Blog Post

Rest In Peace Bob Gempel

Haley Schultz • Aug 13, 2019

Your legacy lives on...

Thank you Bob Gempel for a life well-lived. You brought hope to so many in need. May you rest in peace knowing your legacy lives on in the beautiful example you set for us all. - HOPE worldwide

A letter from Randy Jordan:

People Helping People
A Tribute to Bob Gempel

In 2002, J. Brian Craig performed a song that for a time became the anthem of HOPE worldwide . “People Helping People” described in happy lyric and rhythmic score the story of spreading hope by helping others. The origins of this song and its sentiments were influenced by many who were serving the world’s poor through HOPE worldwide , but none more than Bob and Pat Gempel, the faith-based charity’s founders. Losing Bob on earth is painful to all who had and have the privilege of living out his legacy of helping other people everywhere, yet his treasure was always in heaven and we rejoice that he has reached his eternal destination.

A charity lawyer’s vantage point provides a unique chance to observe the charity’s leader. The inner intentions and integrity of leadership are laid bare on a daily basis and for this reason, I am in awe of Bob Gempel. With Pat, who he affectionately called “Patsy,” Bob charted a course for the church to experience the serving heart of Jesus and to relieve the suffering of literally millions. Along the way, there were challenges, but Bob’s vision of helping others was a constant and driving force for good.

For Bob, there was a right way and a wrong way and he always chose the right. He mastered the inner workings of HOPE worldwide so that its many, many inspiring programs could stand on a firm footing. As a result, the desire to serve the poor and needy by ICOC churches and their members spread like wildfire around the world. Local congregations in more than 80 countries chose to align their service to others under the banner of HOPE worldwide . Sometimes, the programs were small, like providing school supplies to a child in need, but many times, they were vast and changed the lives of many. There are schools, orphanages and community programs across the whole of India. The challenge of HIV/AIDS was faced head-on on the continent of Africa. Free medical care has been provided to literally millions in the Kingdom of Cambodia. Volunteerism by disciples of Jesus to address childhood immunization and many other public health issues is nationally recognized in many cities in the United States and Canada. The heartfelt response by ICOC churches to disasters around the world has been epic. This description of actionable love and caring repeats itself across the globe because of the clear, decisive and spirit-inspired leadership provided by Bob Gempel and the ever-present love of his life, Pat.

Bob had a calm and steady hand at the helm of HOPE worldwide and there are many stories that others will tell to illustrate the point. However, I will never forget the beginning of one summer when I helped Bob unbox a brand-new Honda lawnmower on Bustin’s Island. We assembled the mower and I was eager to hear the purr of the new engine, but before adding any gas, Bob began to disassemble the engine. He pulled the filter and exposed the carburetor, removed the sparkplug and reviewed the pull-start mechanism. When I asked why, Bob explained that he wanted to understand how the engine was put together so that in the Fall he could properly winterize it against the harsh Maine winters. I realized that Bob’s principled leadership was grounded on first observing God’s perfect plan for the poor, then through reverse engineering trying to understand all the steps that would be needed to protect God’s plan for the many years that would follow. When Bob handed over the helm of HOPE worldwide in 2008, he left a lasting legacy of hope that continues.

As the song says, “People helping people that’s the way things ought to be.” Thank you Bob.

Randy Jordan, a friend and fellow CEO of HOPE worldwide


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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.

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U.S. Secretary of State recognizes HOPE worldwide Clinic in Papua New Guinea

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.
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