A Special Church in Peru

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

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!

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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Reaching the Lost in Pursat, Cambodia

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.

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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Oklahoma Disaster Relief: Helping Recover

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.

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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Oklahoma Disaster Relief

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.

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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Sharing Hope and Groceries in Latvia

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.

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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New Beginnings in St. Louis, Missouri

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

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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A Second Chance in Moscow, Russia



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.

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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Medical Care, Love and Hope for Guatemala

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.

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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Rescuing Lives Around the World

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

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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