Feeding the Hungry in Honduras

For some of us, Covid-19 has been only a mild inconvenience. Maybe we’ve been spending more time at home, perhaps feelings of uneasiness are in the air. But for those who were already living in poverty before the pandemic, life has changed drastically.

Like many people around the world, day laborers in rural Honduras are banned from working and are unable to receive their daily pay—the pay that they rely on to feed their families each day. With strict guidelines from the Honduran government to stay home, alternate income isn’t an option. 

Recently, we learned about dozens of families living in poverty, unsure of where their meals will be coming from. HOPE Coffee partnered with Create Hope, along with Pastors Walter, Joel and Carlos to distribute groceries to those struggling in their communities. Together with their congregations they were able to distribute groceries to 50 families!

For many of the households visited, the food arrived just in time. Several families shared that they were out of food and hadn’t eaten anything that day. Among the families given groceries was the Diaz family, who Pastor Joel continues to disciple after they received a safe home last fall. They were especially grateful to be able to feed their 5 children! 

Each delivery of groceries served as a physical reminder of God’s provision even in the most uncertain of times. Thank you for drinking HOPE Coffee—it really does make a difference!

HOPE Coffee worked through Create Hope, our trusted non-profit partner, to help these families because of your coffee purchases. Create Hope sent the funds to three pastors in Honduras, enabling them to provide much-needed groceries for Honduran laborers and their families.  Click here to learn more about how you change lives through HOPE Coffee and Create Hope!

HOPE Partner Tip:  Keep your church or organization updated on the latest impact of their coffee by using this free announcement slide for your pre-service announcements or on a screen near your coffee bar!  Click the image below to download the announcement slide in our online store.

The Orphan Doctor

Zomba, Malawi— Often Banda and his brother were in elementary school when they went through the devastation of losing both of their parents. They were left alone in navigating their needs for food, shelter and education.

Sadly, Banda’s story is not unique. In Malawi, an overwhelming 1 in 5 children are orphaned, much of the time left behind with no other adults to care for them.

By the grace of God, Banda and his brother quickly came under the care of the Passion Center for Children. The staff at the center located a relative for the boys to live with and also provided them with adequate food. While they continued to serve the family, the staff and volunteers demonstrated the love of Jesus to the young boys. As a result, Banda soon gave his life to Christ.

Through the work of the Passion Center the brothers were then able to complete elementary school, a milestone that more than half of Malawian children do not reach. They were also supported through high school and Banda was even able to go to college—something he never dreamed he would be able to do!

Just a few months ago, after years of hard work, Banda graduated from medical school with honors. Banda’s story is one of true redemption. This is the God we serve—a God who turns a young, hungry orphan into a doctor. Banda is now using his education and abilities in The Passion Center, the very place that rescued him, giving orphans the same hope he desperately needed when he was a young boy.

The Passion Center is just one of the many Christ-centered clinics that our partner Compassion Tea supports. Because you choose Compassion Tea through HOPE Coffee, kids just like Banda are nourished, educated and taught of the love of Jesus.

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“All praises should go to our Lord Jesus Christ for He has seen me through the medical school. It was not easy but He made it possible for me.”
—Often Banda

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Often Banda’s story is one of many about God using the faithful service of the Passion Center to change the lives of orphans. The Passion Center’s mission is to join God in rescuing, redeeming and restoring orphans, the vulnerable and whole communities. Just last year they were able to reach over 3,000 people with life-saving medical and spiritual care. They saw 300 people come to Christ, served 314 orphans, cared for 24 child-headed households and welcomed 13 infants into an intensive care program. When you purchase Compassion Tea through HOPE Coffee you support the Passion Center and 7 other Christ-centered clinics in Africa.

HOPE Partner Tip:  Keep your church or organization updated on the latest impact of their coffee by using this free announcement slide for your pre-service announcements or on a screen near your coffee bar!  Click the image below to download the announcement slide in our online store.

New Home, New Hope

Tlaixpan, Puebla, Mexico—Erika Lopez has the brightest smile. Her three spunky children, Evelyn, Alexis and Axel, are her whole world. You’d never guess it, but they’ve been through unspeakable loss. Behind their smiles is a story of hope and restoration.

Just last year, Erika’s husband abandoned her. After the separation, the burden of raising her children as a single, working mom weighed on her. Adding to her stress, she and her growing kids lived in a six-foot-by-six-foot single room home. Her life was in pieces and there seemed to be no hope of change. Then they met Maricela.

Erika’s neighbor, Maricela, wanted to share the love of Jesus with the struggling mom. She visited the family often and listened to Erika’s heartbreaking story. Week after week, Maricela invited them to her church, Embajadores de Cristo.

The first Sunday the Lopezes attended church, Pastor Ignacio asked if anyone needed prayer. Through her tears, Erika opened up about her struggles. Pastor Ignacio, Maricela and several church members gathered around Erika, praying for her. At the church, Erika felt the same care she had received from her neighbor. The church decided to show her the gospel in action by meeting the need she had for a larger home.

Embajadores de Cristo partnered with HOPE Coffee to build an additional room onto the Lopez’ one room home. This new room, which itself is twice as large as their entire house, would give the family more space and privacy, as well as separate eating and sleeping areas. Though this alone would be life changing, the church knew the deepest need of Erika’s soul was the love of a Savior—a love which they were eager to share.

Among the church members who showed up to serve was a 15-year-old boy named José. Just a couple of years ago his family received a new roof through a HOPE Coffee project. José’s whole family committed their lives to Christ. Jose told the pastor, “I want to help Erika and her family and give them hope because I received hope first.

“I want to help Erika and her family and give
them hope because I received hope first.”

The church continued to serve the family, while sharing the gospel and praying for them. While the house was under construction, the entire Lopez family decided to give their lives to Jesus. Because you chose HOPE Coffee, Erika and her children have a new home and an eternal hope.  They also now have a loving, generous church community to call their own.

The coffee you drink every day is making an eternal difference. HOPE Coffee partners with churches, funding life-changing projects so that families like the Lopezes can hear about Jesus. Thank you for being a part of what God is doing through HOPE Coffee.

Send a note of encouragement to Pastor Ignacio and the church members who continue to minister to Erika and her children as they begin their journey with God!

HOPE Partner Tip:  Keep your church or organization updated on the latest impact of their coffee by using this free announcement slide for your pre-service announcements or on a screen near your coffee bar!  Click the image below to download the announcement slide in our online store.

Introducing Lan Vwa: A Chance to Dream

Joconal, Guatemala—“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Karina Leiva asked a group of young children in a small farming village. Looks of confusion spread over their faces. Not grasping what she could mean, one child chimed in, “A farmer? I guess?” And another stated, “I’ll probably be a picker like my dad.”  “A nurse!” a boy named Freddy said with a laugh.  “Why do you laugh?” Karina asked.  “Because it could never happen.” was his reply.

Many kids in rural Guatemala don’t have the luxury of dreaming about their futures. Before 2012, the kids of Joconal couldn’t fathom a life in which they picked their own career. In Guatemala, the public school system runs from 1st through 6th grades. Outside of these six years, school is only for those who can afford it. In Joconal, education past 6th grade isn’t an option for many farmers’ children. For the few in Joconal who can afford to pay, it’s often not feasible given the three-hours-a-day walk. Without access to education the children of Joconal have very little control over their futures.

The Leiva family, who owns a coffee farm in Joconal, has seen poverty enduring for generations. They believe that God has called them to break this cycle by connecting their neighbors to the resources they have long lacked. 

Believing that education is key to breaking the chains of generational poverty, the Leiva family started a school called Lan Vwa to fill the gaps of education that existed for children in Joconal. They currently provide education that the farming village has never had access to before: preschool, middle school and high school.

Seven years later, Karina asks the same group of children, now teenagers, the same question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The question that had once been answered with confusion and blank stares now receives a cacophony of excited responses. “A mechanic!” one boy says. “A teacher!“ one girl says. “A doctor! Or lawyer!” another exclaims.  And Freddy, the young boy who laughed at the possibility of having a career, finished high school and graduated from his nursing program earlier this year. Lan Vwa has done more than change their lives—it has given them the chance to dream.

We’re proud to announce our partnership with the Leiva family in their efforts to educate and show the love of Christ to the underprivileged in rural Guatemala. Now when you choose HOPE Coffee, not only do you continue to fund life-changing projects in Honduras and Mexico, but you are also a part of educating the children of the farmers who grew your Guatemalan coffee. You’re helping them break the chains of poverty, meet their potential and causing them to hear about the great love that Christ has for them. Because of you, these children that were powerless over their futures are now giving their lives to Jesus, pursuing careers, going to college and returning to serve their families and community.  Thank you for choosing HOPE Coffee!

A Storm, A Baby and a Safe Home

Cerro Grande, Honduras—Pastor Walter, from Iglesia Dios Habla Hoy, had heard about an unusual lightning strike in the nearby mountain village of Cerro Grande. During a recent storm, lightning had struck a tree, nearly splitting it in two right in front of a small family home. When Pastor Walter visited the village, he met Martin and Gladys Diaz.  They lived in a mud-and-stick-home with their five children and Gladys was expecting their sixth. The tree that had been struck by lightning was directly in front of their home, reminding them daily of their lack of safe shelter.

Martin labors in nearby fields from sunrise to sundown to earn a few dollars, if he can find work at all.  He was desperate for a more stable home, fearing for his children’s safety. With no hope of change in sight, they did what they could, pinning up tarps and cardboard to repair the gaps in their walls. Pastor Walter was moved by their dire situation. Although they did not know it yet, this was the beginning of change for the growing family.

Along with two other local pastors, Joel and Carlos, Pastor Walter created a plan to have each of their three churches work together to serve the struggling family. 

With funds provided by HOPE Coffee, church members began to build a new home for the Diaz family. As they worked, they shared the gospel and the love of Jesus.

The community was watching in awe. The villagers remarked that they had never seen anyone give so unconditionally. Because of the love the Christians freely gave, the Diaz family and their neighbors had open ears to the message of God’s hope.

When the new home was nearly complete, Gladys went into labor. With no road access to their village, Martin carried his pregnant wife through the mountainous terrain to the nearest road where a church member from Pastor Walter’s church met them.  Meanwhile, local church members stepped in to care for the Diaz children while their parents hurried to the hospital. After driving for several hours, Gladys gave birth to a healthy baby girl right in the hospital lobby as they were rushing her inside!

Soon after, Martin and Gladys were able to bring the newest member of their family back to a safe home of their own.  Reflecting on all the churches had done for his family, Martin said “I have no doubt that God is behind all of this!”

In a way that only God could orchestrate, the tree split by lightning that had been a symbol of fear and hopelessness became the lumber for their new roof. What had once been a reminder of their lack of safety now serves as protection from future storms.

Because you choose HOPE Coffee, Martin, Gladys, their six children and even their neighbors now have ongoing relationships with the local churches who served them. Pray with us that through this gift of a secure home, the entire Diaz family would come to know Jesus—our true refuge and shelter in every storm.

Update – December 2019:

Pastor Joel, from the village’s church has continued to minister to the Diaz family, sharing about the hope found in Christ. About a month after this project was complete, Martin and Gladys both decided they wanted to put their hope in Christ and follow Him!

La Germania, Honduras—During the week Rodimiro serves his coffee pickers and oversees the growing of your Honduran coffee. On the weekend? He serves his neighbors in La Germania, sharing the hope that can be found in Christ.

Rodimiro recently heard about the village near his coffee farm with no access to clean water.  Because the lack of clean water was causing the families to face constant illness, he was compelled to help. Rodimiro and other Christians from his local church partnered with HOPE Coffee so that families in the village could receive the clean water they needed.

Rodimiro spoke with the village about new water filters. The villagers were hesitant—they didn’t trust Christians. After meeting with them twice, the village reluctantly allowed the local church to provide the clean water filters. Though resistant to the idea of Christians helping them, they knew they needed clean water. Rodimiro prayed that God would soften the villagers hearts toward the message of hope he was bringing.

Eagerly, the families of this small village gathered into a crowded school house. Rodimiro educated the families on the health risks and illnesses that would remain if they continued using the contaminated water. He demonstrated how to use the filter and made sure everyone had access to one. 

Rodimiro then shared with the whole village about Jesus and the forgiveness that comes for those who trust in Him. While most of the village was curious to know more about the gospel message and asked the Christians to visit again, two villagers were not receptive to the good news of Jesus—unfortunately, they asked that their families not be visited again by the Christians.

Because you chose HOPE Coffee, the seed of the gospel was planted in all 14 of the families that make up this small village in La Germania. Pray with us that God will soften hearts so that many will come to know Him!

Rodimiro is proud to be growing for HOPE Coffee because he knows his coffee is making a difference.  He is able to see firsthand how—through local churches—the coffee he grows changes lives in the communities surrounding his farm. Read more about Rodimiro and our Direct Trade Relationship with the farmers who grow HOPE Coffee!

Az de Oros, Chiapas, Mexico—The 23 families who make up the small, rural village of Az de Oros have always lacked access to safe drinking water. Because they must walk an hour each day to retrieve water, simple tasks such as bathing, cooking and laundry are difficult and leave the villagers especially vulnerable to disease.

Solo Cristo Salva, a church in a nearby village, heard about their struggles and wanted to help. Along with their pastor, Sergio, they partnered with HOPE Coffee to bring clean water systems to the families in this small village. Eighteen families attended the session to receive water filter systems and learn how to use them. They were so grateful for this life-changing gift of clean water!

As the training session was ending, Pastor Sergio also shared the good news of Jesus. All 18 families stayed long after the session ended, listening intently and asking questions about the message they had just heard!

The people of Solo Cristo Salva will be returning to continue to discuss the gospel message with the people of Az de Oros. Please pray that the seed planted would grow and many would come to know Him!

Thank you for choosing HOPE Coffee and being a vital part of providing families in Az de Oros with clean water and the message of the gospel!

Northern Uganda—Ugandan terrorist organization, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), has perpetuated unthinkable violence throughout Uganda over the last 30 years. Abducting children and training them as soldiers is among the worst of their crimes. During the LRA’s frightening reign, it’s estimated that more than 60,000 children have been left orphaned, uneducated, impoverished and in a state of devastation—emotionally, physically and spiritually.

When you choose to purchase Compassion Tea from HOPE Coffee, not only are you a part of life-changing projects and furthering the gospel in Honduras and Mexico, but you’re also a part of providing essential medical care to people in rural Africa! Thank you for choosing HOPE Coffee and Compassion Tea.

Among the victimized children is a boy named Justin who has lived through unimaginable terrors. Although his life was spared, the horrendous violence carried out on his own village and family left his heart full of sorrow, chaos and hatred.  He had no reason to hope for a better future. Justin is not the only child affected. The brokenness and evils caused by the LRA’s uprising has left an overwhelming amount of need in Uganda, especially for children.

Compelled by God’s heart for orphans, Village of Hope (VOH) works to restore the lives of former child soldiers, sex slaves and children orphaned by the devastating acts of the LRA. For the last 10 years VOH has worked to cultivate healing and hope in these ‘children of war’ by providing them with housing, nurture, education, counseling, and medical aid. The children continually hear the gospel message and experience God’s love throughout their time at Village of Hope.

Justin believed he had no future and that the rest of his days would be spent in sorrow and bitterness. It was when he was at his lowest that Justin became one of the first children to step through the doors of Village of Hope. For ten years the staff at VOH has poured the love of Jesus into Justin’s young life. He was given a safe place to heal and call home. He has received skills, values, an education and the chance to go to college. Most importantly, he heard the life-changing message of the gospel. Today Justin walks as a follower of Jesus!

“I thank God that through Village of Hope, I truly have found joy, love and peace in my heart and have learned to forgive in my life. It has built me to become a young man who teaches the word of God through the inspiration of Village of Hope.”

-Ogen Justin

Where there was once strife and hatred in his heart, Justin now has peace, love and hope. At Village of Hope, children of war become children of hope. They are able to take their new skills and the hope of Christ to their communities, country and beyond.

Read more about the incredible mission of Village of Hope!