“These are the best wheelbarrows in the Dominican Republic.”

A few months ago I had the opportunity visit José Luís Rincón in the Dominican Republic. José had contagious energy and ambitious dreams for the future. I got to walk through his workshop and see how his wheelbarrow business has grown. He makes wheelbarrows and ironworks in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic (DR). His business has grown approximately 500% since he received the first of six loans from HOPE. With his profits, José Luís has purchased his own truck and has finished building a concrete house for his family. He and his wife are finally able to provide for their growing family. According to José, he is the only wheelbarrow manufacturer in the Dominican Republic who provides a lifetime guarantee.

After receiving HOPE loans, José Luís came to know Jesus Christ, and his life was turned around. With continued business and spiritual growth, he has big plans for the future. He dreams of someday becoming a large-scale manufacturer. With pride he shared with me that “These are the best wheelbarrows in the Dominican Republic.” And I believe him.

From prostitutes to entrepreneurs…

Below is the exciting story of the incredible life transformation of women trapped in prostitution from the town of Munos in the Dominican Republic written by my colleague, Mark Russell:

Through its work in impoverished communities in 13 countries, HOPE has witnessed the uniquely debilitating cycle of poverty experienced by women involved in prostitution. In April  2008, HOPE D.R. began developing a focused initiative to address this overwhelming problem. The program exists to bring about lasting change in the lives of women in the sex industry, that they might experience the transformative power of God’s love and realize their identities as His children.

In response to the harmful effect of prostitution on this community, HOPE D.R. selected a group of fifteen women from Muños to pass through a 40-day pilot initiative entitled “40 Days to New Life.” This program was designed specifically for women who are currently practicing or have formerly practiced prostitution. The project focused on three aspects of participants’ holistic needs for transformation – spiritual, physical, and vocational. To impact the women spiritually, HOPE D.R. leaders partnered with volunteers from the local church of Muños to offer a focused daily program.

Using Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life, to guide the women through daily devotionals, volunteers shared the love of Christ with each woman, emphasizing their incredible value as God’s beloved creations and His unique plan for each of their lives. To address participants’ physical needs, HOPE D.R. partnered with two Dominican-based healthcare organizations to provide dental care and HIV prevention training and treatment. To address their vocational needs, HOPE D.R. provided business and skills training and microcredit loans to empower the women to earn a living by managing their own small businesses.

I am excited to report that 14 of these women, at the completion of the program, were no longer practicing prostitution and reported they would “never return.” By the end of the 40 days, nearly all the women had experienced spiritual transformation as well–enjoying the hope of a new life in Christ. Many of these women had never heard the name of Jesus before in their lives.

Recent highlights

The 10ten10 tour is gaining momentum.

• Recently, HOPE and the 10ten10 tour were featured on the Business as Mission Network:. You can read the story here.
• The largest newspaper in Idaho, the Idaho Statesman, asked to do a story on HOPE and on the 10th anniversary event we will be holding there. You can read the story here.
• The Casper Star-Tribune is also planning on running a story about the event at Casper Alliance Church. Again, we will post the story once it is published.

We are still accepting RSVPs to these events. Email lheller@hopeinternational.org or chorst@hopeinternational.org to reserve your spot.

Two more events lined up…

I am excited to announce that the seventh and eighth events are now confirmed. This brings the total to 8 of 10 events…

EVENT #7
Where:   Seattle, WA | The Woodmark Hotel and Yacht Club
What:     Breakfast
When:    October 7 | 7:30 – 8:45

EVENT #8
Where:   San Diego, CA | Point Loma Nazarene University
What:     College event
When:    October 8 | 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Host:      Point Loma Microfinance Club

6 of 10

Over half of the 10 events have been finalized. There is going to be a varied and fun assortment of events during this trip, which should keep things interesting. Here is a brief summary of what we have established thus far:

EVENT #1
Where:   Lancaster, PA | Hilton Garden Inn @ Granite Run
What:     Luncheon
When:    September 29 | 12:00 – 1:15

EVENT #3
Where:   Indianapolis, IN | Rock Bottom Brewery
What:     Appetizers, drinks
When:    October 1 | 5:30 – 6:30
Host:      Matt Kistler

EVENT #4
Where:   Chicago, IL | White Eagle Golf Club
What:     Breakfast
When:    October 2 | 8:00 – 9:30
Host:      Tony Spano

EVENT #5
Where:   Casper, WY | Casper Christian Missionary and Alliance Church
What:     Desserts and coffee
When:    October 3 | 7:00 – 8:30
Host:      Nancy Martinson

EVENT #6
Where:   Boise, ID | Eastwind Community Church
What:     Desserts and coffee
When:    October 5 | 7:00 – 8:30
Host:      Mark Russell

EVENT #10
Where:   Boulder, CO | St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church
What:     Desserts and coffee
When:    October 12 | 6:00 – 7:30
Host:      Leslie Harvison and Kay Ingram

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If you would like any more information or are interested in joining us for any of these events, please don’t hesitate to let me know. You can reach me by email at chorst@hopeinternational.org or by phone, (717) 371-9287.

10 states. 10 events. To celebrate HOPE’s 10-year anniversary.

Alli and I are looking forward to a great road trip to celebrate ten years of investing in the dreams of the poor around the world.

We are currently finalizing event locations and details. Stay tuned for future updates.