Despite the challenges of the economic recession, more than 50 international HOPE worldwide leaders joined us for Global Summit 2009. We are truly grateful they were able to take part in the jam-packed weekend of inspiration and times of sharing ways to make HOPE worldwide programs even more effective.

HOPE worldwide announced it's Partner of the Year recipient for 2009 is MTN Foundation. Our partnership with MTN Foundation has helped provide nutritional and psychological support to HIV and AIDS positive individuals.

Director of HOPE worldwide Minnesota for 11 years, Deb Rawls was posthumously awarded "Volunteer of the Year" at this year's Global Summit. Deb was an example and a hero to us all and has left a legacy of service and faith.

More than 250 partners, staff and supporters gathered for the fifth annual Global Summit meeting in Reston, Virginia. They heard speakers celebrate the faith, heart and impact of HOPE worldwide volunteers and leaders and challenge them to make a difference in these difficult economic times.

Leaders from around the world came together on May 16, 2009 to change the world for the people who need it the most. Speakers came and inspired us, volunteers came and shared their amazing stories and together, we discovered how we can each make a difference.