HOPEww Open Letter:  ICOC Commitment to Partnership

Haley Schultz • August 23, 2019

Dear brothers and sisters, disciples of Jesus, and friends and supporters of HOPE worldwide ,

We wish to thank all of our dedicated volunteers and supporters. Without your generosity, service, smiles and love for the Lord, HOPE worldwide would not be able to teach, heal and serve the million+ people we reach annually. Without your sacrifice and willingness to be Jesus’ hands and feet, HOPE worldwide could not spread Jesus’ compassionate ministry to the four corners of the globe. As you know, Robert Carrillo, CEO of HOPE worldwide , recently stepped down from his post to return to preaching and teaching. We wish him well and are very thankful for his four years of leadership at HOPE worldwide. During that time, HOPE worldwide accomplished so many great things, including:

● Providing inspiration to worldwide staff and over 40,000 volunteers who collectively serve over one million people a year.

● Raising our Charity Navigator rating from two stars to four stars, their highest rating.

● Increasing overall annual revenues from $12 million to $20 million.

● Launching various new programs, including partnerships with government agencies and the American Red Cross to expand programs such as SPARK academies that serve at-risk children.

Perhaps our most significant accomplishment was the rebuilding of the connection between HOPE worldwide and the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) from which HOPE worldwide was conceived. Robert spent much of his time visiting ICOC churches in the US and around the world, meeting with church leaders and program leaders, increasing worldwide communication, strengthening relationship bonds, rebuilding trust and forging a way forward for the ICOC and HOPE worldwide to join hands to advance the compassionate ministry of Jesus. The Board of Directors, leadership and staff of HOPE worldwide remain committed to strengthening these bonds. The tireless work toward this goal by our amazing and dedicated staff was a crucial turning point in both HOPE worldwide and the ICOC’s history. Now more than ever, HOPE worldwide is dedicated to partnering with ICOC church leaders and volunteers to collaborate to meet the greatest needs. Together, we will serve people around the world in meaningful and effective ways. We feel extremely faithful and privileged that, with your prayers and support, we will take this partnership even further as we expand programs, increase volunteer engagement and inspire the hearts of disciples and friends to generously support this great work of our Lord. As we search for someone full of vision and passion for helping people, we ask for your prayers. We believe God will provide the right person to champion the mission of HOPE worldwide, inspire us, challenge our hearts and call all of us to even greater heights in our discipleship and our service.

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
People in a makeshift outdoor shelter receiving aid beside damaged structures and supplies
August 11, 2026
Assisting more than 80 households in Tamatave
HOPE worldwide relieves the socio-educational center of Port-Bouët 2
August 8, 2025
A collaborative effort to empower families through literacy, nutrition, and community support
February 24, 2025
A new video shows how your support has impacted those affected by the war in Ukraine over the last three years.
January 9, 2025
Read below to see how HOPE worldwide is responding to the Los Angeles wildfire disaster.
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