Care Home
Interns assist house parents in caring for former street kids who are now living in a group home setting. You become a part of the family giving you an opportunity to share the love of Jesus through a practicial Christian witness.

Intern in Cross-Cultural Community Development
Intern in a ghetto where a church has been planted and community outreach program established. This opportunity allows involvement with a day care program, church and community youth groups, and involvement with individuals families.

Contact Us at (417) 850-0521 For More Information About
How You Can Help Our Mission Trips

Child Sponsorship

barefootbeachtanning — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:25:25 +0000

Life of Hope Ministries Child Sponsorship

Life of Hope Ministries is “the hands and feet of Jesus” to several hundred children in Latin America. These kids live in very poor areas and their families struggle to provide for them. The partners of our ministry stand in the gap between the children and the perils of living on the streets.

We are offering this sponsorship program so the children and their families can continue to receive needed assistance and learn of the love of our God. Each sponsor becomes a partner in the effort to give these precious lives a“life of hope”.

What You Do!

Commit to praying for your selected child

Provide a photo so your child can see those who are expressing Godly concern

Send periodic cards/notes of encouragement

Faithfully support Life of Hope Ministries so ministry continues to your child

What We Will Provide You!

Updates on your child annually, or when special events occur

Opportunities for you to join a short term mission group and visit your child

Timely receipts for your support and self addressed envelopes for future support

Deliver your cards/notes of encouragement and bring responses from your child

Contact Us at (417) 850-0521 For More Information About
How You Can Bless Street Children in Latin America

Some Children Who Need Sponsors

Lucero
Lucero lives with her mom and two older brothers. Her mother had a stroke and is currently surviving from the money that Lucero’s older brothers make from working. Her oldest brother works in a bakery, the other is a bus aide. She is a very bright girl with potential.

Luis
Luis lives in Santa Faz. His family lives in a home that is in very bad condition. The metal is very worn, and the house leaks when it rains. Both of his parents work hard to provide for Luis and his siblings. Luis is a very shy boy, but he looks forward to coming to the community center each day. Would you consider sponsoring Luis and helping to continue the programs at the community center?

Sucely and Sandra are sisters and were born as a result of the years their mother worked as a prostitute. The mother no longer prostitutes, but she suffers from Epilepsy. She washes clothing and does deliveries to make money. Both the girls have a small learning disability, but want to study to become businesswomen when they reach adulthood.

Short Mission Trips

barefootbeachtanning — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:25:05 +0000

Life of Hope Ministries Mission Trips

Missouri / Arkansas Group
July 2009

Goals of Our Short Term Trip Program

The staff and board of Life of Hope Ministries wants each visiting group to have a positive experience. We believe that the “short term” mission trip will benefit our field partners, the sending churches, and the individuals that make up the group. When the trips are well planned God will bless and use the time to accomplish His will in your life.

While in Guatemala we introduce groups to the ministries of our field partners. More importantly, and depending on the skills and abilities of the groups, we will involve the team directly into core ministry activities. An effort will also be made to expose the groups to the Guatemalan culture.

Hosting “short term” groups is one of the primary activities of Life of Hope Ministries. Our staff has experience in helping you prepare for your trip and are well skilled in safely carrying out in activities in Guatemala.

Contact Life of Hope at (417) 850-0521 Ministries for more information on “Short Term” Mission Trips

Florida Medical Team
March 2009

General Requirement for Short Term Groups

A deposit to reserve the travel week selected

Verification that group members have all travel documents necessary

Pre-trip meeting to answer questions and review planned activities

Advance payment of trip expenses

Signed liability release waiverby all group members

Issues That Life of Hope Ministries Can Help With

Trip package that covers food, housing, transportation, and short term trip medical insurance (excludes airfare)

Information about travel restrictions of most airlines

Strategies to involve others in the funding of your trip

Medical release form and parental consent form for international travel

Pre-trip checklist and guidelines that aid in trip preparation

Field Partners

barefootbeachtanning — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:24:45 +0000

Life of Hope Ministries Field Partners

Life of Hope Ministries currently has five (5) field partners. Each of the partners are involved in various ministry activities that assist in our organization in meeting our “mission statement”. Our partners are administratively independent. We meet regularly with all of our partners so we can continue to know how we can support and expand their ministries.

Castillo de Amor (El Castillo)

Castillo de Amor was our original field parter. They have a comprehensive program of outreach to the street children of Guatemala City. Their teams go to the streets and into communities to build relationships and trust. The kids are offered an opportunity to change the direction of their lives. Families are given encouragement and helpful resources in an effort to keep their families together.

Castillo de Amor has developed a ministry campus where kids can come live temporially. They provide needed programs that can assist in preparing the children for life.  All activities are focused on sharing the love of God so hope can be eternal.

Tita Evertsz-La Limonada
Tita operates two Christian based schools in the ghetto of La Limonada. Over three hundred (300) children attend the schools and Tita has served the children and families since the mid 1990′s.   In January 2011 Tita openned a rescue house (mi casita) that provides temporary safety to children in critcal situations.

This ghetto area is a “red zone” and off limits to most Guatemalans. Through her consistent servanthood Tita has earned the trust of the gangs that control the neighborhoods. Her and her staff have daily opportunities to extend the love of Jesus to La Limonada.

New Life for Santa Faz

Richard and Chris Rice came to Guatemala as volunteers for El Castillo. In 2004 they felt lead to establish their own ministry in the ghetto of Santa Faz. The activities of their community center brings inspiration and hope to children and families in the neighborhood.

The Rice’s returned to England in early 2010 leaving the ministry in the experienced hands of Adonia and Julio Charrvia. Through the transition the outreach of the ministry has strengthened and expanded. New Life for Santa Faz continues to support a church plant in the village of Pueblo Nuevo.

Mama Carmen

For over 30 years Mama Carmen has been keeping a promise to God to care for children in need. Her family operates a traditional orphanage home in the area of the city dump. She typically has 40-60 children living in the home and accepts additional children on a day care basis.
Mama Carmen is willing to receive “special needs” children. She provides for the children with full faith that God will lead people to become involved in meeting all their needs.

Cristo es El Camino (church at the dump)

This church and its members are examples of Christians being the “hands and feet” of Jesus. They are located near the gates of the city dump and reach out to that community. They regularly provide food, clothing, housing, and teaching about the kingdom of God. To add to their ministry they also have a school, clean water distribution center, and a medical clinic.
Many will visit the dump. It is currently identified as the “largest dump in Central America”.   However, only a few will make this area of the city their focus of regular ministry.

Board

barefootbeachtanning — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:23:06 +0000

Life of Hope Ministries Board Members

Dr. Joe Walenciak
Siloam Springs, Arkansas

Dr. Walenciak is currently involved in university administration and a professor at John Brown University in Siloam Springs Arkansas. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from John Brown University and an MBA/PhD from the University of Arkansas. His affiliations include International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education, Christian Business Faculty Association, Students in Free Enterprise sponsor, and he serves First Christian Church of Siloam Springs.

Dr. Walenciak is one of the founding directors of the organization and has said, “my personal experiences with street children and families in need has motivated my high level of involvement”.

Mr. Paul Erb
Siloam Springs, Arkansas

Mr. Erb is a retired instructor from the Northwest Technical Institute located in Springdale, Arkansas. During his long career at the Institute Mr. Erb served as Chairman and Instructor of the Diesel Truck Technology Department. He also served the Institutes foundation as a financial development officer. He is an A.S.E. Master Truck Technician and a member of the Truck Maintenance Council for the State of Arkansas, member of the Arkansas Trucking Association, and serves on the board of First Christian Church of Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

Mr. Erb is a founding director of the organization. He says, “I serve in an effort to see sustainable efforts directed toward those in need.”.

Mr. Paul Osborne
Carthage, Missouri

Mr. Osborne has spend his entire life working in the agri-business industry. For 24 years of his career he was Marketing Manager for MoArk, LLC, a multi strategy egg production and by-product company. Since the sale of this family business he has served as a management consultant with other family businesses. Mr. Osborne holds a B.S. in Management Science and Marketing from the University of Tulsa.

Mr. Osborne serves because, “I want to give of my time and talents to help those in need. I specifically want to help underprivileged children and give them a life of hope”.

Mr. Warren Hahn
Atlanta, Kansas

Mr. Hahn is a rancher/farmer and has managed the family farm for over 50 years. His operation consists of cattle production and field crops. The farm consists of 1,330 acres and the operation rents another 5,500 acres.

Mr. Hahn is a leader in his community and church. he serves on the Township Board, Agricultural Co-op Board, the Fire District Board, and is and Elder in Cornerstone Christian Church. He has also served as a mentor in a program to assist rehabilitation of prison inmates.

Mr. Hahn says, “I have a love for children in need and I want there lives to be blessed by knowing God’s love”.

Staff

barefootbeachtanning — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:22:46 +0000

Life of Hope Ministries Staff

Rick Grove – Director

Rick Grove has been the director of Life of Hope Ministries since its inception in June 2004. His ministry vocation began in January 1992 when he was appointed Director of Development for Ninos de Mexico, a Christian mission work operating in Mexico City, Mexico. His responsibilities with Ninos de Mexico were to expand current financial support and develop new areas of funding while assisting with strategic planning and administration.

Rick holds a B.S. in Education from Missouri Southern State University. He built and managed a financial planning practice prior to accepting the position with Ninos de Mexico. During his financial services career he held the designations of Certified Financial Planner, Qualified Estate Coordinator, Registered Principle in securities, and Registered Securities Representative.

Rick and his wife, Donna, have lived in the Joplin, Missouri area all their lives. They are active members of Fairview Christian Church in Carthage, Missouri. During his years of service in the church Rick has served as an Elder, Sunday School teacher, and youth leader.

He says, “God gave me a clear calling into a mission support ministry vocation. I have used my life experiences and vocational training to guide me in the work of Life of Hope Ministries. It is an honor for me to be a part of a critical, spirit-filled work and serve Him as He reaches out to the world”.

Devin Chance – Development Director

Devin Chance joined the staff of Life of Hope Ministries in April of 2009. He had been volunteering with the organization for 1 1/2 years. He worked for Leggett & Platt Corporation for 15 years and Devin holds a B.S. in Business from Missouri Southern State University.

While working as Operations Manager in the corporate world Devin supervised product fabrication, was involved in customer relations, and assisted in financial oversight. He says, “I have always enjoyed working with people and I desire to be a good Christian servant”.

Devin and his wife, Kelly, live in the Carthage Missouri area and are members of Fairview Christian Church. He serves the church in various discipleship activities.

He says, “God spoke to my heart through my experiences in Guatemala. I believe He has prepared me and will guide me as I serve the children and families in need”.

Mark Elliff - Director of Donor Relations

Mark Elliff joined Life of Hope Ministries in September 2011. He worked in banking for 34 years and holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Missouri Southern State University.

Beginning as a teller and holding various management positions including President and CEO of a bank, Mark has and continues to be involved in many civic activities and enjoys serving and working with people. “Ever since I was young it has been fulfilling for me to serve. During my tenure in banking, I was able to help many people with their financial plans and problems. After banking and when I gave in to God’s calling, I received peace, relief, and confirmation that He was leading me to a vocation in missions. Becoming a staff member with Life of Hope is a blessing to me.”

Mark and his wife, Vicki, live in Carthage, Missouri. They are members of First Christian Church where he serves as an Elder.

Mission Statement (Statement of Faith)

barefootbeachtanning — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:22:32 +0000

Life of Hope Ministries Mission Statement

Life of Hope Ministries exists to rescue the street children of Latin America. We partner with existing ministry organizations that provide for the educational, emotional, physical, and spiritual welfare of street children and high risk families. We seek partnerships with other organizations with similar goals in an effort to expand the scope of our mission activities.

Life of Hope Ministries provides financial support, materials that aid our partners in their work, and co-ordinates internships and short term mission groups who invest in the ministry activities of our field partners.

Statement of Faith-Life of Hope Ministries

“Salvation is a gift of God and discovered in a relationship with Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus Christ is God’s son and he died on the cross and rose from the grave to save us from the penalty of eternal death and give us eternal life. We understand that repentance is an authentic desire to turn away from sin that hinders our relationship with God. This results in a life guided by His Word bringing Him glory. We believe that confession is the open declaring of faith in Jesus Christ and is lived out every day as we grow in our Christian understanding. We believe that baptism (immersion) identifies you with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is our privilege and responsibility to tell the world that we are fully committed to God, His Son, and His Spirit. We believe it is important for the believer to live (act and speak) showing that Jesus Christ is their Lord and be a part of a spiritual community that is under the authority of God”

About Us

samra — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:22:04 +0000

About Life of Hope Ministries

Life of Hope Ministries began with a series of divine experiences in the early 1990′s. The experiences led three individuals to embrace a vision. In 1999, the vision grew into the basic structure of a qualified charitable organization. As a result of these inspired activities, a step of faith was taken and the organization came to life.

The men whose lives had been touched formed the original board of directors. They engaged Life of Hope Ministries’ initial director in June 2004. The mission of the organization was formalized and launched.

With the call to “rescue the street children of Latin America”, and share the love and knowledge of God, Life of Hope Ministries has received the guidance and funding to sustain this effort. These efforts have involved reaching out to the street children in need and providing them a “Life of Hope”. Efforts have been enhanced to include working with families in distress and at risk of producing street children through their personal and social challenges. The focus areas of ministry are: provide the basic needs of life, support basic education, give access to general health care, and to present opportunities to grow spiritually.

Through ongoing inspired experiences, our organization continues to develop collaborations in Guatemala. Life of Hope Ministries is now positioned to deliver increased services to children and families in need. We are currently making the effort to strengthen our administrative foundation and research growing field opportunities.

Just as opportunities to serve come to our organization, we trust the funding necessary to fulfill these opportunities will be provided. We count it a privilege to share about the needs of the children and families. We serve believing God will provide new fianancial support through new kingdom partners who have similar servant interests.

We believe you can be a blessing to many in need of hearing and experiencing the “Good News”. It would be a great motivation to have you join in the effort to give precious lives a “Life of Hope”.

Contact Us at (417) 850-0521 For More Information About How You Can Bless Street Children in Latin America

Home

barefootbeachtanning — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:18:13 +0000

Help Street Children Find a “Life of Hope”

There are over 40 million street children in the world and approximately 10 million live in Latin America alone. There are thousands of children living in the streets in Guatemala City. These precious lives end up on the street because of a multitude of social problems. Illiteracy, physical and emotional abuse, and violence makes the life of street children extremely difficult.

Life of Hope Ministries has established partnerships with existing field partners in Guatemala who provide basic education, health care, emotional support, and spiritual growth opportunities. Our current partners are El Castillo-(Castillo de Amor), Tita Evertsz (La Limonada), Mama Carmen, New Life for Santa Faz, and Cristo es El Camino-(church at the dump). As a Christian children’s charity our organization serves orphans and families at risk of producing street children.

Becoming a a partner in the efforts of Life of Hope Ministries will allow you to: share in acts of kindness to children in need, share the love of Jesus in a practical way, show thankfulness for the blessings you have received, and use your skills and abilities to help children and families in need.

Plan a Short Term Mission Trip
Our short term mission trips typically last 7-10 days and involves serving in various ministry activities of our field partners. Our goal is to help support and expand the effectiveness of their work. The short term groups helps us provide resources to directly benefit the children. The trips also give its members the opportunity to use their skills and abilities in charity work that can change lives.

Sponsor a Child
The child sponsorship program allows you to show a child in need that someone cares. You support them financially and send notes of encouragement. Life of Hope Ministries will send periodic updates to keep you informed about your sponsored child and make you aware of special needs. The program supports activities that the children are currently involved in. Education, nutrition, health care, and spiritual growth are the areas of focus in the child sponsorship program.

Apply for an Internship
Life of Hope Ministries co-ordinates internships with our field partners. The internships last from 2-12 months. You will be involved in various ministry activities during your internship. Language skills are helpful and are required for some intern positions. Our internships give you a chance to serve and learn in cross cultural ministry that works with street kids and families at risk of producing street children.

Contact Us at (417) 850-0521 or you can email us at or email info@lifeofhope.org For More Information About
How You Can Bless Street Children in Latin America