Build Relationships. Break Poverty.

Discover the inspiring work of I Care for the Nation CarePoint in our conversation with founder Ayneabeba "Ayni" Maru. Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the CarePoint focuses on sustainable development, providing holistic care and job training to vulnerable women and children. Ayni discusses their advocacy efforts in policymaking, promoting emotional well-being, and their overarching goal to end gender-based violence and poverty through girls' education. Join us for this insightful 30-minute conversation filled with inspiring concepts and real stories!Learn more about I Care For the Nation: Next StepsSupport the Show.

In the grand finale of our "Fueling the Future" series, we're honored to have Atkelt Simon, an extraordinary individual who once benefited from sponsorship and is now a vital part of the HopeChest team. Join us as Atkelt shares his remarkable journey from being a sponsored child to a dedicated employee, shedding light on the transformative power of sponsorship for young adults during this pivotal stage of life.Support the show

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In this episode, we hear the inspiring story of a couple who decided to sponsor a child in need, not just for a short-term period, but until the child became an adult and achieved success. We explore how the relationship between the couple and the child grew over the years and how they provided not just financial support, but also emotional support and guidance. We learn about the accountability that the couple held the child to, and how it encouraged the child to take ownership of their own success. Ultimately, we see how the power of love and relationship transformed the life of this child, and how it can do the same for others. We discuss the importance of long-term commitment and the impact it can have, not just on the individual being sponsored, but on the sponsor as well. This episode highlights the transformative power of relationship, accountability, and love, and encourages us to consider how we can make a difference in the lives of those around us.Support the show

Welcome to the launch of "Fueling the Future," a new series by Children's HopeChest that's all about investing in today's teens and young adults to empower tomorrow's leaders. In this episode, we're thrilled to be joined by four of our own employees, including Rachel Andrews, VP of International Operations, as well as Masha, Yana, and Tanya from our team in Russia. Together, we'll explore the transformative impact of investing in young adults, and dive into the roots of Children's HopeChest and where we're headed as an organization. Join us as we kick off this exciting new series and discover the incredible value and importance of working with young adults to fuel sustainable development around the world.Join us in the fight to end the cycle of poverty: www.hopechest.org/giveSupport the show

Community-to-community relationships are an important part of the HopeChest approach. We share lots of incredible transformation stories from the countries where we work, but what is the transformation like for the communities here in the United States?We are so excited to be sharing a series that features our partners in the United States! In this series, we'll be hearing from former and current HopeChest Partnership Leaders, pastors and church leaders, business leaders, and other partners talk about their own personal experiences and the most moving stories from within their own communities.In the final episode of this series, we are featuring one of our partners, Tri County Air Conditioning and Heating in Venice, FL. In this episode, Jim Foubister and Billy Swanson talk about their business' partnership with Puerta de Esperanza CarePoint in Guatemala. You'll enjoy listening to his stories and experience with building a relationship with a community in a different country!Support the show

Community-to-community relationships are an important part of the HopeChest approach. We share lots of incredible transformation stories from the countries where we work, but what is the transformation like for the communities here in the United States?We are so excited to be sharing a series that features our partners in the United States! In this series, we'll be hearing from former and current HopeChest Partnership Leaders, pastors and church leaders, and other partners talk about their own personal experiences and the most moving stories from within their own communities.In the first episode of this series, we are featuring one of our partners, The River Church in Kalamazoo, MI. In this episode, John Sparks talks about his church's partnership with Oditel CarePoint in Uganda. You'll enjoy listening to his stories and experience with building a relationship with a community on the other side of the world!Support the show

Community-to-community relationships are an important part of the HopeChest approach. We share lots of incredible transformation stories from the countries where we work, but what is the transformation like for the communities here in the United States?We are so excited to be sharing a series that features our partners in the United States! In this series, we'll be hearing from former and current HopeChest Partnership Leaders, pastors and church leaders, and other partners talk about their own personal experiences and the most moving stories from within their own communities.In the first episode of this series, we are featuring one of our partners, Faith & Zion Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO. In this episode, Brandon Boos talks about his church's partnership with AMBI CarePoint in Guatemala. You'll enjoy listening to his stories and experience with building a relationship with a community on the other side of the world!Support the show

Community-to-community relationships are an important part of the HopeChest approach. We share lots of incredible transformation stories from the countries where we work, but what is the transformation like for the communities here in the United States?We are so excited to be sharing a series that features our partners in the United States! In this series, we'll be hearing from former and current HopeChest Partnership Leaders, pastors and church leaders, and other partners talk about their own personal experiences and the most moving stories from within their own communities.In the first episode of this series, we are featuring one of our partners, the Orphans of Teso Connect Community in Iowa. In this episode, Jen Debruin talks about her community's partnership with three CarePoints in Uganda. You'll enjoy listening to her stories and experience with building a relationship with a community on the other side of the world!Support the show

Community-to-community relationships are an important part of the HopeChest approach. We share lots of incredible transformation stories from the countries where we work, but what is the transformation like for the communities here in the United States?We are so excited to be sharing a series that features our partners in the United States! In this series, we'll be hearing from former and current HopeChest Partnership Leaders, pastors and church leaders, and other partners talk about their own personal experiences and the most moving stories from within their own communities.In the first episode of this series, we are featuring one of our partners, All Shores Wesleyan Church in Spring Lake, Michigan. In this episode, Thad Spring talks about his church's partnership with Shashemene Wondo Ber CarePoint in Ethiopia. You'll enjoy listening to his stories and experience with building a relationship with a community on the other side of the world!Support the show

Community-to-community relationships are an important part of the HopeChest approach. We share lots of incredible transformation stories from the countries where we work, but what is the transformation like for the communities here in the United States?We are so excited to be sharing a brand new series on our podcast, “Build Relationships, Break Poverty” featuring our partners in the United States! In this series, we'll be hearing from former and current HopeChest Partnership Leaders, pastors and church leaders, and other partners talk about their own personal experiences and the most moving stories from within their own communities.In the first episode of this series, we are featuring one of our partners, Watermark Church in West Michigan. In this episode, Steven Deur talks about his church's partnership with Shone Gerbe CarePoint in Ethiopia. You'll enjoy listening to his stories and experience with building a relationship with a community on the other side of the world!Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

In October, we asked you, our thoughtful and curious community, what questions you had for Children's HopeChest Guatemala Country Director, Carolina Cardona.You asked, and Carolina answered! In this month's unique episode, we are featuring your fantastic questions for Carolina.Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

In August, we asked you, our thoughtful and curious community, what questions you had for Children's HopeChest Uganda Country Director, Milkias "Mickey" Taye.You asked, and Mickey answered! In this month's unique episode, we are featuring your fantastic questions for Mickey.Support the show (www.hopechest.org)Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

In June, we asked you, our thoughtful and curious community, what questions you had for Children's HopeChest Russia Country Director, Katya Celenina.You asked, and Katya answered! In this month's unique episode, we are featuring your fantastic questions for Katya. Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

In May, we asked you, our thoughtful and curious community, what questions you had for Children's HopeChest Uganda Country Director, Joseph Elotu.You asked, and Joseph answered! In this month's unique episode, we are featuring eight of your fantastic questions for Joseph. Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

One of the greatest assets that we all share is this beautiful planet that we call home!How are vulnerable communities taking a stand against climate change? This month, hear from five international Children's HopeChest staff about earth-friendly projects in their communities. These projects are creating lasting change and cultivating an appreciation for the environment in children and their families! Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

In community development that focuses on poverty alleviation, community projects are incredibly important to long-term self-sustainability.Have you ever been curious about how programs are chosen for each CarePoint community? Or how programs that are implemented in Russia are different from programs implemented in Uganda? How involved are local leaders, really, in the process of development plans? In this month’s  episode, we interview Tesfa Tsegaye Abebe, Children’s HopeChest’s International Operations Director. Tesfa shares about how HopeChest develops programs and projects alongside in-country staff and how operations and projects are unique to each country and community we partner with.Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

In January, we asked you, our thoughtful and curious community, what questions you had for Children’s HopeChest President and CEO, Ken Sparks.You asked, and Ken answered! In this month’s unique episode of “Build Relationships. Break Poverty.” we are featuring eight of your fantastic questions for Ken. Listen in on this fun and conversational episode!Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

This first podcast episode of the year features HopeChest President and CEO, Ken Sparks. Hear about significant victories from 2020, as well as Ken’s vision for the organization in 2021. You don’t want to miss these exciting updates!Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

For many, this year has been a struggle with mental health. This month we are sharing an interview with Andrea Mazariegos and Jose Carlos Ramos, two Guatemala CarePoint Coordinators with backgrounds in psychology. To support children’s emotional health and provide discipleship during a season of lockdowns in Guatemala, they created an innovative program called a TEC Moment. Learn all about their vision behind this impactful program, hear how they have seen children’s lives radically transform through discipleship, and experience a mindfulness exercise with Jose in this exciting episode!Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

Having a resonant business is now about more than providing a great product or service.Did you know that 90% of Gen Z believes companies must act to help social and environmental issues and 75% will do research to see if a company is being honest when it takes a stand on issues. *Children’s HopeChest is stepping up to provide resources to businesses to launch their purpose into the world through global partnerships.Introducing, Greater Calling, a DBA of Children’s HopeChest that focuses on curating impactful business partnerships. The experts who are weighing in on authentic corporate social responsibility are host Wil Crooks, VP of Strategic Partnerships; and guests Jim Batten, former CFO of O’Reilly Automotive and most recently CFO of International Dehydrated Foods; Sam Montero, Program Manager in Guatemala; and Orion Netsanet, Partnership Development Representative.*Porter Novelli/Cone’s 2019 Gen Z Purpose Study___________________________________________________________Learn more at greatercalling.comFollow Greater Calling on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedInSupport the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

How is the pandemic affecting one of the most impoverished communities in Kenya, and what is being done to meet critical needs and create opportunities for long-term change in that area? Hellen Makani, dynamic leader of Mt. Elgone CarePoint shares captivating stories that will fill your heart with hope. ____________________________________________________The transformation that you hear about in this month’s podcast is possible because of people like YOU who come alongside leaders, like Hellen, and empower them to be a force of change in their communities. As you listen to Hellen’s stories of how food support has saved lives at Mt. Elgone during the coronavirus pandemic, we ask that you consider a meaningful donation. >> www.hopechest.org/covid Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

Children’s HopeChest stands on the side of justice. Hear from Ken Sparks (HopeChest President and CEO), Rachel Andrews (VP of Community Partnerships), and Mickey Gutema (Ethiopia Country Director) about how Children’s HopeChest’s core values promote racial justice. Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

This month’s podcast episode is part two and the last of the multi-episode “day in the life” series featuring HopeChest’s Ugandan and Ethiopian in-country staff.Hear straight from Fikre, Yared, and Alex as they share stories from their daily work at HopeChest’s Ethiopia head office. Combined, these three leaders have 25 years of experience working in child advocacy. In this episode, Rachel makes them choose JUST ONE “most impactful story” that they have witnessed in their work. Don’t miss these stories of transformation that you, our listener and supporter, have been a part of.Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

While traveling last winter, VP of Community Partnerships, Rachel Andrews, sat down with Fikre, Yared, and Alex, who shared what their daily work is like at the head office in Ethiopia as Program Coordinators. In this episode, they share what the most rewarding and challenging aspects of their work are and how nonprofits are changing under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership.A quirky thing about this episode is that it was recorded in the dark because the power went out! Listen to part one of this two-part interview with HopeChest’s incredible Ethiopia staff!Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

Combined, Ezra, Stella, and Philip have 15 years of experience leading communities in Uganda. Although Children’s HopeChest’s CarePoint community development begins by focusing on children, these three have a lot on their plates as they serve not only the children at their CarePoints, but their entire communities!These remarkable CarePoint Project Coordinators recently spent some time with Rachel Andrews, VP of Community Partnerships, to discuss what their daily work is like at the CarePoint; the encouragement that keeps them going when they face opposition and difficulties; and how they are seeing their communities change before their eyes.Join us in listening to the interesting and impactful lives of Ezra, Stella, and Philip in this first part of our multi-episode series.________________________________If you want to support future leaders in Uganda, please consider a donation to the Uganda Leadership and Development Program. When you empower a future leader, you empower a community. Consider giving an impactful gift today at hopechest.org/ugandaleadership. Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

Combined, Ezra, Stella, and Philip have 15 years of experience leading communities in Uganda. Although Children’s HopeChest’s CarePoint community development begins by focusing on children, these three have a lot on their plates as they serve not only the children at their CarePoints, but their entire communities!These remarkable CarePoint Project Coordinators recently spent some time with Rachel Andrews, VP of Community Partnerships, to discuss what their daily work is like at the CarePoint; the encouragement that keeps them going when they face opposition and difficulties; and how they are seeing their communities change before their eyes.Join us in listening to the interesting and impactful lives of Ezra, Stella, and Philip in this first part of our multi-episode series.________________________________If you want to support future leaders in Uganda, please consider a donation to the Uganda Leadership and Development Program. When you empower a future leader, you empower a community. Consider giving an impactful gift today at hopechest.org/ugandaleadership. Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

Not even a Colorado blizzard could stop these two from recording an episode for “Build Relationships. Break Poverty.” In this month’s episode, Sam and Rachel (VP of Community Partnerships) talk through how HopeChest Guatemala’s programs are restoring dignity for children, their families, and entire communities.Samuel Montero has a passion for restoring people through the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As Program Manager in Guatemala, he oversees projects and programs at CarePoints, mentoring CarePoint leaders and community entrepreneurs. Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

We’re publishing our first podcast of the year, and this one is in celebration of our 25th anniversary!During this exciting conversation, Sally Townsend (Chairperson of the Board) and Ken Sparks (CEO and President) share:about the first moment they felt deeply connected to HopeChest’s missionwhat we’ve learned after 25 years of fighting the cycle of poverty around the globe more about our clear and innovative vision for the future of child sponsorshiphow we’re celebrating our 25th anniversary (you’ll want to be there!)We’re making big moves toward an even greater focus on hope, dignity, and relationship. Hear how. Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

We use the word “transformation” a lot here at Children’s HopeChest. Sometimes, when a word is used so often, it can begin to feel lackluster. Today on the “Build Relationships. Break Poverty.” podcast, we are sharing six different stories of transformation to bring the word alive. Each story is unique and vividly depicts the transformation not only of the children at HopeChest CarePoints, but also of North American partners as well!If these stories resonate with you and want to join us in the fight to end the cycle of poverty, you can give a year end gift at: hopechest.org/transform Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

Today we are delighted to share a special conversation with Rachel Andrews (HopeChest VP of Community Partnerships) and Masha Bodrova (HopeChest Russia Finance and Program Coordinator), who have been dear friends for 21 years. In this month’s episode they discuss how HopeChest Russia has grown over the last 25 years, the decision Masha made that changed the trajectory of her life, and how building relationships with orphanage graduates is breaking the cycle of poverty and orphanhood. HopeChest Russia’s staff are our greatest resource in Russia. They are a lifeline connecting orphanage graduates to the CarePoints’ life-changing programs. Today we invite you to meet Masha, an incredible leader and a mentor for many of Russia’s orphaned youth.Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

Do you remember the songs that have transformed your life? The songs that have met you on dark days and carried you to brighter seasons? Music's power to heal and encourage is universal, but today Londiwe Dlamini is sharing stories of music empowering youth in Eswatini.Londiwe is the Music Ministry Leader and spends her time mentoring the most vulnerable children in Eswatini's CarePoint communities. Part of her work includes discovering and unlocking children's potential and helping them to translate that potential from music to other aspects of their lives.Londiwe leads from a place of understanding. In this month's episode, she shares how discovering her voice in the midst of a difficult childhood transformed her life. It's impossible to miss her passion for her work, and this episode is FULL of stories of hope.Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

Simon Okello is a man who makes instant friends. He has been working with Children’s HopeChest for over seven years and is Uganda’s Sponsorship and Communications Manager. In this position Simon gets to know the most vulnerable children and families in Uganda’s CarePoint communities and manages the processes of children joining and exiting the sponsorship program. He is loved by children at all of our Uganda CarePoints for his lightheartedness, compassion, advocacy, and many many jokes.Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

This year Children’s HopeChest is celebrating 25 years as an organization and we’re reflecting on where it all started. Katya Celenina, HopeChest Russia Country Director is recognized for her expertise in older orphan care, not just at HopeChest, but across Russia. She is one of HopeChest Russia’s most valuable assets! In this month’s episode, Katya shares about HopeChest’s beginning, how HopeChest CarePoints are breaking cycles of orphanhood, and the unique challenges and opportunities that Russian youth are facing.Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

Why doesn’t HopeChest allow travelers to bring bags full of toys to hand out to children? Why are HopeChest trips called “partner visits” and not “mission trips?” Why do we ask travelers to never leave behind money for children or locals? Why don’t travelers build or complete short-term projects while they’re visiting?All these questions and more answered by Guatemala CPM, Stephanie Mutert, who has been leading partner visits for 14 years, and Carolina Cardona, Guatemala Country Director who spends time with HopeChest teams while they are visiting.Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

Today we have a fun episode of “Build Relationships. Break Poverty.” This conversation is with JoE, who has spent at least 20 years emotionally supporting youth across various cultures, equipping adults to walk through grief counseling with vulnerable children, and delivering grief counseling training for HopeChest staff in Uganda and Eswatini. In today’s conversation we talk about some interesting topics, including how his name is not JoE, his favorite rugby team, and how he relates with the people he emotionally supports through having processed his own painful experiences. Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

Today we’re thrilled to share this conversation with Carolina Cardona, who is HopeChest’s Country Director of Guatemala. Carolina is a delight to speak with and this conversation is particularly encouraging. Carolina tells the story of her childhood and life story with graciousness and strength. We discuss many topics in this interview, including responding to the calling to serve and how Children’s HopeChest’s work in Guatemala is unique from other organizations. You’ll want to hear Carolina’s stories of how God frequently intervenes and answers her staff’s prayers in miraculous ways.Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

On today’s episode of “Build Relationships. Break Poverty,” we’re sharing a conversation with Joseph, who is HopeChest’s Country Director of Uganda. Joseph’s vision and love for his country is incredibly inspiring and we are blessed as an organization to have a man with so much passion to invest in Ugandan youth. In this interview, Joseph shares about his childhood, how HopeChest’s work in Uganda is unique from other nonprofits, and tells personal stories about how he has seen prayer answered in his work. You won’t want to miss the message he has for the youth of Uganda. We hope you enjoy today’s episode.Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

Today we’re sharing a conversation with Mickey Taye, who is HopeChest’s Country Director of Ethiopia. Mickey is the newest Country Director to join the HopeChest team, but he’s already rocking the position with strength, insight, and passion for his work. In this personal interview, Mickey shares about his background in child advocacy, the opportunities and challenges that Ethiopia’s youth are facing, and personal stories of children’s lives being rewritten into stories of hope. I hope you enjoy and are encouraged by this conversation with my friend, Mickey. Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

On today’s episode of “Build Relationships. Break Poverty.” we are sitting down with Eswatini’s Senior Manager of Programs, Bheki Motsa. Bheki is one of three senior managers, oversees all HopeChest programs, and carries an instrumental position in all of the growth and development of work being accomplished in Eswatini. He completed training in the Swazi Leadership Academy, and is now one of Matt Gerber’s “right-hand staff.” In this episode, Bheki candidly shares about his childhood and how he joined HopeChest staff, discusses different religions in Eswatini, and illustrates how HopeChest programs are transforming lives.Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Gerber, HopeChest’s and Adventures in Missions’s Country Director of Eswatini. Matt’s dream is to see his country “heal itself from within” so that Africa can provide for the needs of its own people. We had lots of fun recording this episode and even discussed some surprising topics...including Matt’s birth weight! Of course, we also discuss challenges and opportunities that Eswatini is facing and what inspires him in his work.Support the show (http://www.hopechest.org)