Love is the Mission | Best Gift 2024

love mission is the

Community of Faith

COMMUNITY OF FAITH

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BEST GIFT 2024

There is a word picture in the apostle Paul’s writings that we think is important for us as Community of Faith. He called the church “the body of Christ,” the embodied presence of Christ in the world. As Saint Teresa of Avila put it, “Christ has no body on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassionately on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands with which he blesses all the world. Christ has no body now on earth but yours!”

We are the body – not you, not me… but us, together. No one person can do all this.

But when we join forces, God uses us in incredible ways! And that’s exactly what has happened over the course of the last year! As you, Community of Faith, have faithfully and sacrificially given to the Best Gift Offering, we have seen miracles take place!

This booklet is a tiny glimpse of God’s hand at work through you. Celebrate with us! And as you do, ask God to reveal your part in this year’s Best Gift Offering. Let’s continue to be the hands and feet and, heart of Jesus in our world!

Mark & Laura Shook Founding Pastors

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COMMUNITY OF FAITH

BOYS & GIRLS COUNTRY HOCKLEY, TX

Meet Motaho Motaho came to live at Boys & Girls Country when he was 16 years old. Before arriving, he had moved over sixty times and attended more than twenty schools, making consistent education and lasting relationships nearly impossible. At first, Motaho was hesitant to embrace life at Boys and Girls Country. Adapting to the structure and consistency of campus life was a challenge as he had spent much of his life relying on survival instincts.

However, with the unwavering love and patience of his houseparents and BGC staff, Motaho’s gentle spirit began to shine. He soon blossomed into a kind and caring young man, showing the profound effect of a supportive and nurturing environment.

Motaho also applied himself in school, determined to catch up after years of disruption. By his senior year, he had made remarkable progress and graduated this fall, proudly joining the Class of 2024!

“I was able to graduate high school because I finally felt like I had people on my side who cared.”

Thank you, Community of Faith, for volunteering to serve at Boys & Girls Country. Your faithfulness is changing lives, just like Motaho.

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BEST GIFT 2024

BOYS & GIRLS COUNTRY HOCKLEY, TX

Meet Cheyanne In early September, Cheyanne took a beautiful step of faith by choosing to be baptized. Since joining Boys & Girls Country just over a year ago, she has become a bright light on campus. During camp this summer, Cheyanne felt ready to take the next step in her faith. On the day of her baptism, Cheyanne stood before her loved ones and publicly declared her commitment to Christ.

“I went to church camp over the summer, and it was my first time attending one. During a sermon, the pastor asked everyone who wanted to dedicate their life to Jesus to stand up. I stood up, and I was so happy. Now here I am, getting baptized and washing away all my sins.”

Following her baptism, Cheyanne is focused on the positive, trusting in God’s plan. She now knows that God is always with her and will help her extend grace and forgiveness to others and herself.

Thank you, Community of Faith, for making life-changing stories like Cheyanne’s possible!

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COMMUNITY OF FAITH

ABBAS HOUSE CYPRESS, TX

Meet GIA Gia and her mom are from Cuba and came to Abba’s House this summer.

They had experienced the loss of Gia’s father in a tragic work accident back in Cuba, leaving them unable to provide for themselves. After a long and harrowing trek through Mexico, they were finally granted asylum in the United States and landed here in Houston.

A clerical error delayed the mom’s work authorization card. Gia and her mother found themselves living in the back seat of another immigrant’s car. That’s when a caseworker called Abba’s House to see if we could house them “just for a couple of days”. A couple of days turned into over two months, but in that time, so many things stabilized for this family.

All the paperwork came through, great progress was made in learning English, and they enjoyed a season of stability and peace.

While at Abba’s House, Gia celebrated her 5th birthday, and we got to celebrate her like the princess she is! Now, they are happily settled in an apartment in South West Houston. Gia is loving kindergarten, and her mom is gainfully employed at a Thai restaurant. They were on the brink of crisis but are now in a much better place!

Thank you, Community of Faith, for partnering with Abba’s House to make a way for Gia and her mom.

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BEST GIFT 2024

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COMMUNITY OF FAITH

MIRACLE FARM BRENHAM, TX

Meet RICO When I was two years old, my mother was shot in the back and became paralyzed. Over time, I became her primary caregiver. We moved around a lot, which was hard. She would steal things from stores and send me to different hotels to sell her prescription drugs to her “friends.”

At age 10, my dad learned what was going on and, after a long court battle, he was able to bring me to Texas.

Living with my dad was okay at first, but I was getting into trouble at school. Eventually, that trouble spilled over into my home life. My dad gave me a lot of chances but finally removed me from school.

My dad brought me to Miracle Farm, where things started to get better for me. I began to focus on school and realized I really liked earning my grades. Having my own horse to take care of is very calming. I have a good relationship with my Miracle Farm family, and conversations with my dad are improving. The best thing that happened here is that I learned about and accepted Jesus. I am going to be baptized next month!

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BEST GIFT 2024

MIRACLE FARM BRENHAM, TX

Meet Slade I was raised by my mother, and we are very close. When I was in the seventh grade, she was diagnosed with stage four cancer, which she is still battling today. I didn’t know how to deal with this, and I did not want to see my mother ill, so I pushed her away. I felt so numb and built a wall around myself to try and cope. As a result, my relationship with my mom suffered. I began skipping school and only causing trouble while I was there, resulting in my being kicked out of the eighth grade.

Deciding to live at Miracle Farm was difficult because I didn’t want to leave while my mom was sick, but I knew I needed help. I was drowning. Now, I am doing better in school and have been able to catch up and be on grade level. I think my relationship with my horse has brought about changes in me. My horse and I are both stubborn but must find a way to work together. My mother has visited for Family Weekends, and our relationship has improved. I feel less selfish because I have had time to think about my mother’s situation. Miracle Farm is helping me become a man I can be proud of. Thank you, Community of Faith, for supporting Miracle Farm.

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COMMUNITY OF FAITH

THE MISSION OF YAHWEH HOUSTON, TX

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BEST GIFT 2024

Meet Janel Growing up in a chaotic environment marred by family abuse, Janel struggled deeply. In her youth, she had attempted suicide and later in life turned to drugs to numb her pain. Though offered many opportunities to rebuild her life, she often struggled with circumstances that would prevent her from being fully successful. Throughout her adulthood, her choices often led her into harm’s way, influenced by the selfishness of others. Despite accepting Christ at 13, she lacked a spiritual mentor to guide her in her faith, relying instead on the survival tactics learned from her dysfunctional family.

In late 2023, Janel returned to God, pouring out her heart in prayer and expressing her desire for closeness with Him. Miraculously, God placed the right people in her path, leading her back to the journey He had always envisioned for her. This included returning to Houston, a place she had never wanted to revisit. There, she discovered The Mission of Yahweh, where she finally sensed hope.

Welcomed with open arms, Janel felt she had finally arrived where God wanted her to be. Embracing every opportunity, she attended classes, restored her insurance license, and sought medical attention for long-ignored health issues.

Every time the chapel opens, Janel is there, finding comfort in the scripture that speaks directly to her. She describes the program as perfectly structured for broken women seeking physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing. Janel is truly blossoming!

She is now working hard, saving for a down payment on a two-bedroom tiny cottage where she can live independently.

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COMMUNITY OF FAITH

CY-FAIR HELPING HANDS HOUSTON, TX

Meet Rafael I am Rafael, the father of six, and our journey has been filled with challenges. As a legal immigrant, I lost my green card, which left me unable to work and provide for my family. My wife took house cleaning jobs, and I worked day labor, but we could not make enough to support our family.

Cy-Fair Helping Hands, with the financial help of local churches like Community of Faith, provided us with the support and resources we needed to regain our footing. They guided us through the arduous task of replacing my green card, ensuring I could return to work and support my family.

They had my birth certificate translated into English, which was required for this process. They offered food and temporary housing, giving us the stability we desperately needed.

The dedication and compassion of Cy-Fair Helping Hands transformed our lives, giving us a fresh start. Today, I am back at work, and my family is thriving, all thanks to the assistance and guidance we received.

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BEST GIFT 2024

CY-FAIR HELPING HANDS HOUSTON, TX

Meet Sarah I am Sarah, a single mother of three, and my journey has been anything but easy. After losing my job, my children and I found ourselves living in our car, facing each day with uncertainty and fear.

One day, Cy-Fair Helping Hands discovered us and offered us a lifeline when we needed it most.

Cy-Fair Helping Hands helped me secure a better job that matched my skills and aspirations, ensuring I could provide for my children. They assisted me in finding a safe and affordable apartment, giving us a stable home.

Cy-Fair Helping Hands’ dedication to empowering families like mine made all the difference, transforming our lives and giving us a fresh start. Today, I am thriving in my new job, and my children are flourishing in our new home thanks to this wonderful organization’s compassionate and comprehensive assistance.

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COMMUNITY OF FAITH

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BEST GIFT 2024

THE LANDING HOUSTON, TX

Meet “Aaliyah” Aaliyah is one of an estimated 25 million people worldwide who are victims of human trafficking. In the United States, Texas is particularly impacted, with approximately 300,000 victims, including over 79,000 children.

Thankfully, here in Houston, The Landing offers a beacon of hope for Aaliyah and other survivors of human trafficking.

“The Landing was a safe haven for me! I was able to accomplish many things in the midst of a series of unfortunate events, and use my time positively and productively.

By supplying personal items and food, they helped me take care of my children while I was in a state of homelessness. They offered so many resources and totally flipped my situation. Thank you all for believing in me… now I believe in me!”

The Landing’s Drop-In Center, strategically located along the Bissonnet track, provides a safe space where individuals can find rest, nourishment, and compassionate care. Through counseling, case management, and other services, survivors can embark on their journey to healing and freedom.

Thanks to the encouragement, prayers, volunteers, and financial support of Community of Faith, we’ve witnessed a remarkable increase in survivors completing our Empowerment program in 2023. As these individuals discover their inherent worth and potential, they experience the transformative power of God’s love and grace.

We are grateful for your partnership in The Landing’s mission. Together, we can create a world where every person is safe, loved, and free.

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COMMUNITY OF FAITH

OPEN DOOR MISSION HOUSTON, TX

Meet RICHARD My name is Richard McKinsey, and I struggled with addiction for 15 years. At my lowest, I thought I had to rely on my own strength and intellect to break free. I knew of God, but I didn’t truly know Him. That all changed when God opened a door for me at Open Door Mission, where I found not just sobriety—but salvation.

Today, I serve as the Director of Education and Career Guidance at the same place that helped transform my life. Now, I can give back and be part of the miracles that happen when people fully surrender to God. I’m living proof that when you trust Him, miracles happen.

“The darkest moments of our lives are opportunities for God to shine His brightest light.” Keep the faith—there’s always hope.

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BEST GIFT 2024

OPEN DOOR MISSION HOUSTON, TX

Meet Philip For years, I battled a drug addiction. I would get sober for a little while, then find myself right back in the same old situation on drugs in the streets with no job, no money, and nowhere to go. But my last relapse brought me to the lowest point of my life. I had broken both of my ankles and was in a wheelchair. The doctors told me I may never walk again.

I was fed up. I wanted to get clean once and for all.

I found a faith-based program called Open Door Mission.

They gave me the opportunity to turn my life around.

I was able to heal and start walking again, and also get help for my addiction. During my time there, I was introduced to Community of Faith. I was baptized in February of 2023.

When I surrendered fully to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, amazing things started happening for me, and doors started to open. I now work there as a Recovery Coach. I am also about to begin a new journey and start a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science to become a counselor.

Thank you, COF, for supporting Open Door Mission.

They are really making a difference in men’s lives!!!

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COMMUNITY OF FAITH

GULF COAST REGIONAL BLOOD CENTER HOUSTON, TX

Meet DREW Drew was diagnosed with Wilms tumor, a rare kidney cancer, in 2022. Now, after chemo, kidney removal, radiation, and blood transfusions, she’s back in school! Drew’s mom is thankful to donors and encourages everyone to donate blood to support families in need.

At Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, our mission is to partner with the community to help save and sustain lives by providing a safe supply of blood, biotherapies, and related services. 1 in 7 hospitalized people will need a blood transfusion in a lifetime.

Remember, there’s no replacement for blood—your donation saves lives. Blood can’t be manufactured; it must come from generous donors like you.

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center needs 1,000 donations every day of the year to serve patients in our community like Drew. Giving on an ongoing basis helps ensure blood components are always available for the patients we serve.

Thank you, Community of Faith, for your years of partnership hosting quarterly blood drives on your campus. Your commitment to regular donations ensures that we can always meet the demands of patients, saving lives in the process.

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BEST GIFT 2024

EXCELENCIA FAMILIAR COSTA RICA

Meet MEL Mel was placed in an institution at age two due to her mother’s mental illness, which left her unable to care for Mel and her siblings. Despite being introverted and quiet, Mel possesses a deep intelligence and understanding of people and situations. After living in various institutions, she arrived at Excelencia Familiar five years ago.

Mel did not believe in God. She said she did not pray because there was no God to listen to her. We began to show her God’s love in various ways, listening to her more, caring for her, and guiding her in her studies. She participated in Bible studies in the home. Then, one day, Mel said she asked God to give her a family because it had been a long time living in institutions. She wanted to see if prayer worked.

During her time at Excelencia Familiar, Mel developed a connection with a volunteer computer teacher and his wife. Over time, the couple felt called to be the family Mel had prayed for. After completing all necessary legal processes, Mel, now 15, has finally found her family.

Thank you, Community of Faith, for your partnership with Excelencia Familiar and for bringing hope to countless children. Your support makes a significant difference in their lives.

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COMMUNITY OF FAITH

CASA DE REFUGIO NICARAGUA

Meet Jose Life had not been kind to Jose Artola. At 85, he found himself alone and neglected, wandering the streets of Managua, Nicaragua. After suffering a hip fracture in a hit-and-run accident, a family member told Jose about Casa De Refugio for senior adults in the small town of Diriamba. After much encouragement, Jose moved into the home and began receiving the support and care he so desperately needed. He was given medical attention, physical therapy, hot meals, and nutritional supplements.

Today, Jose is one of the oldest independent residents at Casa De Refugio. He says he has never felt so welcomed and well-treated. He said he is home.

Stories like his drive us daily to move forward in the service of the most vulnerable in our community, providing needed care, respect, and dignity for each one as we demonstrate to them the love of Jesus.

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BEST GIFT 2024

CHILDREN’S CENTER NICARAGUA

Meet Sheryl Sheryl was impacted by malnutrition in her mother’s womb. She weighed only 4 pounds at birth and struggled to gain weight for the first two years of her life. At age 2, she joined the COF balanced feeding program at the Children’s Center in the poverty-stricken neighborhood of San Marcos, Nicaragua. Now, at age 4, Sheryl’s life is a miracle! Her proud mother tells us that Sheryl loves to come to the Children’s Center. She arrives every day with a shy smile and asks for lunch.

Thank you, Community of Faith, for your prayers and financial support.

Because of you, Sheryl is now on track with her development and growing into a healthy young girl and she is one of hundreds of children your faithfulness is impacting.

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COMMUNITY OF FAITH

UK/USA MINISTRIES UNITED KINGDOM

Meet James I grew up where my only real church experience was the annual tradition of attending a Christmas Eve service with my grandma and family. I had a fairly normal childhood, but when I was about 14 my friends started to bully me. This lasted for four years, and it slowly broke me down, leading to depression and eventually a suicide attempt in February 2011. I tried to drown myself in the bathtub. I obviously failed, but I came up out of the water crying and I suddenly got an urge to pray to God. At that moment, God said to me, “You’ve tried living your life without me. Now try living it with me.” I said back to God, “If you don’t work out, next time I won’t fail at my suicide attempt,” not realizing I was talking to the God of the universe!

Not long after the suicide attempt, I had what I believe was a chance encounter with Mike Taylor of UK/USA Ministries. Now, I know it was God’s plan. Mike shared the gospel with me, and I went home and started to read the Bible. There was a change in me that day. I went from not wanting a life at all to having a new life in Christ within five months. Since that time, the Lord hasn’t stopped working in me, and I’ve even gone on to get a theology degree and plan to be a pastor one day.

Thank you, Community of Faith, for your support of missions around the world. I am a life that was changed!

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BEST GIFT 2024

UK/USA MINISTRIES UNITED KINGDOM

Meet Helena Growing up, it was just me, my mom, and my three younger brothers. I come from a non-religious household where Jesus was very rarely talked about. I could never see any good in my life. I grew up without a father figure in the home, and now, being 20, I have still never had contact with my earthly father. I so badly wanted to be loved that I tried to find it anywhere, but I kept feeling emptier and more unloved no matter how hard I tried. How could there be a loving God if I had suffered so much in my life?

Thankfully, God brought me into contact with UK/USA Ministries, and I will remember it for the rest of my life. During one of their summer camps, with all the strength and heart I could muster, I prayed, “God, if you are really there like you say you are, be here for me. I can’t take it anymore. I am going to do something really drastic if you don’t meet me here. I really need you.” Suddenly, I truly experienced God in the most remarkable way. I felt a kind of overwhelming sense of peace, almost as if I was being hugged.

I made the decision to get baptized. I publicly declared to all who knew me that I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and that I live for him. My life has done a full-circle transformation. I now know how loved I am and have seen God’s plan and purpose for my life slowly unfold.

He knows me by name, and even my name is a testament to his goodness. Of Greek origin, my name, Helena, means ‘Shining Light.’ I truly believe that God has called me to be a light in this broken world.

Thank you for partnering with UK/USA Ministries so that young people like me can find hope.

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COMMUNITY OF FAITH

RESCUE PINK INDIA

Meet Hasini and Moksha These two sisters joined Rescue Pink’s After School Program for girls a few months back. Due to physical violence in the home, their mother took the girls and fled to a different town. They had no family support there and were at risk. No school was willing to enroll the girls since it was already so far into the school year. Moksha was in 3rd grade and Hasini in 5th grade. Luckily, Rescue Pink had an after-school program in this town, and the mom approached Rescue Pink for help.

The Rescue Pink child coordinator immediately went to work and, through a personal contact, was able to get the girls into a school even though it was late in the school year. After all they had been through, the girls were very sad and would keep to themselves. But now, just a few months later, they have both slowly started making new friends at Rescue Pink and are working hard to catch up with their education.

Rescue Pink’s team at the center is focused on growing the girls into their potential, helping keep them safe, and giving them life skills for a better future - and their mother is extremely grateful for all the help.

Hasini and Moksha are just two of the hundreds of little girls and families you are helping when you give to the Best Gift Offering at Community of Faith. Thank you so much for your support.

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RESCUE PINK INDIA

Meet Rani In 2021, while pregnant with her second daugher, Rani joined Rescue Pink’s Pregnant and Lactating Women’s Program. Due to poor money management, Rani and her husband were in debt to many people. Her husband had lost his car and his business. This put their daughters at extreme risk of all the things Rescue Pink fights against: starvation, inadequate healthcare, and premature death; at best uneducated, trafficked, or sold into child slavery, or child marriage.

Rani was not educated and she felt hopeless. Desperate and in need, she decided to join the Rescue Pink entrepreneurship program. She worked hard during the business training, and once she got her loan, she launched a small vegetable shop by the side of a busy road. Through Rescue Pink, she learned vital business skills and the confidence to do it.

Rani started budgeting and saving with a plan in mind. Every day, no matter how much money she made, she would put aside 50 rupees. Once she had enough saved, she paid off all their family debts, took over the finances of her husband’s business, and got his car back. They are now a team! Her husband respects her business skills, and together, they provide for their daughters. Rani and her family are among the many you support through your giving at Community of Faith.

We love you. Thank you so much!

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COMMUNITY OF FAITH

CHANGING DESTINY SOUTH ASIA

Meet Adriel Hi, I’m Adriel. I’ve been here at the Changing Destiny Project school since I was seven. It’s become more than just a place I stay; it’s my second home. The education here is really special. It’s not just about grades; it’s about the opportunities and knowledge that prepare me for my future.

I recently topped my class, which was a big achievement for me.

I love playing basketball and diving into books that take me to different worlds. They help me unwind after a long day of classes. Basketball isn’t just a game for me; it’s where I find my strength and focus. It teaches me about teamwork and determination.

My friends here are like family. We’ve grown up together, supporting each other through everything. They make every day brighter.

I want to become a neurosurgeon someday. The school has been a catalyst for my dreams, providing me with the tools and encouragement to pursue them.

I’m grateful for everything this place has given me—the education, the friendships, and the chance to grow into the person I want to be. Every day here fuels my ambition and reminds me that with hard work and support, I can achieve anything.

This school isn’t just where I study; it’s where my dreams take root. And for that, I’ll always be thankful. Thank you, Community of Faith, for giving me this opportunity.

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CHANGING DESTINY SOUTH ASIA

Meet Aditi Aditi was born in a brothel and spent her early childhood with her ankle tied to her mother’s bed. This was so to prevent her from crawling out while her mother worked with one of the hundreds of customers she had.

Our outreach team located in one of Asia’s largest districts visited Aditi’s mother one day to provide salon services (this is our contact point for the ladies). When they told her about the school, her eyes lit up. She had actually heard about the school where some of her friends’ kids live.

She asked if there was a remote possibility that her child could have a different life.

We had a fully sponsored place through the generosity and trust of people like Community of Faith. Today, Aditi lives at Changing Destiny!

She is in a classroom with 30 other kids who are catching up to get into mainstream schooling. She likes watching basketball and may be on our star team one day.

Community of Faith, thank you so much for believing in what we can do with these amazing kids and thank you for your faithful financial support and prayers.

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BEST GIFT 2024

WORSHIP HARVEST MINISTRIES UGANDA

Meet Muzira My name is Muzira Joel Bainomugisha, and I am so thankful for Worship Harvest Ministries. In 2019, my life was spiraling out of control. I enrolled at Kyambogo University eager to study chemical engineering, but soon found myself caught up in the wrong crowd and bad habits. My life revolved around excessive drinking, smoking, and experimenting with marijuana-infused edibles. I hosted wild parties, lost focus on my studies, and nearly ruined my life. I found it hard to escape the destructive lifestyle.

However, God’s grace found me when a friend persistently invited me to a small group hosted by Worship Harvest Ministries. I initially attended just to stop her from asking, but that decision changed my life. My journey of transformation began right there. I was still battling my old habits, but I kept showing up. Eventually, I was encouraged to start my own small group. I was shocked that someone would trust me with such responsibility, but I started one, and to my surprise, about 25 people came, thinking it was a party. But they stayed, and we all experienced the presence of God. What began with one small gathering has since multiplied and grown into four flourishing groups across multiple dorms.

Looking back, I see how God took me from the edge of destruction to a life full of purpose, faith, and leadership. I now know that I am deeply loved by God, and I am living proof of His transformative grace. I share my story to show that no matter how far you’ve strayed, God can redeem and restore you.

Thank you, Community of Faith, for your financial support of Worship Harvest Ministries. Because of your goodness, my life has been transformed.

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COMMUNITY OF FAITH

COMMUNITIES OF HOPE BURUNDI

Meet AstÉrie Kibira National Park is the largest rainforest in Burundi and is home to over 100 communities. One of those communities, Rwegura, is home to Astérie Bimenyimana. She grew up in a region pummeled by years of civil war compounded by environmental degradation.

In 2022, COF began working with her village. Astérie stood out right away as a natural leader. She joined our training sessions on nature conservation and starting a small business. She decided to start an association, a group of women willing to work together for the health of their community and viability of their families.

Asterie is a single mother of five young children. Therfore, she has five good reasons to see the forest restored and five good reasons to increase her income for their survival. But looking at the women in her community, she knew the reasons to get to work were exponential.

In April of 2023 our Communities of Hope team introduced her to a life-changing project involving fruit tree nurseries, mushroom cultivation, and sustainable farming techniques. Astérie learned how to plan, manage, and execute similar projects with the assistance of our team on the ground. She rallied the women, and they began some farming projects.

Astérie smiled as she shared, “Now, I can start and run a profitable business!”

Her joy palpable as she recounted the successes of their new businesses, which re-energized the community and breathed new life into all the members. All 44 women celebrate their new and bright future.

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For Astérie, the project didn’t just transform her community; it transformed her family’s life. With the funds she received from selling mushrooms, she was able to start pig farming. She began with one pig and, in 2 years, had 60 pigs, giving her a net income of $120 per month, which was 100% more than anything she had ever earned before.

Now, with her thriving community, Astérie is not just a leader—she is a symbol of strength and success in her community.

Astérie tells us that the greatest benefit she received from COF training wasn’t just financial.

It was good health for herself and her family and the opportunity to contribute to her children’s education—something she once feared she might not be able to do.

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BEST GIFT 2024

KHARIS HOUSE ZAMBIA

Meet Roydah I came to Kharis House when I was 14 years old. I used to live in the shanti compounds of Ndola with my aunt because my father was in prison and my mother could not care for me. Our living conditions were very bad, and we could hardly afford two meals a day. This lifestyle contributed to how I started living my life. I got into bad company to find some level of comfort and peace. Which in turn brought a relationship with the boy who got me pregnant. When he discovered that I was pregnant, he rejected me and refused to take responsibility. I later went to a clinic, and it was determined that I was HIV positive. This news made me want to commit suicide because I thought my life had come to an end. I had lost all hope for living.

While I was thinking of what I would do, I learned about Kharis House. This news brought in a little light. This was the beginning of transformation in my life. It was programs like counseling, bible study, and discipleship that helped me to develop some level of love and acceptance of my condition and also love for my child after birth.

Kharis House has been a blessing to my life, and I am so grateful. I can now dream again. I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, and I now have hope for a brighter future. I have been given an opportunity to start again. I am back to school and growing to know more about God. I appreciate this help and all the people like you who donate funds to this program. You have saved my life and that of my child. Thank you so much!

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TUMAINI KENYA

Meet Maryann Maryann and her two siblings were being raised by her single mother when she was introduced to Tumaini International Girls High School. She was selected to join Tumaini in 2015 because of her strong academic performance. There, Maryann was mentored academically, socially, and spiritually.

“Our teachers were very much supportive, and this even made us forget about our family backgrounds and focus on our studies,” recalls Maryann.

Maryann performed well on her exit exam and went on to attend Chuka University, where she earned a Bachelor of Education Science degree. During this time, Maryann’s mother passed away, and she was grateful for the support of Tumaini.

“It was very painful. I had lost hope but Tumaini still supported me.”

After college, Maryann returned to Tumaini International Girls High School and joined the teaching staff as a Biology and Chemistry teacher.

Thank you, Community of Faith, for partnering with Tumaini to bring hope to the hopeless and end the cycle of poverty in Kenya.

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COMMUNITIES OF HOPE BURUNDI

Meet David David lives in a Batwa village nestled in the Kibira National Park. His community has struggled for years on the edge of existence. Two years ago, in partnership with the United Nations, Communities of Hope partnered with this village and launched some economic development initiatives to help families move beyond mere survival. The work included education support for all the children.

This is where David comes in! At the age seven, he was able to experience his first day of school at the local public school. He wore his best shirt, a hand-me-down from his older brother. He walked for 45 minutes to school with all his friends. He was so excited that the road did not seem long. He was welcomed into his classroom without any hint of prejudice.

COF provided David (and all the other village children) with all the school supplies they needed for that first day in class. He pulled out his blue composition book and his sharpened pencil from his new backpack. He felt like a real student at last!

David returned home all smiles. He could not wait to tell his mom about his day. He announced to her that someday he would be a teacher! Now that he could go to school and learn, he wanted to make sure all other kids got to do the same.

May his joy remind Community of Faith how important their work is, supporting families and especially children excited about their future!

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BEST GIFT 2024

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COMMUNITY OF FAITH