World Missions Log

A Special Church in Peru

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:45:00 +0000

Shelly Meyer - Hand of Hope International Relations Officer

David and I were recently in Peru visiting some of the churches and wells built by the partners and friends of Joyce Meyer Ministries. We met Pastor Gilberto Vasquez who told us a very interesting story. He had worked in construction for most of his life, but a few years ago God called him to be a pastor. He started a church. The people of the church met in an open shelter and when it rained, which it does very often in this tropical climate, rain would come in on them and they would have to huddle under a small section of the covering where it was dry. They didn’t have any money to fix the covering. Pastor Vasquez was very discouraged and one day he said to God, “I am not sure anymore if this is what you want me to do, if it is then you have to tell me.” He told his wife this and they prayed together.

The next day Pastor Vasquez told God that he needed Him to give him an answer by 1:00 pm that day. Promptly at 1:00 pm, he took out his Bible and prayed and told God, "Whatever scripture I open my Bible to and put my finger on, I know that will be your answer." Pastor Vasquez opened his Bible and put his finger on Zechariah 6:15, "Those who are far away will come and help build the temple of the Lord, and you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you. This will happen if you diligently obey the Lord your God." Pastor was sure this was God and his faith was renewed. He had plans for a church building made and he showed them to his church members and they began to make preparations for building even though they had no money to pay for it. The next week another pastor we work with in that area, who Pastor Vasquez had never met, called Pastor Vasquez and said he wanted to meet with him. He asked Pastor Vasquez, "What can we do to help you?" That was the beginning and now Pastor Vasquez has a brand new church and water well for his community, funded by "those who are far away…", the partners and friends of Joyce Meyer Ministries.

Hand of Hope is the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Our goal is simply to help as many hurting people as we possibly can, to alleviate human suffering and to help Christians grow in their faith.

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Disaster Relief for South Africa Storms

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 13:40:00 +0000

Brad Senekal – South Africa Outreach Director

While severe weather has been ravaging the United States, storms have also hit on the other side of the globe this week striking in Cape Town, South Africa. The brutality of nature quickly reminds us of our vulnerability – the brittle makeshift zinc shacks of South African townships offer very little protection before the fury of gale force winds, torrential rain, and hail. Fifteen thousand people were affected as thousands of shacks flooded, and many more faced the brunt of freezing weather.

Hand of Hope was able to respond swiftly with disaster relief. We partnered with Hillsong Africa Foundation and their volunteers to distribute waterproof roof sheeting, blankets and food parcels for hundreds of people in the township of Khayelitsha in Western Cape. We also gave blankets to the homeless through two Christian homeless shelters, Happy Valley and Loaves and Fish. We were also able to distribute Joyce’s books in English, Xhosa and Afrikaans. The gratitude was overwhelming!

Suffering affects us all, whether rich or poor, in a brick house or a zinc shack or on the streets, in America or Africa… but thank God that He cares for us enough to always reach out to us and to others exactly where we are, no matter who or where we are! We would not be able to extend God’s love in this magnitude around the globe if it weren’t for God stirring our partner’s hearts to be faithful, committed and generous! You were there! Thank you!

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Reaching the Lost in Pursat, Cambodia

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:11:00 +0000

David Meyer - CEO Hand of Hope

We recently had the opportunity to share the gospel with 6,000 children and adults in 13 schools in one of the most impoverished areas in Cambodia just outside of Pursat. The love of Christ was shared with these precious school children, along with their teachers and school staff. Each person was given their very own copy of Joyce’s book Tell Them I Love Them translated into their native language of Khmer. These books serve as a great ministry tool, the children cherish them and will keep them under their pillows like a treasure and will share them with their parents.

During 3 days of teachings, 5,380 decisions for Christ were made, including over 100 teachers and 1 school principal. Thanks to our partners and friends who help us fulfill the Great Commission and share the gospel message around the world.

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Oklahoma Disaster Relief: Helping Recover

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Wed, 29 May 2013 13:26:00 +0000

Ginger Stache - JMM Chief Media Officer

Our recent visit to the Oklahoma City area was exceptionally difficult and a tremendous blessing simultaneously. Wherever we went, there was not a dry eye from homeowners searching through the debris to volunteers helping with the recovery process to grown men who thought they had seen it all. But these tears brought people together united to help.

So how do you process such things? By focusing on the beauty that can be found. I was honored to be a part of Joyce Meyer Ministries and Hand of Hope and very proud of our dedicated friends and partners who are always the first to lend a helping hand. Partnering with other ministries such as Church of the Harvest, Service International, Cooking for Christ, Victory Church, Gleaning for the World, and The 99, we saw vital progress even in these early days. And together we will all be there to offer help in the days and months to come.

Thank you for always caring and responding with the love of Christ. Your support turns very difficult days into miracles in the making.

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Oklahoma Disaster Relief

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:06:00 +0000

Hand of Hope is working with ministries on the ground in OKC and Moore, OK to help those displaced by the tornado that devastated the area. In cooperation with Gleaning for the World we are delivering truckloads of supplies that will be distributed by Church of the Harvest OKC and others. We are also partnering with other churches in the area including Victory Church who are also helping to supply victims with shelter and necessities. With our assistance Service International and the 99 are on the way to Oklahoma with teams and other needed items to aid in relief efforts.

We are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible for us to be ready to jump into action when disaster occurs. We will continue to keep you updated—thank you for your prayers.

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Sharing Hope and Groceries in Latvia

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:02:00 +0000

Through our partnership with Good News Church in Riga, Latvia, we are able to help provide food and other assistance for struggling families. In a region once governed by communist rule, most have never stepped foot into a church or experienced the Love of God. The church hosts special Saturday services where people can come to eat, hear about God, and leave with some groceries to help them through the week.

Earlier this month we met Alexandra and her family. Three years ago, having struggled through some darker days of addiction and prison, she and her husband, Victor, found themselves in despair—without jobs and without a way to feed their family. They needed a change and they called the church for help. With groceries in hand, the church leaders visited the couple and invited them to the Saturday service.

Fast forward to today. Alexandra and Victor still attend Saturday church—but now, they are there to help. She has recently learned to be a hairdresser and provides haircuts to those at the service while Victor helps serve food and greet those in attendance.

"Today we have a good life," says Alexandra, "We go to church, have fellowship with people, read and understand the Word of God. God is using us for His glory."

Alexandra and Victor are living transformed lives, serving those in need as they were once helped. And it all started, like many in at the church, with groceries and a warm meal.

Thank you for providing food that nourishes and a Message that transforms. Your support as a friend or partner with Joyce Meyer Ministries allows us to reach people where they are.

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New Beginnings in St. Louis, Missouri

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:56:00 +0000

Kendrick Haynes - Genesis Men’s Home Director

The Genesis Men’s Home is an outreach of the St. Louis Dream Center which gives men a chance for a new beginning. Modeled after the Teen Challenge program,* adult men enter a 12 month discipleship program at the Genesis Men’s Home and immerse themselves in a consistent schedule of Christian education, counseling, relapse prevention, anger management and work therapy.

Through this life changing journey, every individual is encouraged to become more like Jesus in both words and actions. The home provides practical examples and support and is committed to the complete recovery of every single man that enters the home. The men are equipped with the life skills necessary to live successfully and victoriously in society. Together they are better as they work to fulfill the mission and vision God has put before them. Thanks to the partners and friends of Joyce Meyer Ministries, through your support we are all helping to change lives around the world.

*globaltc.org

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A Second Chance in Moscow, Russia

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:15:00 +0000

This weekend was Vitya’s 14th birthday, a cheerful boy in the care of House of Mercy’s Moscow home for children. Born in the wake of the 1998 Russian financial collapse, Vitya was found by government officials as an abandoned young feral boy in the care of dogs.

He suffered from Mowgli syndrome, named after the child-character popularized by the Disney movie, The Jungle Book. Once an urban legend and mythological story, the unbelievable reality is that Vitya is one of many afflicted in this manner—acting in every way as would a dog. He barked instead of speaking, maneuvered on all fours and ate, slept and lived as did his canine caretakers.

His future was not much brighter—destined to be a ward of the state, institutionalized and in isolation for the remaining years of his life. But House of Mercy stepped in and took Vitya into one of their homes. House of Mercy provides loving, Christian care for neglected and abused children. For Vitya, this meant learning to eat with utensils, standing and walking upright and talking like other boys and girls. Today, his days are now filled with family, church and school—a place of childhood comfort and belonging.

Joyce Meyer Ministries’s Hand of Hope, partners with House of Mercy and helps make a home for Vitya and others like him, saving them from some of the darkest and dirtiest corners of society and caring for them day after day. Thank you for your continued prayers and support through Joyce Meyer Ministries. It is only because of you that we can fulfill our goal of sharing Christ and helping those in need.

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Medical Care, Love and Hope for Guatemala

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:11:00 +0000

Laura Matheny - Medical Outreach Coordinator

Many people living in the inner city of Guatemala feel hopeless, broken, rejected and outcast. They work in the Guatemala City trash dump scavenging what they can – from what others have thrown away, trying to make a living for themselves and their families. They are the poorest of the poor, having little to no self-esteem or feelings of worth.

Thirty-five medical/dental volunteers joined together to bring hope to these broken people through our recent medical/dental clinic in Guatemala City. A majority of the people who came to us were diagnosed with infections and many different types of skin rashes and lesions due to working in the dump. Wounds were dressed, sores were bound up and medications were given to treat infections. Beyond providing medical/dental treatment, our volunteers went the extra mile to simply love on and value these people as much as possible. Smiles and hugs were a huge part of each day. The medicine was important, but sharing the love of Christ and providing healing of the heart was what we were after.

The difference in the countenance of the people when they entered the clinic versus when they left was astounding. They had been told their entire lives they were unwanted and despised by the rest of society – it was apparent on their faces and in the way they carried themselves. But, as they made their way through the different areas of the clinic, there was a distinct change. We cared for not only their physical wounds but for their emotional scars as well. The children almost seemed to crave affection and attention from our volunteers, as did the adults.

Many of these people’s lives were changed as they came to recognize the love and salvation of the Lord through this clinic. Thank you to our partners, friends and medical/dental volunteers who make these trips possible to provide both physical and spiritual care.

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Rescuing Lives Around the World

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:27:00 +0000

Simply put, human trafficking, the illegal sale and trade of people against their will for exploitation, is modern day slavery. It is estimated that there are more than 27 million people around the world forced into this horrible way of life; many of which are young girls kidnapped against their will.* Thousands of women and children every day are forced into trafficking by being lied to, deceived and ultimately stolen from their own lives. They are promised a better life, a good-paying job…maybe even freedom from poverty. No matter how they get there, it is still one of the most inhumane forms of injustice our world has ever seen.

Fortunately there are organizations that have answered the cry of this injustice and are making strides to help rescue these victims. We’re committed to doing everything we can to rescue these girls as well as support other organizations working tirelessly to do the same. We are working with the Los Angeles Dream Center to help rescue women and offer them safety from pimps and handlers. We are rescuing women and children around the world in places like India, Thailand, Ethiopia, Cambodia and Lesotho. We are also partnering with The A21 Campaign to rescue women in Eastern Europe. Greece has been labeled “The Human Trafficking Hub” in Europe and A21 is strategically positioned in Greece to reach as many girls as possible.

Our heart-felt thanks to our partners and friends for supporting these efforts.

*theA21campaign.org

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A Transformed Life in Burundi, Africa

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:35:00 +0000

Brad Senekal – South Africa Outreach Director

The Bible tells us that everyone who believes in Christ will not perish but have eternal life. The promises of God are for whosoever will believe in Him – His love is without limit and He forgives all of our sins, even the most horrific. Like those of a man in Burundi, Africa who shared his story with us, “I am a man of the military, not yet married. I killed many people during fighting that took place in Burundi, Congo and Rwanda. I have been a thief using guns in Tanzania. I raped women and girls. When I was looking at what I have been doing, I thought I better keep doing it because I couldn’t think that I could be forgiven. There is a day I will never forget – I heard Joyce Meyer teaching how God doesn’t count our sins before He forgive us. I wept for hours and decided to repent. I am now in God’s Grace.”

It is so vitally important to us to be able to share the message of the outrageous love of Christ around the world in people’s native language so they can be set free and come to know God – which is why Joyce’s Enjoying Everyday Life (EEL) program is translated into 64 languages and broadcast around the world. The EEL program has been available in Burundi in their native language of Kirundi since 2009, bringing healing and hope to a region decimated by war. We know God is meeting people right where they are, all over the world and we are thankful for the faithful support of our partners and friends which allows us to share the gospel message.

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Sharing the Love of Christ in Texas Prisons

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:08:00 +0000

Roy Lormis - Joyce Meyer Ministries Prison Ministry

Over the past two months we have had the opportunity to share the love of Christ with inmates in 17 prisons in the state of Texas. It’s a simple act of just being there and distributing a bar of soap, a bottle of shampoo, and an encouraging note from Joyce along with one of her books, yet the inmates respond as if they are receiving something more valuable than gold or silver. The state of Texas stopped distributing hygiene items to inmates at the first of the year, so the arrival of our hygiene gift bags was even more welcome than usual. Doors and hearts were open to receive the message of the One who brought us there, Jesus.

There was a man in one of the facilities who at one time had a great position in international ministry. He had been greatly deceived and had fallen deep into sin and was convicted of multiple crimes. He read Joyce’s book, Battlefield of the Mind and it touched him deeply. He was able to see where the enemy had won the battle in his own mind and he now knows how to keep Satan from doing that again. He is now giving of himself to help other men in the institution to understand the importance of the battle in their minds and to live a life of victory through Christ.

The year is off to a tremendous start, over 44,180 hygiene gift bags with Joyce’s books have been distributed; 37 services have been held in 32 prisons resulting in more than 3,030 people coming to Christ for the first time or rededicating their lives to Him. A great big thank you to all of our partners and friends who support the work being done in the prisons – we are making a difference one life at a time.

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Opening Hearts in Mozambique

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 18:50:00 +0000

Wade Hosseini – Medical Outreach Coordinator

We recently held a medical/dental outreach for the first time in the country of Mozambique, Africa in conjunction with Iris Ministries. The area of Mozambique where we held our clinics is predominantly Muslim and we initially encountered strong opposition from local government and health officials. But that was not enough to stop the plan of God, which included us seeing this precious 7 year old girl who came to us very ill and weak due to a severe infection. She had cut open her foot on a piece of wood and as a result had a severe bacterial infection that was spreading quickly. Left untreated, she would have most likely died. We were able to clean the wound and administer antibiotics; she was on her way to a complete recovery the very next day.

Not only were we able to provide much needed medical care to over 1,500 people on this outreach, but by the end of the week of clinics we saw a change in the hearts of the local government and health officials toward the local people. As a result of this outreach, groundwork has been laid and doors have been opened for Iris Ministries to provide additional love and care to the people of the region. Thanks to our partners and friends for making this outreach possible, and to our faithful volunteers who give of themselves on these outreaches to be the hands of Christ extended around the world.

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Clean Drinking Water - Providing Solutions

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 17:28:00 +0000

It is estimated that water shortages affect 1 in 3 people globally. Over 780 million people worldwide lack clean drinking water and millions of people die annually from water-related diseases due to consuming unclean water.* A glass of clean water simply does not exist for many people around the world. Hand of Hope is doing what we can to change that.

We are determined to supply clean water to as many people as we can. Through the incredible support of our friends and Partners we have been able to provide access to clean water through our Well of Life projects, clean water wells, water tanks and other projects. Hundreds of communities and tens of thousands of lives have been completely transformed through this amazing outreach.

Our mission is simple. We want to express the love of God through supplying one of their most vital physical needs – fresh water.

*Source: unwater.org

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Giving Hope to families in Myanmar

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:01:00 +0000

This is Nalawla. She lives in Myanmar. Every day she walks 5 miles roundtrip across unpaved roads just to go to school. Her home is made of straw and bamboo and located in a village that has no electricity or medical care. Nalawla’s parents are rice farmers and their livelihood depends on how much rice they can sell during the annual harvest. They rarely have money to buy more than just a small amount of rice and vegetables to feed their family of six.

Fortunately for Nalawla and her family, there is a Hand of Hope feeding program located nearby which provides nutritious meals, educational activities and the opportunity to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Through this program, Nalawla has improved health, has made new friends, and has learned about Jesus. She has a hope for her future that she never had before and contemplates how she can be a better person for herself, her family and her village.

Thank you to our friends and partners for helping us change lives like Nalawla’s in Myanmar and around the world.

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Serving the Vulnerable in Namibia, Africa

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:59:00 +0000

David L. Meyer – CEO Hand of Hope

Our trip to Africa ended in Namibia where Hand of Hope sponsors a feeding program and leadership training. With the help of Dawie and Chrisna Fourie of the African Leadership Institute and in partnership with the Namibian Life Change Centers Foundation, Hand of Hope is feeding almost 1,500 children every day in Namibia. In addition, over 400 disadvantaged youth are trained every year in leadership and character development through Hand of Hope's partnership with The Rock Training Center in Namibia - something they would never be able to experience without this program.

God's favor is overwhelming and is allowing us to make a difference in the lives of people here in Namibia and around the world. Thanks to all of our partners and friends who allow us to help those in need.

Hand of Hope is the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Our goal is simply to help as many hurting people as we possibly can, to alleviate human suffering and to help Christians grow in their faith.

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The Desperate Cry from Madagascar

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:08:00 +0000

David L. Meyer – CEO Hand of Hope

Over the past few days I have been visiting some of our Hand of Hope sponsored projects here in Madagascar, along with some of our team. The needs in Madagascar are great and Hand of Hope is here to help where we can. To help meet the physical needs of the people we feed 2,200 kids in Madagascar daily through our feeding programs. Last year we held a very successful medical/dental clinic here and we are planning for another medical outreach this year. We have also dug 40 life giving Well of Life projects so far and more are being planned. To minister to people spiritually we air Joyce’s Enjoying Everyday Life program on TV here in the local language and we distribute Joyce’s books in Malagasy and French.

When you walk the streets of Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital city, it is so easy to be overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem. You see filthy dirty children everywhere, they are the street kids of Madagascar. We continue to fight against the evil here and help those God himself puts in our path. We have made some exciting plans to do even more in the next year. They desperately need our help here and we plan to give them just that. But we need your help to do so. Let’s make a difference here!!

Together We Are Better!

Hope Jam Reaches Thousands in Miami Gardens, Florida

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:20:00 +0000

Kacie Campbell, Staff Writer

On Saturday, March 2, Hand of Hope partnered with Trinity Church to bring medical care, food, hair cuts, entertainment, carnival rides, face painting and more to 2,500 people at an event called Hope Jam. In an area where the per capita income is just below $17,000 a year, a simple bag of food, a free health screening, teeth cleaning and haircut, plus a safe, family-friendly day of fun can mean all the difference.

One of the people we were able to reach was 20-year-old Jennifer. Even at such a young age, Jennifer knows what she wants in life. She doesn’t drink or smoke, and she’s saving herself for marriage. She says growing up she would go to the alter over and over, but in 2011 she says she decided to go full throttle with God.

When I asked why she makes decisions that go against the “norm” of girls her age, she confidently replied: “God is worthy of everything. I want to keep this temple holy, and…I’m worth it!”

Something else Jennifer is sure of is her future career. She is currently in college and hopes to attend nursing school in the fall. Her strong desire to help others was reinforced when she was able to receive a free health screening at Hope Jam.

“I don’t have any insurance. It’s been a long time since I even had a checkup. This is a great opportunity for me to just make sure everything is okay. Plus seeing the way these doctors and nurses interact with people puts a positivity in my spirit. It reminds me that God is always on my side.”

Throughout the event many people like Jennifer were able to gain the education and assistance they need through the medical, dental and vision vans. And after they’d enjoyed a hot meal, taken a ride on the Ferris wheel and enjoyed the free entertainment, every family went home with a free bag of groceries.

Thank you so much for enabling us to partner with Trinity Church to bring hope to those living in Miami Gardens. Your support is sharing the love of Christ to so many and reminding them God is always on their side.

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Making a Difference in St. Louis Everyday

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:17:00 +0000

Pastor Jeff Allensworth

Hundreds of children are being helped and blessed everyday through the after school feeding program provided by the Dream Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Through a hot, nutritious meal and a simple scripture, more than 850 children who might otherwise go to bed hungry receive not only a full stomach but also a heart full of hope.

The Dream Center’s after school feeding program continues to grow and now serves children in 11 schools in the St. Louis area. But the transformation of lives does not end there. Restoration has spread from the children who receive the meals to their bus drivers who partner with the Dream Center to provide transportation to the children every afternoon. Dream Center staff and volunteers are able to share the gospel message with them as well.

Thanks to our partners and friends who help the St. Louis Dream Center provide free meals and share the love of Christ to children and adults in the St. Louis area, together we are truly better.

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Food, Water and the Love of Christ in Niger

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:10:00 +0000

David L. Meyer – CEO Hand of Hope

Traveling throughout Niger, Africa has been both a surprise and a blessing. While over 90% of the people of Niger are Muslim, they are very open to the Gospel. We met so many pastors and missionaries who are doing such great work there. Their love for God and for the people of Niger was evident as they shared with us about their outreach efforts. In partnership with The Link in Niger, linkniger.com, we are able to provide much needed relief to the people of this nation.

In a region that is mostly dry and barren desert, we had the opportunity to visit a site in Saga Gorou where a fresh water well was dug to provide clean drinking water to people in the local community. Two more wells are in the process of being dug with plans to dig 12 more this year.

Niger is an extremely impoverished country and continues to deal with extreme famine issues. Hand of Hope is doing all we can to help alleviate hunger in the region. We have committed to support a feeding center, providing nutritious meals to 850 poor and hungry children in a daycare program every day as well as providing medical care where we can. The children in this program are from very poor Muslim families, but they are being taught about Jesus and already so full of His love.

Thank you to our partners and friends for making it possible for us to extend a hand of hope to places in the world where people are in such tremendous need. Together we are demonstrating the love of Christ in a very practical way by providing the very basics – food and water.

Making a Difference in Cambodia

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:21:00 +0000

Wade Hosseini - HOH Medical Outreach Coordinator

We recently traveled to Phnom Penh, Cambodia with a medical/dental team to reach out to some of the poorest areas in the city to help alleviate human suffering. The people of Cambodia continue to have a very special place in our hearts, which is one of many reasons we have traveled to Cambodia the past five years to conduct medical/dental outreaches. Throughout the week, our team treated patients in rice fields, trash dumps, and area villages who otherwise would have not received much-needed medical care.

74 year old Sam (pictured), heard about one of our clinics through advertisements distributed throughout the area. Suffering from Parkinson's disease, Sam was adamant about attending our clinic to get help. She not only needed medical care, but also deeply desired prayer that is offered as part of every clinic. Sam also brought her youngest granddaughter who had been battling an ongoing chest infection. Through the basic treatment we were able to provide that they otherwise would not be able to afford, we prevented this infection from developing into something that could have been much more serious. Both expressed their sincere and heartfelt gratitude for our presence in Cambodia and asked us to return next year. Seeing them be helped physically and spiritually was an amazing experience.

Through the blessings and spiritual gifts God instills in each of us, people in regions all around the world are experiencing true and lasting Hope through these medical/dental outreaches. Thanks to all the friends and partners of Joyce Meyer Ministries/Hand of Hope who help make these outreaches possible.

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Tropical Cyclone Oswald Relief

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:22:00 +0000

Tom McKaskill - Director Australia/Pacific Rim

Last week, tropical cyclone Oswald formed in the far north coast of Queensland, Australia, and set off on a course of destruction and flooding. The storm traversed the entire eastern seaboard, finally turning out to sea after passing through Sydney, wreaking havoc along its trail.

The city of Bundaberg, Australia, north of Brisbane, experienced 7 tornados as well as major cyclonic damage. The devastation was far reaching. Thousands of Bundaberg residents have been displaced from their homes with more than 2,000 residents currently living in evacuation centres in Bundaberg. Two-thousand homes have been affected, half of which are currently uninhabitable.

Joyce Meyer Ministries has partnered with Citipointe Church and Red Frogs, an outreach of Citipointe, to go into the affected areas and provide assistance in the clean up process as well as provide food to the volunteers. We are providing water blasters, boots, cleaning equipment and financial support to Red Frogs who have a team of volunteers working in the area with the local church.

It is truly an honor to be a part of a team going into all parts of the world ministering to people’s practical and spiritual needs. Thanks to our partners and friends who provide the support that enables us to help people who are experiencing hardships following this natural disaster.

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Giving Joy

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:22:00 +0000

Shelly Meyer – Hand of Hope International Relations Officer

One of the things I absolutely love about being the Hand of Hope International Relations Officer, and there are so many, is the time I get to spend visiting Hand of Hope sponsored children’s homes and feeding programs around the world. I just love getting to see the children whose lives are being restored because they now have a safe place to call home, good nutritious meals, the support of people who genuinely care for them, and the knowledge that Jesus loves them. Without these children’s homes and feeding programs, many of these children would be homeless, orphaned, going hungry, or even trafficked. But, because of your support these children are now happy, healthy and have hope for their futures.

Last month we had a Christmas party for 250 of these precious children in Thailand. The children were served a special meal and received gifts of new sweat suits and toys. The children had so much fun playing games and being entertained by a special program. It is such an honor for us to share the love of Christ with these children and give them so much joy!

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Building Bridges in Indonesia

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:49:00 +0000

Jon Essen, Writer

Watching Joyce teach on the daily television broadcast is always encouraging, challenging and uplifting, but watching her teach and share Christ half-way around the world is a completely different and unique experience for me.

The Festival of Life in Jakarta, Indonesia, has been in the words of one major Christian leader in the country "an opportunity to build bridges to share the gospel, and not to build walls" for Christians in the nation of Indonesia. It's hard not to agree, as you watch Joyce and the entire team tirelessly do whatever it takes in order to pour into the lives of people who are so hungry to hear the Word of God and apply it to their personal lives.

To see tens of thousands of people worshiping with all their heart, and in such an incredible state of desire to hear Joyce teach the Word, my heart can't help but be overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude. Excitement, because of how the Gospel is being shared and gratitude, because I realize that it's only happening because of the engagement of the friends and partners of Joyce Meyer Ministries.

It makes me realize that our best days are without a doubt, still in front of us. Thanks for helping us continue to make a difference – the best is truly yet to come!

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Indescribable Experience in Bali, Indonesia

noreply@blogger.com (JMM) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:06:00 +0000

Ginger Stache – JMM Chief Media Officer

There are certain experiences in life that are nearly impossible to describe. Walking through a trash dump with eleven and twelve year old children who pick through it for just a few cents a day is such an experience -- words cannot express it. The odor, the flies, the injustice of it turns your stomach. And that moment at the end of the day when you walk away as they smile and wave good-bye is one that you can never forget.

While I wrestle with many emotions, I'm also filled with tremendous gratitude because in that terrible place there are many children who no longer have to work to survive. You see, the partners of Joyce Meyer Ministries are providing those children with nutritious meals and sharing the love of Jesus, freeing their families of that financial burden and enabling them to stay out of the dump and go to school.

So far we can't reach them all but we are doing what we can together. Some experiences are indescribably difficult, but they couldn't be more rewarding. Thank you for enabling Hand of Hope to make such a difference in Indonesia and around the world!

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