Hope for the Island formed from what was intended to be a short term mission trip to the Philippines in 1997. Derek Van Ryckeghem (Hope for the Island Founder) was on the first Youth with a Mission (YWAM) team that entered the Island of Siargao proclaiming the gospel. Derek stayed on well after the rest of the team departed to go home. It was during that time of follow up and immersion in the culture that God started stirring his heart with a long term vision and love for the Philippines.