Hope Monthly

This year, in the women's ministry, we had 5 high school graduates from Nueva Vida Program of Hope and 9 University girls completing various levels of University education.  We had three ladies from UnShackled and one mom from Taellor’s House finish the requirements to obtain a high school diploma.  Three of these ladies have been accepted to one of Nicaragua’s Universities with full scholarship benefits!  When we first started doing ministry in 2013 in Nueva Vida, girls over the age of 13 and 13 were either pregnant or with older men.  None had graduated high school.  None. Amazing what God has done in 13 years! At UnShackled, we started the ladies going to adult classes on Saturdays working their way against all odds to obtain a high school degree.  This year, we are seeing the fruit of that labor along with many others following in their footsteps.  It is so much more than a diploma and a degree, it is dignity and honor. Respect and increase in self-esteem along with the ability to find better employment.  Thank you for sharing Hope every single day.  Believing in our young ladies and women that the world has seemingly written off.  He sees them and through your obedience, He is providing. 

At the end of December we always host a Christmas party as part of our goal to reach students who haven't met us before as well as celebrating with our current students. It is often a bittersweet time as we have students graduate and move on to jobs, more school, or return home. So we love getting some time to celebrate together before everyone leaves for holidays. This year we had a gingerbread house building contest and a white elephant gift exchange. It was a blast and we got to meet some new students! 

In Haiti , for the second year in a row, Dr. Stenser threw a Christmas party for local children on Christmas Eve. A meal was served and 30 children received a gift. The children had fun playing games and 20 families went home with a food pack. Many smiling faces were seen celebrating Jesus" birth!