Blog Post

Ben's Letter to the Community

Jul 31, 2023

Dear HOPE worldwide Community,

 

First and foremost, let me express my heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome you have extended to me as the new CEO of HOPE worldwide. It is both an honor and a privilege to be entrusted with this leadership role, and I am excited to embark on this journey with each and every one of you.

 

As I reflect on my life's journey, I am reminded of a pivotal moment that shaped the very essence of who I am today. Losing my mother tragically at the tender age of four taught me the harsh reality of impermanence, of how someone could be there one moment and gone the next. At such a young age, I did not fully understand the concept of death, but what I did understand was the importance of living.

 

James 4:13-15 holds a profound truth that resonates deeply within me: Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.’”

 

Our time on this earth is fleeting, and the realization of this truth was the spark that awakened a desire in me to truly live and embrace every moment with purpose and passion. I have found my purpose, my calling, in the mission of HOPE worldwide. The work we do here, touching lives and making an impact by loving our neighbors, allows me to live my passion.

My hope is that all of us will come alive together. The joy of being surrounded by people who share this sense of purpose, who come alive in the same way, is unparalleled. Helping someone in need come alive is one of the greatest experiences a person can have. Together we can create a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond what we can do alone.


My father was my hero of a human being. He led a very sacrificial life totally devoted to his family and community. Remarrying after the passing of my mother, raising kids and serving his neighbors was certainly not easy, but he never stopped growing. My father passed away in January. His final words to me, as he embraced me for the last time were, “I wish I was better.” 


Those words serve as a constant reminder to me of the importance of continuous growth and self-improvement. We owe it to ourselves and to those we serve to live life to the fullest and never allow ourselves to die inside while we are still living. Life is too short to waste on anything other than what makes us come alive.


As I step into the role of CEO, my vision is to inspire and empower each member, volunteer, donor, partner, and program participant in our HOPE worldwide family to find what makes them come alive and support them in pursuing it wholeheartedly. Together, we can create a global community of passion, purpose, and compassion, where we help others thrive as individuals and as a collective force of good. Our love for our neighbors can bring about extraordinary transformations.


Thank you once again for your warm welcome and for the incredible work you help support around the world. I am thrilled to be on this journey with you and I look forward to witnessing our collective impact as we help people come alive.


With heartfelt gratitude,

Dr. Ben Barnett, President & CEO of HOPE worldwide



Read the Appointment Letter from the Board of Directors


22 Mar, 2024
HOPE worldwide supplies clean drinking water as a first response during disasters, as well as by distributing water filters to many vulnerable people around the world including communities in the Philippines, Nepal, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Zambia.
23 Feb, 2024
For the past two years, HOPE worldwide has been actively involved in providing aid and support to the people of Ukraine amidst the ongoing humanitarian disaster where thousands of our brothers and sisters faced an unprecedented crisis. The situation has demanded urgent action, and with the help of generous donors and dedicated volunteers, many lives have been saved and significant milestones have been achieved. Let's take a look back at the journey:
01 Feb, 2024
Inspiring Sunday Suppers hosted by our family of volunteers:
18 Dec, 2023
As the year draws to a close, HOPE worldwide would like to honor and acknowledge many years of leadership provided by Nadine Templer, Senior Director of International Volunteer Programs.
29 Nov, 2023
A Higher Calling: Dr. Marc Aguirre's Mission to Serve the Marginalized and Vulnerable
08 Nov, 2023
USAID Administrator Samantha Power Visits HOPE worldwide's Clinic in Papua New Guinea During Her First Official Visit
12 Sep, 2023
Maui Fires Disaster Response Update: September 12, 2023
24 Jul, 2023
The HOPE worldwide Board of Directors is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Ben Barnett to the role of CEO and President of HOPE worldwide
27 Jun, 2023
PRESS RELEASE June 27, 2023 HOPE worldwide , a leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing sustainable, high-impact, community-based services, including critical healthcare services, disaster relief, and education, to underserved communities globally, is proud to announce the recognition received by the Lawes Road Clinic in Papua New Guinea during a recent visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken . This visit highlighted the impactful work carried out by HOPE worldwide global network member, HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea (PNG), in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. government’s largest effort to combat HIV. During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Secretary Blinken had the opportunity to tour HOPE worldwide PNG’s Lawes Road Clinic, which is led by HOPE worldwide PNG Country Director Priscilla Sine Mal, and witness firsthand the incredible efforts undertaken by the dedicated team. The clinic's commitment to improving the lives of the local community in various areas, including HIV prevention and treatment, and treatment for victims of violence against women deeply impressed Secretary Blinken. In his remarks, Secretary Blinken expressed his admiration for the clinic's work, stating, "This was a real privilege to be here at the Lawes Road clinic where quite literally our partners are saving lives, changing lives, every single day." The visit showcased the significant impact of HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea’s clinic on the region, highlighting its vital role in providing essential healthcare services to those most in need and who often have the most difficult time getting treatment, in part due to the social stigma often associated with their conditions. The Lawes Road Clinic operates under the auspices of the Presidential Emergency Plan For HIV/AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), funded through USAID and implemented in collaboration with FHI 360 and HOPE worldwide . The clinic has been instrumental in providing critical care, support, and testing for HIV/AIDS patients in Papua New Guinea, contributing to the nationwide efforts to combat the disease. This year, PEPFAR celebrates its 20th anniversary, and its 17th year of implementation in Papua New Guinea. HOPE worldwide is honored by the recognition bestowed upon HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea and the Lawes Road Clinic by Secretary Blinken and remains committed to its mission of transforming communities and improving lives through local, volunteer-based initiatives. With the continuous support of partners like USAID and the unwavering dedication of its teams on the ground, HOPE worldwide and its global network of members like HOPE worldwide PNG strive to create a healthier, more resilient future for all.
UKRAINE RELIEF
By HOPE worldwide 14 Mar, 2023
HOPE worldwide is actively assessing the situation to prepare aid and recovery assistance for the many families affected by the current crisis in Ukraine.
Show More
Share by: