A Fundraising Inspiration

Hope Worldwide • November 7, 2016

Helena Lethlean, a teen from Melbourne, Australia, sacrificed her gorgeous long hair to raise money for her trip to Kathmandu, Nepal, over Christmas. Read her story:


"When I first heard about the opportunity to do a HOPE Youth Corp from a friend at church, God put it on my heart almost immediately to sign myself up. The thought of paying for it never even occurred to me, and within a week or two, I was filling out an application to participate in a HYC to Kathmandu, Nepal in December 2016.


A couple of weeks later, I received an email stating that I had gotten into the program. I was over the moon, and for the next few months, I eagerly awaited the Christmas holidays. I had heard nothing but good things about HYC programs, and was more than keen to experience one myself.

I decided it was a great , and set up a Gofundme account, put a post up on Facebook explaining what I was doing, and with a link to the Gofundme page so that people could donate if they wanted to. Within three days, I had raised $1095 to go towards Nepal. I was so overwhelmed at not only the kindness and generosity of my family and friends, but at the fact that God had it worked out all along. He was just waiting for the right time to reveal his plan. I chopped off my hair, and mum paid the rest of the money needed to secure me a spot in the program.


There is always a way. That is what I have learned from this experience. It may have been kind of minor in this circumstance, compared to the things that some people go through in their lives, but God always has a plan. He may not reveal it to us until the last minute, but that is how we develop faith and perseverance. I didn’t know what I was going to do, or how I was going to raise money, but by letting God step in, he sorted the whole thing out. I am so excited to participate in this HYC next month, and I am so grateful to have God in my life to allow me these opportunities.

October 13, 2026
Providing School Supplies for Students in Need
October 12, 2026
A Young Lebanese Story of Hope
October 1, 2026
I recently traveled to the United Nations in New York to represent HOPE worldwide at the United Nations. Seeing all of the flags at the UN captured something meaningful for me: nearly 193 nations represented in one place, each with its own history, challenges, and hopes for the future. It was a powerful reminder that the needs confronting our world are global—and that addressing them requires partnership across nations, organizations, businesses, faith communities, and local leaders. HOPE worldwide holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council ( ECOSOC ). This designation recognizes our organization's expertise and enables us to contribute to UN discussions and initiatives related to our mission and areas of impact. This status gives HOPE worldwide an opportunity to contribute to global conversations concerning poverty, health, education, clean water, food security, economic opportunity, disaster response, and sustainable development. These priorities closely align with both the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the focused areas of impact of HOPE worldwide 's program globally. The visit was important because HOPE worldwide already serves vulnerable communities across nearly 60 countries. Our presence at the United Nations allows us to bring the experience, perspective, and needs of those communities into a broader global conversation. It also creates opportunities to learn from other organizations, form strategic partnerships, and identify resources that can strengthen our work. One of my greatest takeaways was that no single organization—or nation—can solve these challenges alone. I was surrounded by representatives from approximately 90 nations, all discussing issues that cross geographic and political boundaries. The experience reinforced our belief in pursuing partnerships. We must be willing to learn from others, share what we have learned, and work together wherever our missions align. I was also reminded that global goals must ultimately become local action. The Sustainable Development Goals provide a helpful framework, but their true value is realized when a child receives an education, a family gains access to clean water, a community becomes better prepared for disaster, or someone acquires the skills necessary to support a family. That is where HOPE worldwide can make a distinctive contribution: connecting global priorities with trusted relationships and practical service in local communities. Going forward, this experience will help us more intentionally align and communicate our work within a globally recognized framework. It can also strengthen our credibility with governments, foundations, corporations, and nonprofit partners seeking experienced organizations capable of translating resources into measurable community impact. The visit was not simply about the United Nations. It was about HOPE worldwide taking its appropriate place in a global community committed to improving lives. Our status opens a door. Our responsibility is to walk through it with humility, clarity, and a commitment to meaningful partnership. Thank you, Dr. Ben Barnett HOPE worldwide CEO & President 
September 17, 2026
A Partnership with Food for the Hungry Haiti and Wine to Water
September 11, 2026
And a Community Service Brigade to El Salvador
September 3, 2026
Partnering with the Church of Christ in Caracas
September 1, 2026
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and brother, Dave Tomlinson. Dave was a beloved part of the HOPE worldwide family who served in many capacities throughout his time with us, most recently as Chief Operating Officer before his retirement. He also played an important role in our Global Disaster Response and Community Service Brigades teams, serving alongside his wife, Angela. More than the roles he held, Dave was a cherished friend whose warmth, kindness, and genuine spirit touched so many people. His care for others was evident in the way he served, led, and built relationships with people around the world. Dave had a remarkable ability to encourage, uplift, and connect with people, reflecting God's love in both his leadership and his friendships. We will miss Dave deeply and are grateful for the many ways he gave of himself to HOPE worldwide and to the amazing people we get to serve. We’re holding Angela and their family close in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Dave’s presence will be deeply missed, but his faith, love, and example will remain in our hearts forever and his legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
August 25, 2026
HOPE worldwide’s SPARK Academy brings healing after floods 
August 25, 2026
A Hurricane Melissa Relief Update
August 24, 2026
Offering healing through art, theater and sports
Show More