Help with Food
Star of Hope together with our donors made a difference in 2011. Lives have been touched through all of our efforts. In the slide show you can see examples on what has been done.
Enjoy the slideshow showing the results of our work.
ARGENTINA
Argentina continues to amaze all of the staff at Star of Hope with the continued faithfulness to God's call on their hearts. They live the example as set forth in scripture "...whatever you do, in word or deed...". They are providing spiritual guidance through their ministry of church services, Bible teaching, counseling, providing Bibles and other materials to increase the understanding of God's word in the hearts of the people they serve. AND they see to the physical needs as well. On a regular basis they are giving out food and other cooking necessities. They help the homeless find shelter, feed them and personally help them tend to their personal needs.
They have a number of trade schools and have had numerous students take advantage of learning a trade. The students, themselves, have given testimony to the success they are experiencing as a result of not only the opportunity to attend but also the prayers and encouragement of the staff of the Good Shepherd Foundation, who partner with Star of Hope.
In Argentina we see in action what many people only talk about doing. It is a blessing to see their pictures and read of their work. We anticipate the continued growth and blessings as a result of the steadfast answer to God's call.
MEXICO
The major construction work on the church and other buildings is completed. Now the focus is on supporting the programs that have been put into place. Star of Hope helps support the feeding program for 40 – 60 children of migrant parents as well as helping to fill the gap while the parents are absent during the day. In the coming year there will be a concentrated effort to expand the simple literacy work that has been started. Star of Hope is also helping to supply Bible study materials for young and old. The computer, printer and internet access provided helps provide not only more accessible and cheaper classroom materials for the children but has also made Eladio, the pastor, exceedingly happy to have more access to increase his own knowledge on the sermon materials. The target population of Eladio and Margarita are families in the area. They desire to not only help educate the children but also help the family grow spiritually.
HAITI
The staff of Star of Hope Haiti is so in tune with the needs of the people that project selection and implementation becomes second nature. They have recognized the need to not only provide elementary education but improve the delivery. To that end they procured the materials and skilled labor to construct thousands of pieces of new desks and benches for the first model pre-school in Jeanton. In addition they have painted them bright primary colors. They also brought in volunteers to paint animated figures on the walls. These are elements that will stimulate the learning cells of the brain and get these precious children off to a very good start in their education.
They have also worked to provide clean water to several projects. One project has a new water collection system to which chemical treatment can be added to assure safe drinking water for the students. Another location has been the recipient of a magnificent water purification machine around which they have built a housing unit to protect and secure it. Not only does it provide sufficient water for the students but the school is then able to sell clean water to the community. This accomplishes two distinctive goals; 1) Provides funds for the maintenance of the machine, 2) Aids in preventing water borne diseases to the students and community.
In the village of Boyer, the first class of sewing students graduated in June with 3 members of the class already employed or able to start their own business. The other students were in a position to at least be able to sew clothes for their own children as well as neighbors and relatives. Three months later a new class was started in a second location and will be completed in the summer of 2012. There are plans in the making to start yet a third class as soon as the funds are procured.
One thousand five hundred and five goats and chickens were distributed this year. We cannot even begin to understand the financial and emotional significance of these gifts to the recipients. Many times it is a matter of life and death when the money is needed for emergency uses.
TRINIDAD
Because of the support of Star of Hope, the work in Trinidad, Maloney school has been more successful than most of the surrounding government schools. This year, others have come in and joined the construction work to provide even more space to accommodate more students. Every year the students of Sister Naomi complete pre-school highly qualified and are accepted into the elementary schools. And this past year has been no different. These children, however, have not only received an academic education, they have and continue to receive a spiritual training and blessing to equip them to face the public schools. Even as preschoolers, they have learned to hide God's word in their heart. And as in all Star of Hope supported schools the children receive at least one hot meal, of which, for many might be the only food they have on some days.
PHILIPPINES
Many people think that Manila is such a large and hopeless place on this continent that surely nothing can help. They are wrong! Star of Hope Philippines is changing lives every day through the servant hearts of the dedicated staff. They continue to operate two schools in Taytay and Crame in Manila. Crame is preschool only but Taytay goes all the way through high school. For the third year they are also operating an elementary school in Ilog, Infanta 3 hours outside of Manila on the eastcoast. Again this year they have successfully guided students, (who have nowhere else to go) through a successful course that will give them a foundation that is their only hope to any success. Star of Hope provides them with food and necessary materials. They are also given opportunities for social development and vocational training that will lead to jobs. In a country and city with so many people in competition it is an invaluable investment for them. The only thing better than education, is the fact that it is done with an infusion of spiritual teaching.
ROMANIA
When we hear the word Romania we first have to stop and think about where it is. Then we think of the years of tyrannical dictatorship and the horrors the people had to endure and the scars that remain. The devastation was so horrific that even today, 23 years after the revolution; the country still struggles to overcome the backward ways and thoughts. Star of Hope is pleased to be in a position to help with and influence the continued recovery of this nation. The most recent and possibly most significant project is working with the Women's Ministry helping them to learn and understand they have a Heavenly Father as well to whom they can turn. As in most instances when there is a medical problem in a home, the majority of the "hands on" care and responsibility falls on the woman's shoulders. Star of Hope sponsors programs to not only help the women find resources to understand and deal with the individual problems of their children but they are also working with the doctors and other people of responsibility to change policy and rid the country of stigma that children with mental and physical disabilities are second class citizens.
