Blog Post

Education + Mutual Relationships = Lasting Impact

HOPE worldwide • Aug 06, 2019

After a year of monthly conference calls, creative fundraisers, and impressive service events, the week we had all been waiting for finally arrived! Our 2019 Servant Leadership Academy in La Misión, México certainly did not disappoint- as deep bonds were formed, important lessons were learned, and many special memories were created.


Our NYAC cohort consists of 28 high school and college servant leaders from all over the country who desire to make an impact within our respective communities. That’s truly what made SLA so incredible- being surrounded by such a like minded group of people who are committed to becoming students of poverty and servants like Jesus. SLA is a great opportunity for us to learn from one another because each member brings unique talents, insights, and perspectives to the table. Not to mention how much fun we had together (oh yeah yeah)- laughing so hard to the point of tears, sharing stories, singing around the campfire, walking countless times up the mountain to pray, playing with the kids, and going to the beach.


We call it a Servant Leadership Academy because that’s what it really is! While we do serve, our main goal over the course of the week is to learn from the people in this beautiful community and from the inspiring people who work full-time at the Door of Faith Orphanage. We are not “saviors” who can come, play with the kids for a week and then leave believing we have had a lasting impact on their lives. Rather, mutuality is key as we strive to create long-term relationships on the basis of humility, respect, and lots of love. As a group, we learned SO many things from our time at DOFO. For example, Heidi reminded us of the significance of doing small things with great love, Juana’s job in the field showed us the importance of hard work and perseverance, Daniel’s story spoke to the power God has to completely transform our lives, Fred’s family is a testimony to how God takes care of us even through difficult times, and the list goes on and on.


Not only did we have the honor of listening to the impactful stories of people in the community, but we had hands-on exercises and classes on topics such as biblical justice (led by HOPE worldwide's very own CEO, Robert Carrillo), racism, privilege, relationships, ways to design effective and sustainable service events, how we should view people in poverty, etc. While giving a lesson titled “Keep the Change: Why our donations are not making a difference,” member Drew Erickson stated that having the heart to serve is not enough, we must be educated and trained on ways to effectively help individuals and communities.


Door of Faith Orphanage is a special place full of staff members, interns, and kids who display the true heart of Jesus and his ministry. With hearts that desire to serve God, the staff members at DOFO have created a positive environment for every child, centered around the importance of family. Not only is the orphan care at DOFO exceptional, but their bakery, print shop, candle-making and greeting card companies teach hard work and responsibility to the kids while giving them real world experience. Leaving with full hearts, it’s been an absolute honor and privilege to host our Servant Leadership Academy at DOFO. As we reflect on the many good things done this past year, we look forward to all that the 2019-20 NYAC term has in store for us!



--Courtney Hiler, NYAC member

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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.
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