Dear Friends and Supporters of Hope for the Island,
As we come to the close of this year, we want to pause and thank God—and each of you—for faithfully standing with us. This year has been a season of refinement for Hope for the Island, bringing greater clarity and confidence in our calling. Above all, we remain confident that the Bible and its teachings remain the firm and unchanging foundation of every ministry we steward.
Hope continues to be a unique place on the island—a property where children, youth, and adults are welcomed through our programs to learn, grow, and be discipled with God’s Word at the center. Throughout the year, we have gathered for daily community devotions, discipleship classes with our assistants, and ministries that encourage Scripture memorization. We have also intentionally addressed the difficult and confusing issues young people face today, choosing to speak truth with love and biblical conviction.
We are deeply grateful for the support of our local community and government, which allows us the freedom to teach openly and live out our faith. Our scholarship program continues to emphasize not only academic support, but good moral character, discipleship, and accountability—equipping the next generation both spiritually and practically.
Romans 5:6–11 (ESV)
6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Romans 5:6–11 reminds us that while we were still weak and sinful, Christ died for us. God did not wait for us to have it all together—He showed His love at the right time. Through Jesus, we have been justified, reconciled, and given true hope.
As we come to the end of this year, we encourage you to pause and give thanks. Thank God that His love is not based on our performance, but on Christ’s finished work. Living as a Christian today can feel challenging, but Jesus told us what the days ahead would look like, so we need not be surprised.
The world is changing, and sin is increasingly visible and celebrated, but God remains the same—yesterday, today, and forever. In uncertain times, Jesus is the anchor our souls need. As we face life’s challenges, may we fix our eyes on Him, allow Him to renew our minds, refine our hearts, and shape us into His likeness.
As we look ahead to the coming year, we humbly invite you to consider partnering with us through year-end giving. Your generosity helps sustain daily devotions, discipleship, scholarships, widows ministry, kids and youth ministries, and safe spaces where children and youth can encounter biblical truth and experience Christ-centered community.
Every gift—whether large or small—plays a vital role in helping Hope continue this work.
Thank you for your prayers, your trust, and your faithful support. We are deeply grateful to serve alongside you as we continue loving, teaching, and equipping the next generation—uncompromising in biblical truth and confident in God’s leading.
With love and gratefulness,
Derek and Jenn Van Ryckeghem
@hopefortheisland
