Faith at HopeChest
As we approach the end of the year, it’s a moment to celebrate something truly special: 30 years of impact through Children’s HopeChest. For three decades, the generosity of our partners has helped shape the lives of children, empowering them to grow in faith, hope, and purpose.
As we reflect on what God has done, we also look ahead with anticipation — excited for the lives we will continue to touch together, and how your year-end gift will help build faith in young people around the world.
This week, we want to highlight how your support is directly helping children and youth develop a deep, lasting faith that transforms not only their own lives but their families, communities, and even nations.
Raising Up Faithful Leaders in Uganda
In Uganda, HopeChest CarePoints are focusing on discipleship because they know that spiritual growth is the foundation for personal development and lasting change. At Adacar CarePoint, youth between the ages of 14 and 22 gather for discipleship sessions that not only strengthen their faith but also prepare them for adulthood. They are learning to apply Christlike values in their relationships, their work, and as leaders in their communities.
Similarly, at Bukedea CarePoint, counseling and discipleship sessions help young people navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and integrity. The goal is to equip them to make wise decisions, reflect Christ’s love, and impact the world positively.
Through your year-end gift, you are raising up a generation of young people who will lead with faith, hope, and character — not just in their personal lives, but as change-makers in their communities and nations.
Staff at Bukedea CarePoint conducting discipleship and counseling sessions with students
Transforming Teen Faith in Guatemala
At El Oreganal CarePoint in Guatemala, we’ve seen firsthand how faith can take root in a child’s life and lead to extraordinary transformation. One story that stands out is William’s — a young man who has been part of the ministry since he was a child. Now a teenager, William’s faith has only deepened over the years. This summer, with the blessing of his parents, he made the life-changing decision to be baptized. But his faith doesn’t stop there.
William is not only growing in his relationship with God, but he is also actively serving others. He volunteers in the CarePoint’s youth ministry, helping guide other young people on their own faith journeys. Even more inspiring, when his grandmother became seriously ill, William took it upon himself to visit her regularly, praying over her and playing worship music. He said, “God works in willing hearts, and faith moves mountains.”
William getting baptized
William’s story is a powerful reminder that faith isn’t just something we hold onto for ourselves — it’s something we share. And through your support, William and others like him are learning to live out their faith in ways that impact everyone around them.
Youth of the Kingdom students doing activity
Cultivating Faith and Inspiring Leadership in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, Samuel’s story is a beautiful example of how the seeds of faith planted in childhood can grow into a lifelong calling. Samuel, now 18, is an excellent student with big dreams of becoming an engineer or pilot. But his true passion lies in sharing the Gospel.
When Samuel was just 10 years old, he began serving at Burayu CarePoint, leading Bible studies and moral education programs. He quickly earned the nickname “the little preacher” because of his zeal for spreading the message of Christ. Even as he pursued his studies, Samuel’s desire to preach grew stronger, and today he continues to serve at the CarePoint, teaching the younger generation.
Samuel’s story is a powerful reminder of how faith built as a child at a CarePoint can transform a child’s life. When asked about his journey, Samuel said, “I am here because of the opportunities the CarePoint provided for me when I was a child. I was saved by Christ because of it.” His testimony is a living example of how your year-end gift is helping to build a foundation of faith that lasts for a lifetime!
Building Faith as a Global Partner
Building faith extends beyond the vulnerable children and communities we serve. It also impacts the lives of those who partner with us from the U.S.!
Krista’s Story: Trusting God’s Plan and Answering His Call
One of the most powerful stories of God’s work through Children’s HopeChest comes from Krista, a HopeChest Partner Leader (HPL) who partners with two communities: Odudui CarePoint in Uganda and Puerta de Esperanza CarePoint in Guatemala. Krista’s faith story as a global partner is a testament to how God works in our lives — even when we can’t see His plan at the time.
When Krista was just 15, she felt a clear nudge from God to travel to Africa. She didn’t know why, but she trusted that He was calling her. “I began searching for an opportunity to make this happen,” she recalls. “Before long, I found myself boarding a plane to Botswana, Africa, by myself.” It was a leap of faith for a teenager, but it set the stage for a life-changing journey.
That month in Africa changed Krista’s life. “I fell more in love with Jesus, my heart began to break for the lost and hurting, and something began to burn in my heart that has never gone away since,” she shares. What she couldn’t have known then was that God was already at work, laying the foundation for something much bigger.
In 2023, Krista and her husband began to seriously consider partnering with a HopeChest CarePoint in Africa. After visiting several communities, it became clear that Odudui in Uganda was where God was calling them. “Our hearts aligned with theirs in so many ways,” Krista says. In September 2024, they traveled to Uganda with their first team, where they were part of the Odudui CarePoint ribbon-cutting ceremony. It was a moment of deep fulfillment for Krista. “I was witnessing first-hand God bringing to fruition a dream He set in my heart 20 years ago,” she reflects.
But there’s more to Krista’s story. While in Uganda, Krista had the privilege of visiting the home of her sponsored child, Tom. It was a moment that deeply moved her and served as a reminder of the deep connections God fosters through His Kingdom. As Krista walked towards Tom’s home with her husband, they were greeted with the joyful sound of laughter from Tom’s mother, Jesica. The warmth of their welcome was immediate. “We had the privilege of seeing where Jesica and Tom lived, where they made their food, and where they slept,” Krista shares.
Krista and husband, Ben, praying with Tom and Jesica
Krista cutting ribbon at Odudui CarePoint opening ceremony
One of the most meaningful moments came when Tom handed Krista a picture of her family, which he had proudly hung on the wall in his home. Krista was moved by the deep connection they shared. “Tom’s mom called me his second mom,” Krista recalls. “She shared her wins and sorrows, and we prayed together as a family.”
As Krista left their home, something special happened. Jesica, holding her hand, turned back and shouted something in Ateso — Krista didn’t understand it at first, but later learned it was an expression of unity. Jesica said, “Look, our skin is changing colors.” What she meant was that in that moment, there was no longer a divide between them. They were now family — united by the love of Jesus Christ.
“It wasn’t about what made us different anymore,” Krista says. “We were the same. We were family, bound together in Jesus.” That moment, in the midst of a rural village in Uganda, reflected the very heart of HopeChest — bringing hope, faith, and unity to communities around the world.
Through this partnership, Krista saw firsthand how God weaves the pieces of our lives together for His purpose. “Oh, to trust in Jesus!” she reflects, as her story serves as a reminder that faith grows when we step out in obedience, trusting in His plan even when we can’t see it.
Krista’s story is a powerful example of how we’re not only building faith in the vulnerable communities we partner with, but also building faith in our own lives.
Krista Praying With Jesica
Your Year End Gift Makes a Difference.
The impact of your year-end gift goes far beyond meeting immediate needs. You are helping to build a lasting foundation of faith that will shape the future. Whether it’s William in Guatemala learning to serve others, Samuel in Ethiopia preparing to preach the Gospel, or young people in Uganda becoming leaders with Christlike character, your support is creating a ripple effect that touches generations.
Thank you for investing in the Kingdom. We can’t wait to see what God will do in the next 30 years!
