Issuu

L o ve i n n o i t A

Fall 2026

QUARTERLY

THE BOY WHO CHASED HOPE UP A MOUNTAIN

IN THIS ISSUE Fall 2026

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Jordan Creek & the Magic of Everyday Retail

Board of Directors President of Board.........................Kate Guess Vice President of Board........Jenny Sorheim Secretary of Board..............Kendra Wotruba Treasurer of Board............... Jennifer Douma Director................................ Danny Housholder Director.................................................Art Sathoff Director.............................................Kyle Whalley

05 THE BOY WHO CHASED HOPE UP A MOUNTAIN Herby's Story

FINDING FREEDOM IN THE EYE OF THE STORM Alondra's Story

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BE WHERE YOUR FEET ARE A Week of Love in Action in Abaco

Many Hands | 641.629.6633 P.O. Box 204 Pella, IA, 50219 COVER IMAGE: Herby Marcelin walks up a hill in Haiti.

ON THE GROUND THE LOCKER ROOM

THE $28 BUSHEL OF CORN

In 1997, a school in Abaco built a locker room for a swimming pool that never arrived.

If you walk up to a farmer in Iowa today, a bushel of corn will cost you about $4. In Abaco, a local farmer raising pigs is paying $28 for that exact same bushel.

For decades, it sat empty. But recently, our team transformed that forgotten space into a dedicated resource classroom. In a school where over 50% of students enter kindergarten with little to no English, and class sizes swell to 30 with no teacher's aides, falling behind is easy. By turning a concrete storage space into a learning hub and hiring a local Bahamian educator fluent in Creole, we are giving these kids a focused environment to catch up and succeed.

It is a staggering economic reality: 98% of what is consumed on the island arrives on a boat. That shipping premium cripples local agriculture. To fix this, we are not just importing food. We are working alongside farmers to grow feed corn locally in the sandy limestone soil. By bypassing the middleman and cultivating the land, we are helping communities m ove f ro m d ep en d en c y to resilient self-sufficiency.

THE ECONOMICS OF REBUILDING When an organization comes into a disaster zone to rebuild homes for free, they risk accidentally destroying the local construction economy. We recently finished our 36th home rebuild in Abaco. But instead of relying entirely on volunteer labor, we strategically use our grant funding to

hire local Bahamian contractors for complex masonry and concrete work. Rebuilding a community is not just about putting a roof over a family's head. It is about putting paychecks back into the hands of local tradesmen, ensuring the economic engine of the island is repaired alongside the houses.

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD Jordan Creek & the Magic of Everyday Retail Have you ever looked at a pair of gently used jeans or a quirky ceramic lamp and thought about how it could change the world? Most people just see a good deal. But the love in action happening at our thrift stores takes the ordinary things many overlook and spins them into a grand adventure. This kind of love gets its hands dirty, it shows up, and it builds things.

opportunity for purpose. Here in Iowa, our thrift markets act as a giant funnel. We take the everyday routines of shopping and donating and channel that energy into a clear current of purpose.

That is exactly what is happening right now in West Des Moines. On Wednesday, August 26, we opened the doors to our newest Many Hands Thrift Market in Jordan Creek. Located at 6920 EP True Parkway, this is our fifth store in the Des Moines Metro. But this is more than just a retail expansion. It is the launch of a brand new generosity engine designed to fund lasting community development in forgotten places.

It comes down to a wonderfully simple model. The proceeds from our local stores directly fund our international operations. When you shop with us, your dollars are doing more than purchasing a great second-hand item. Our thrift markets serve as the engine of our mission, offsetting administrative expenses so that your direct donations can fuel essential projects abroad.

We live in a place of incredible abundance, and within that abundance is a beautiful 03

So, how exactly does a thrift store in West Des Moines help rebuild communities in the Caribbean?

Globally, we use those resources to build what we call “pyramids of stability” in communities facing scarcity and instability,

specifically in Haiti and Abaco. We partner side by side with local leaders to construct a solid foundation of support from the ground up. Together, we build holistic foundations by focusing on life's essentials like education, safe structures, and sustainable agriculture. This approach empowers communities to move from crisis to self-sufficiency. Our grand opening celebration was an absolute blast. We welcomed the community with 20% off all items all day long, and we handed out gift cards to the first 50 shoppers through the doors to celebrate our new friends. The turnout was absolutely huge. We had over 200 people waiting in line before the doors even opened, and we saw 600 transactions on day one alone. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback about the new store from everyone who walked in. Local news station KCCI even showed up to interview Tyler, our Chief Development Of ficer, right in the middle of all the shopping action. Watching the neighborhood line up to support this mission was a beautiful reminder that people are hungry to be part of something bigger than themselves. Every time you clear out a closet, volunteer your afternoon, or pick out a new outfit at Jordan Creek, you are putting love into action. Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this milestone. Come hunt for everyday treasures and partner with us in building a better world.

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THE BOY WHO

e p o H d e s Ch a

UP A MOUNTAIN

“When someone is

walking with God you will never feel weak in anything and God will change your life.

The missionaries climbing the steep, rocky terrain of Pignon, Haiti, did not know they were being followed. Behind them, a young man named Herby Marcelin kept pace, waiting for his moment to step into a story he was determined to rewrite. He began holding the hands of travelers struggling down the loose gravel. That single, quiet act of service changed everything. It takes immense courage to look at a life shaped by scarcity and choose to build a future of profound purpose. At Many Hands, we see this resilience every day. Herby's journey is a testament to what happens when we meet deep pain with radical forgiveness, safe community, and an opportunity to work. Long before he found his way to a Many Hands yard, Herby knew the heavy weight of survival. Born in Pignon, his world fractured early when his mother passed away, leaving his grandmother to raise four young boys. His father eventually returned from the capital, facing severe mental health crises before he passed away. While his grandparents did their absolute best, other relatives treated the orphaned brothers with severe cruelty. Herby was forced into exhausting, unpaid labor, waking up at midnight to haul heavy boulders on donkeys. "All that was happening because I did not have a mother or father," Herby shares. "They were using me as slave.” Despite the toll,

THE BOY WHO CHASED HOPE

he clung tightly to his education and faith. "When someone is walking with God you will never feel weak in anything and God will change your life," Herby recalls. That unshakeable faith is what led Herby up the mountain behind the Many Hands teams. He did not want a handout; he wanted an opportunity to earn his own way. His persistence caught the attention of the team, and soon Herby was invited to help guide teams and transport pastors. He used his savings from making necklaces to fund his high school education. Herby's path took another transformative turn when he joined Vi Bella, a partner enterprise that empowers Haitian artisans through meaningful work. He was not entirely new to craftsmanship, having made necklaces to sell to visitors, but Vi Bella

offered far more than just familiarity. "I have learned so much about how to make other products, and how to produce good quality products," Herby explains. This focus on skill development empowers artisans to take pride in their work. The financial security he gained allowed him to participate in a group savings account. "With more pay each month, I am able to enter into a group savings account so that I can save for the future," he shares, securing a better foundation for his family. Herby eventually stepped into a leadership role, taking responsibility for product quality and supporting the strong sense of community among the artisans. Looking ahead, his primary focus is on his daughter's education and his family's growing needs. Today, Herby is a high school graduate, a husband, and a landowner. He purchased a

piece of land in Pignon, a tangible result of years of disciplined savings. Every afternoon, he visits his plot to plant for the future. "I said if I am able to build a house on it, I should have orange trees, sweet oranges, sour oranges, so I did plant the oranges on it," Herby smiles. But the most remarkable part of Herby’s journey is the absolute absence of bitterness in his heart. When asked about the uncle who mistreated him as a child, his response reflects radical, transformative love. "I never said anything to my uncle, but I always say if God would lift me up to become someone who can help others, the first person I would like to do something good for it is him," Herby says. He took the heav y stones of a broken childhood and used them to build a

foundation of generosity. We all have the same choice to make with the resources we have been given. Will we hold onto them, or will we plant them so others can find shade? Join us in planting seeds of hope and stability in places like Haiti and Abaco. Become a Monthly Partner today and help us walk alongside incredible local leaders like Herby to build a brighter, more resilient future.

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FINDING FREEDOM In the Eye of the Storm We all face storms. Some are made of wind and rain. Others are built from the heavy weight of trying to figure out the right path for our lives. For Alondra Quinones, the storms were both literal and deeply personal. Having survived Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, she moved to the U.S. and found herself insulated by the comforts of college life at Iowa State University. It took a Many Hands Impact trip to Abaco, Bahamas, a community still bearing the scars of Hurricane Dorian, to strip away those privileges and remind her of what unshakeable faith looks like. When Alondra arrived in Abaco, she met families who still had holes in their roofs years after the disaster. Yet, they possessed a joy that completely defied their circumstances. It was a massive reality check. Alondra realized she had started doubting God's faithfulness in the small inconveniences of her daily life, while the people in Abaco were trusting Him with their survival. Witnessing their resilience forced her to look inward. "I kind of couldn't believe that I had doubted God's faithfulness in such small things, knowing all the ways in which He had showed up in the past, and then seeing the people in Abaco and their faith and their trust in Jesus," Alondra shared. This realization hit close to home. For years, Alondra was set on becoming a doctor. It was her definitive plan. But during her sophomore year of college, she felt a gentle but persistent nudge toward full-time ministry. 09

The fear of pivoting was paralyzing. She worried about disappointing her family and abandoning the future she had mapped out. She operated under the assumption that if she stepped off the designated path, God would not follow her there. "It took a true leap of faith, and just be like, God, I don't know the answer, I don't know what's behind this decision, but I have to make it and just trust what's best for me, and in the midst of my mistakes, and if this isn't it, you will redirect me and you will guide me," she said. Today, Alondra leads college students on the same Impact trips that changed her life. She guides young adults as they let go of the things they think they cannot live without, pointing them toward the only thing that lasts forever. "We are not seeking for anything, we're not climbing a ladder to see God's approval or

His love. You already have it, you just have to wear it," she noted. "Because Jesus has made us free, we get to live in the freedom that He has created for us." When you know how deep and secure God's love is, you cannot help but live in the freedom He created for you. FUEL THE JOURNEY The transformation Alondra experienced in Abaco is the heart of what we do at Many Hands. But lasting change requires a lasting foundation. By becoming a Love in Action Monthly Partner, you provide the quiet consistency needed to build strong communities in Haiti and Abaco. Your monthly gift ensures our local leaders have the resources they need to keep showing up, long after the storm has passed. Partner with us today to fuel a global cycle of transformation.

BE WHERE YOUR FEET ARE

A Week of Love in Action in Abaco Sometimes the biggest impact we make happens when we simply decide to show up, share openly, and be exactly where our feet are. That is exactly what the Impact Team from Celebrate Church in Knoxville, IA, discovered during their recent trip to Abaco with Many Hands. Over the course of their journey, the team engaged in everything from painting homes to clearing farms, but the real transformation took place in the quiet moments of connection with the Bahamian people and with each other. Here is a look at the beautiful, gritty, and hope-filled reflections from their time on the ground. BUILDING & BLESSING Right out of the gate, the team headed into the community around Marsh Harbor, splitting up to tackle projects in four different homes. At Tracy's house, they painted, ran water lines, and took time to 11

pray over the homeowner. Over at Davia's, rookies learned from patient friends while installing deck floorboards, and at Tamar's house, they laid laminate flooring. Meanwhile, the crew at Donna's house spent the day painting and enjoying her wonderful company and food. Through these projects, the team learned how Hurricane Dorian still affects the island, with many families living apart due to the high cost of rebuilding and relying heavily on imports that can take weeks to arrive. A MORNING OF JOY & FARM WORK Moments of joy have a funny way of showing up when you least expect it. The team surprised teachers and 6th-grade students at Central Abaco Primary School (CAPS) with breakfast. After some ultimate frisbee, they gathered to pray over a room undergoing demolition. Two young twin brothers, Samuel and Shiloh, led everyone in singing "The Lord's Army" and "I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy".

Later, they grabbed tools and headed to Alicia Reckley's farm to clear out overgrowth and poison wood. It was demanding work, but the best part was listening to Alicia's story and her dream of using the farm to provide a better income for her children.

she spent her time with the team praising the Lord. As one teammate perfectly put it:

HOLDING LIGHT & DARKNESS

REST & RESTORATION

In Abaco, grief and joy often walk hand-inhand. The team helped local farmer Tim Higgs plant saplings and clean his orchard, which he inherited from his father. They also visited Pastor Knowles, who lost his home, garden, and petting zoo to the hurricane. Even in his loss, Pastor Knowles shared a powerful reminder:

After a week of heavy lifting and deep emotional connection, the team took a Saturday Culture Day to slow down. They snorkeled among the fish at Mermaids Reef, cheered on players at a local baseball game (where the umpire actually took a phone call mid-game!), and swam in the ocean at Treasure Cay.

"With the Lord, it will not be bitter, but better."

Through sweat, shared meals, and honest conversations, the Celebrate Church team was reminded that missional work is not just about what we do. It is about who we are for others.

During a food distribution ministry, Many Hands community outreach coordinator A.T. encouraged the team to slow down and really see people. They met a woman who had recently lost three family members, yet

"Suffering produces fruit, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit is so evident in meeting and hearing their stories."

we are standing

SHOULDER to

SHOULDER Keynote Speaker | Breakout Sessions Making Connections | Breakfast Buffet

10.02.26 | 7:15AM - 11:30AM Lutheran Church of Hope | West Des Moines, IA

Scan to join us for the 2026 Impact Summit! 13

Become a Love in Action Partner Our core mission—to transform together, to be love in action—is a long-haul commitment to the communities of Haiti and Abaco. A generous onetime gift is wonderful, but it’s the steady, consistent support of our monthly donors that provides the mortar to build a lasting foundation. This reliable stream of generosity is what truly enables us to be the ones that stay for the long run, no matter what.

Why Monthly Giving can be a Smart Way to Give

Financial Stability

Convenience

Sustained Impact

Your consistent gift is the predictable revenue we need to plan and commit to long-term transformation, even during unexpected needs or economic uncertainty.

Automation gives you peace of mind, knowing your resources are consistently doing good.

You see your support creating tangible, longterm change over time.

Your Next Step: Become an Anchor of Stability! Your consistent gift is their long-term stability. Join the beautiful cycle of transformation and become a Love In Action Partner today.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO GET STARTED! You can also mail in a check monthly or break your current annual gift into smaller, sustainable monthly portions. 14

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