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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

Hello everyone! My name is Jerome, and I am a licensed social worker. I have worked in both government and non-government organizations. Social Work has always been my dream job because it allows me to help the marginalized sectors of society. I studied Social Work in a religious school for four years, graduated in 2005, and received my license the following year. By the time 2024 came I had a wealth of experience and had served in many capacities and in different organizations. I came to the place however feeling burnt out after being in a work environment filled with corruption and vices. 

While checking my email, I came across a job post online for a Social Worker position at Hope for the Island, Siargao.  This became an opportunity not only to work but also to visit the island and rest. I passed the interview and was hired effective October 1, 2024. To my surprise, it was a virtual social work position. After a month of working remotely, I asked Ate Jennifer if I could visit the organization to better understand its operations and meet the staff. She granted my request. I was warmly welcomed and given a bible because daily the staff studied Gods word together. It is there I came to faith in Christ and loved his word and work. In this new job, I decided to embrace every opportunity for learning and development, not only professionally but also spiritually.

After six months with Hope, I realized how much I had changed. Even my parents noticed my transformation as I spent more time reading the Bible daily. I became involved in Kalinga house, abilities club, widows, youth, children’s ministries. What once was difficult to understand in Scripture—became clear as the Holy Spirit guided me into truth and enabled me to apply it in life and ministry.

In May 2025, I traveled to Surigao city for a meeting and also took the chance to have a medical check-up. Unexpectedly, the results showed that my creatinine level was dangerously high—around 12. My nephrologist immediately advised hospitalization. I was devastated and cried when I returned to Hope, where my family in Christ comforted me. I then informed Ate Jen that I needed to return to Cagayan de Oro for treatment and dialysis, as my family lived there. Leaving Hope was very emotional because the family who brought me to Christ would now be far from me. Still, God blessed me with a prayer partner, Lovejoy, a Hope staff, who supported me through this trial. My first day of admission involved two painful surgeries on my neck and hand. Soon after, I began regular dialysis where I met other patients—including old schoolmates and a Christian friend from Palawan who became my mentor. The first month of dialysis was very difficult. I had to sacrifice work, time, and diet. I lost weight, could barely sleep, and often couldn’t stand on my own. Yet, my Hope family and friends from different countries prayed for me. Their prayers strengthened my faith, and I held firmly to Jesus despite the trials.

Today, I continue to see God’s hand in my life. Through my situation, I discovered a new ministry: praying for and assisting patients in need of hospitalization, surgery, or medicine. With the help of connections I have been able to help others access free medical assistance. This self-fulfillment comes not only from providing for their physical needs but also from sharing the Gospel and praying with them. I now dedicate this new ministry to God, praying for more souls and more patients to come to know Jesus. Even in my weakness, I have found my greatest strength in Him

Please join me in prayer for a kidney donor as well as more patients to be saved and join the ministry 🙂

Jerome

Greetings Hope for the island friends and family!

Graduation day provided many reasons to celebrate with our scholars. With the close of classes, our summer ministry schedules started up with the goal to make the most of students time on vacation. 

It was such a joy to cheer on 3 of our 6 scholars who graduated high school this April ❤️ We are proud of the spiritual growth, character and servant hearted service we have witnessed in our scholars. Each Saturday the scholars faithfully assisted our HOPE team for a full day of outreaches in the community with kids. 

The scholarship program has been a critical program engaging and equipping many students through the years. There were seasons we did not have the funding to support students needs. When able this program has produced Incredible academic results and lasting spiritual fruit.

We are preparing to accept our new batch of scholars starting in May. We have restructured our scholarship program to specifically address the significant needs of many preteen kids flocking to Hope for the Island daily. This group came in a few months ago and would stay the entire day despite efforts to send them home for lunch or rest time . They were a wild bunch testing our team at every angle. It became clear quickly that God had brought these amazing kids our way to love and lead to Jesus. It is such a delight to have them around at this stage. We thank God for their lives. We enjoy guiding them and watching them come to know God’s love and discover His purpose for them. They have overcome many obstacles in the short time they have spent coming to hope for the island. They have learned many new skills and have gained understanding of the gospel. 

Summer time has allowed us to shift regular ministry schedules  around to make room for weekly structured programs like MMA, surfing, skateboarding , basketball, volleyball, ukulele classes and cooking times together. We know each of the kids better as well as the struggles they endure. They soak up the loving attention and have shown themselves to be keen learners. 

This group of about 15 pre teens will be included to what is normally a high school only scholarship program. Hope for the island is intending to raise support to cover the annual school fees for a total of 60 students. Scholarship support will help relieve existing financial barriers for parents and enable us to work closer with these families. Parents will strategically be involved in program with shared responsibility to ensure long term impact. As with past scholars, this new batch will have an environmental / community service component. They will be part of beach and roadside garbage cleanups together with other volunteers we mobilize. That will provide opportunity for the kids to make a tangible difference in their home town in face of rapid development. It will set pace, educate and challenge their community to value this beautiful island we have been stewarded with. Select scholars will also be included in our assistant based service program alongside our ministry team. This aspect of the program has been valuable in nurturing the compassionate heart that Christ exampled and commands for us to walk in as we spread the gospel. It is from the assistants program that most of Hope for the Island long term staff came out of 🙂

Through the Lord Jesus and through the love of the Spirit, we plead that you strive together with us in prayer to God. Pray for our team and for the work God has entrusted us with (Romans 15:30). Pray for sustained physical strength and for the joy of the Lord to fill us in face of test and opposition. Pray for those who would resist us and pray for those God is drawing to faith through His word. Pray that we would faithfully teach, model and lead according to truth! 

-Pray that God would raise up laborers with the ever growing ministry needs. 

-Pray for committted monthly provision to operate. Current scholarship / outstanding ministry operations need is $3600 cad per month. (Kalinga House & Hope needs)

– Prayerfully consider being an Ambassador for Hope by :

1. raising awareness in your Church community, friends and family or Social media
2. visiting Hope for the Island with a team of keen volunteers 
3. Gathering ministry supplies needed and send in door to door box to Philippines

God is good and we thank Him for those all who partner in this shared call through prayer and support ❤️

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments 🙂

Thank you! 

Derek & Jenn

Our team at Hope for the Island (HOPE) are thankful for God’s sustaining grace and guidance in what has been a busy start to 2025. Thank you so much to all who faithfully uphold the ministry and our team in prayer and support!

As believers in Christ, we are called through God’s word to be conformed into the image of Christ (Rom 8:29). To grow in Christlikeness is only possible when we abide in and heed His word. HOPE family Bible study each morning is a great way for our team to meditate on and encourage each other in truth. These daily studies keep us strengthened in faith and where we come to know Gods will for us in Christ. It is always a joy to share these times with visitors and missions teams who come in to serve with us.

YWAM Maui DTS students spent Dec 2024 to Feb 2025 with us at HOPE. Great relationships were established and many ministry memories formed together. Each mission team serving with us has an opportunity to grow further in their knowledge of God’s word and to do so learning and applying it in a cross-cultural context alongside our local missionary team.

Here is what one of the team members shared after leaving:

“For our YWAM team it was an immense privilege to step into the ministries at Hope for the Island, and to see the great work God is doing on Siargao Island. We immediately felt so welcome and at home with the Ates and Kuyas (Hope staff). They helped us be the most effective we could be in sharing God’s love. We especially loved seeing the impact on the kids throughout the town as they came to kids ministries every week and visited us at the base frequently. Our team also got to see some of the incredible work done with the widows and widowers of Burgos, how Hope staff have made such intentional connections with them and allowed us to step in and encourage these Nanays and Tatays with God’s word and His great love for them”-Lizzie

Days after the YWAM team left us, we were again blessed to receive a team of 4 from Living Hope Church. Richard and Carrie have returned with 2 young adults Terry and Jaime. Mutual blessing comes in so many ways from these short-term team visits.

Our Abilities Club is developing now that we have dedicated Social Workers helping cater to the complex needs. This program began to provide support to families we know with neurodiverse and disabled children. In years past, there has been little to no education or support for these families. We have increased our support to include therapeutic approaches, individualized care and case management. Medical referrals have been an answer to prayer and helping with long overdue medical checkups and prescribed care. The most significant part is the spiritual component to any of our mercy focused ministries. Sharing God’s powerful living word always accomplishes what God intends and purposes (Is 55:11). Our time sharing God’s word with the parents and care givers comes after all the activities and a shared meal together. Please pray for all those involved in Abilities Club.

Challenges and deep struggles are faced by people of all walks of life. The gospel is the power of God that saves and transforms lives (Rom 1:10). It is for this reason that our entire team is enrolled in biblical counselling training. The depth of study is helping us learn a lot and be better equipped. We have already completed module 1 and starting module 2 this week.

Although this is a long commitment and adding extra demand to our busy schedule, we are finding the training incredibly valuable and a necessity for anyone wanting to minister to others. Biblical counseling is the focus of learning Jenn shifted to in pursuit of her degree. With a desire to be a trained counsellor, it was an easy shift because we can personally attest to the impact Gods word has had in the face of our own battle with sin and life struggles. The truth of God’s word truly is the light for our path and the lamp to our feet as we walk through a world darkened and in confusion. Our view of God must align to who He is revealed to be in scripture. If we don’t know Him to be central, we will inevitably be challenged to understand the human condition. Understanding sin, Christ and faith in Him helps us know what’s wrong in us and what’s wrong in the world. It also helps us know what is good in and around us. Being involved in ministry for any amount of time, it becomes evident that mankind has a serious heart problem. Heart related problems are dangerous physically but even more so spiritually. As we learn in scripture, “The heart is more deceitful than all else, And is desperately sick; Who can know it? “I, Yahweh, search the heart; I test the inmost being, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his deeds.”

Jeremiah 17:9-10 LSB

Kalinga House: The last document we were waiting for is now in hand! After years and years of praying, God has in His perfect time made way for us to start a Children’s Home!

The residential home is now licensed and registered to receive our first girl within this month ❤ We are thrilled to see how God has faithfully led and provided for this home to serve the vulnerable. We have 3 great social workers added to our team who love the Lord and ready to welcome in those God brings us.

Jenn and I are now living in the furnished children’s home and will be the interim house parents. We are working through the details and practices important to daily life and operations. Please be praying for all involved in this new ministry and for the operational support still needed to house and care for up to 10 girls.

Grateful in Christ,

Derek and Jenn

Thanks for patiently waiting on this update. I love seeing how God orchestrates circumstances to bring about His good purposes. This trip has been filled with these situations as expected. God intervening with the boat on the way out was one big stand out. So thankful how God directed each step to preserve Jenn’s life.

I personally have been excited for some time to step back into life and ministry in an Asian indigenous context. It’s where we lived. It’s where we were taught by the Lord, matured and bore fruit in ministry.

Below is update from Jenn in relation to her time in Borneo. My update will follow. I tend to be a little long winded so need to split it up

JENN……

It has been 4 years since I have been in Borneo, Malaysia. Derek and I made this trip with our kids and some of their friends. I went in to serve with hands and heart open to what the Lord has for us.
The local church pastor, headman of the village, and various leaders have been inviting us back to Borneo relentlessly for the past 3 years. As many of you know my first 2 times in Borneo in 2017-2018 were marked with much difficulty. Loneliness and hunger was a daily battle for me. God gave Derek a deep love for the people and a burden to minister. He was sure God had something great in store for us as we set out on the journey into the rain forest. With a peace from the Lord to go we set out.

The new headman of the village (Douglas) and his wife were so hospitable to our family. Over a year and a half ago Douglas reached out to Derek. They kept in touch encouraging and praying for each other. As soon as restrictions lifted Douglas sent message that the time to return had come. Derek had no idea through that period of time that Douglas was set to take lead as Headman. The developing relationship and trust between these two men set the ground work for what took place during our time in long kerong village. When Derek traveled out from the village I stayed at the long house where Douglas and family live. During my time with the family I came to understand Penan local laws and the beautiful aspects of their culture. These have been documented in a policy book that Douglas was able to show me and explain in English. I got to spend time and pray with them. I heard his testimony and his heart for His people. These events gave me insights into the needs of the community with a clear invitation from him to help.

I was able to spend time with others in the community and build more relationships because the long house is for everyone in the community to come fellowship.
We intentionally brought games and a guitar as a way to move beyond language barriers and build relationship. I practiced the guitar everyday and got to know more residents in the village because of my eagerness to learn. We practiced worship songs with easy chords and the language barriers were once again broken.
As I was praying and considering what God may have for us in long kerong beyond this trip, I was invited by the pastor to visit his farm. It was there that God made things more clear for me. The pastor explained many needs they have as a church and community, with an invitation for us as missionaries to be part of the solution.
At Pastors farm I also saw their need to learn basic natural farming techniques like IMO, composting, etc. Most of the farms I previously visited didn’t have materials I was looking for. At Pastors I saw a lot of new area and materials I needed. If became clear how God can use me even in this remote village in Borneo.

We are now in transition in Thailand. Derek has been working with our immigration attorney friend in Philippines. He is helping secure our quota visas that happened to expire while we were away. Many covid restrictions are still in place in Philippines. As a result we will be allowed max one month entry. We have a tentative plan to travel there Dec 6 to avoid outlandish prices departing over Christmas / New Years. We are praying for God to use our time at Hope for the Island. It will be great to serve and minister in a place we lived and served for many years. We ask that you continue to diligently pray for us. We are trusting God to make His way clear for our family.

Jenn Van Ryckeghem