It is hard to know where to start and how to put words to the mix of emotions I have for God’s faithful hand of guidance and provision. Serving Him is amazing! It is really an honour to have been with Hope for the Island for 10 years and 3 months. The ways I have encountered God in this ministry I will treasure in my heart forever.
Back 10 years ago, before the day I graduated from Bible School, I prayed that God would send and use me in a simple and peaceful place. God answered that prayer when Derek and Jenn invited me to help pioneer Hope for the Island. The beginning days were filled with struggle. The ministry was birthed by faith. Each day we trusted God to meet our needs and lead us. Although it was a beautiful place it was also dark spiritually. The area God provided for Hope for the Island was known as a place of bad spirits and many people were afraid.
Many of the stories people shared discouraged me and caused me to consider leaving and not turn back. By God’s grace and strength, we persevered and it became my training ground. It was training for ministry and for all areas of my life.
Spiritual growth really comes as we endure through trials. Being a part of Hope for the Island is the biggest accomplishment of my life! This is where God transformed my heart, trained, molded, showed me how to love and be loved. It is the place where I was able to find healing from my past. In spite of my failures and mistakes along the way, God revealed His unconditional love and unmatchable grace.
I am so blessed to be a part of this family! Jesus and His great love is the centre of all we set out to do here. Through the vision and mission of HOPE I was able to obey His calling to live out that love and make disciples.
I thank God for giving me leaders whose work is based on His leading. Through them, I have grown and learned a lot.
I am grateful for their enduring love and never tiring support for us as staff. They have patience and understanding that helps us show the same to those God entrusts us to minister to. God has touched many kids, youth and adults and to be a part of that is a great reward. I give God the glory for all He has and will continue to do through this ministry!
God has recently opened the door and provided for me to take a much needed break from ministry. The road ahead will be a time both for rest and equipping. I have left the island to go to Youth with a Mission (YWAM) in Manila. The Discipleship Training School is a three month lecture and a three month outreach. This opportunity will better prepare me and provide exposure for whatever the next step will be. This has been a three year silent prayer that God has now answered! Although deeply saddened to leave my home and family here at HOPE, I also have peace.
I ask that you join Hope for the Island in partnering with me in prayer. This is a journey of faith that I want to share with you! All of you hold a special place in my heart. To HOPE family, leaders, supporters, and friends thank you for being part of my life!
