Blog Post

This trip had a massive impact in my life!

HOPEww Volunteer Corps • Apr 20, 2018

A very thoughtful article by Anthony Herrera, a veteran of several HOPE Youth Corps and Volunteer Corps. I had the privilege of serving with Anthony in Croatia and the Philippines, and this young man is the real deal!

This Christmas, I had the opportunity to serve on a volunteer trip in Ormoc City, Philippines. This trip had a massive impact in my life, particularly in the ways I view contentment and sustainability.

I learned so much about contentment through the situations I was placed in. As we were constructing homes for the people in the village, I noticed that some houses there only had three walls, meaning that when it rained, the houses would flood. Despite this reality, the Filipino people were content. This inspires my heart; I don’t think I would be happy if I lived in a home that would flood often. I believe the Filipino people were so content because they understand the value of quality time. Everyone in their village knows one another, all the kids play outside with each other for hours, and when new faces arrive, the whole neighborhood comes out and throws a party to celebrate their visitors.

I don't know the people in my neighborhood, and it's hard for me to have this type of excitement during each day of my life. But, because of the hearts of the people in the Philippines, I am moved to be more content with the smaller things. These people made time to give even if they had nothing. I was challenged by how giving they were and how they served me. Serving is going out of your way in everyday life and doing what no one else would ever do. Serving is a radical way to practice contentment, but this is something we are called to live out as disciples. I am inspired to serve every day, not just until the next volunteer trip. When I help people I feel less entitled and more content!

My trip to the Philippines also taught me a lot about the reality of poverty and the power of sustainability. My view of poverty was changed after I watched the movie Poverty Inc. It is evident that those living in poverty do not want to be beggars for life. They want to be businessmen; they want to come home and buy their children shoes. They do not want to have random foreign people provide for their needs. This is where we must learn to unleash the power of sustainability! On HVC, as a part of sustainability, we extended and built a local business for a family. We created a store that extends from their house, making it look professional and welcoming. This store can be used as a sustainable way for this family to earn money. Another way we tried to continue our service work was offering a loan to a homeowner. A loan can provide optimism, as it can inspire people to dream bigger for the goals they can accomplish in life.

One simple way to practice sustainability is just to love people like Jesus did, as it offers hope and ambition. When we are loved by God, we have the motivation to never give up!

When I think about my time in Ormoc City, I think about three scriptures: Luke 10:37, Proverbs 31:8-9, and 1 John 4:11. This trip has inspired me to live in a developing country someday, and to share what I have been given in my life. I hope this inspires you to do a volunteer trip because this experience will humble you, open your eyes, and give you a heart check for the dreams you have for your own life."

For more information and to apply for a Volunteer Corps:

HYC and general Corps: https://www.hopeww.org/hyc

Singles Corps: https://www.hopeww.org/hsc

World Water Day Campaign

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.

2 Years of Relief Efforts in Ukraine with HOPE worldwide

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:

MLK Day Sunday Suppers Hosted Around the Country

01 Feb, 2024
Inspiring Sunday Suppers hosted by our family of volunteers:

Celebrating a Legacy of Service: Nadine Templer's Impactful Journey of Hope

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.

Marc Aguirre Featured in The Citizen Newspaper

29 Nov, 2023
A Higher Calling: Dr. Marc Aguirre's Mission to Serve the Marginalized and Vulnerable

Samantha Power Visits HOPEww Papua New Guinea

08 Nov, 2023
USAID Administrator Samantha Power Visits HOPE worldwide's Clinic in Papua New Guinea During Her First Official Visit

Report From Maui Fires Relief

12 Sep, 2023
Maui Fires Disaster Response Update: September 12, 2023

Ben's Letter to the Community

31 Jul, 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.

Dr. Ben Barnett Named New CEO of HOPE worldwide

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

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.
Show More
Share by: