The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. -Psalm 37:23
God has used this verse to encourage me many times this past year while planning the 2012 Show Hope short-term trips. With 150 team members from more than 20 different U.S. states (and one currently stationed in Japan!) traveling to China or Haiti to serve…there were a LOT of details!! But God is good and faithfully supplied all that was needed through help from amazing interns and Show Hope staff team leaders. Looking back on the trips from this year makes me so excited to see what God has in store for 2013! The 2013 Show Hope short-term trips were just announced on the Show Hope website!
We had a number of “firsts” this year in the trip world. It was Show Hope first time to take a student trip to serve in Jacmel, Haiti. The trip went really well, and we’re thrilled to offer two Haiti trips in 2013! We also had our first men’s construction team that worked tirelessly on picnic tables, swings, and arbors at Maria’s Big House of Hope in China.
Catherine Cambra and Scott Wheeler joined me in leading another “first” team. A team of listeners from the 91.5 WCIC Christian radio station in Peoria, IL traveled to Maria’s Big House of Hope in September. In preparation for our trip, the WCIC station and team held fundraisers for needed medical supplies at MBHOH. In total, they collected 1100 pounds and $5,000 for supplies. Wow!! I couldn’t have asked for a better team, and am so proud of my new friends from my home state of Illinois!
Show Hope team members spent time looking at an overview of orphan care and digging deeper into understanding the plight of the orphan. It’s been so excited to see how God has already been calling team members to get further involved with orphan care. Some team members have become Show Hope sponsors. For others, it’s been starting the process to adopt or becoming involved with foster care. For some students, caring for orphans has meant starting or leading The Movement Club at their high school. Each team member has been faithful to share what they have seen and learned with those around them. Just as the Lord directed the steps of all the team members to join us in 2012, He is guiding them in what they are to do next. To God be the glory, great things He has done!
The 2013 Show Hope short-term trips are now up on the website and open for applications. Students will have four different summer trips options: two trips to the Hands and Feet Project in Haiti and two trips to Maria’s Big House of Hope in China. Show Hope sponsors will have the opportunity to go on a trip either in the summer or in the fall to Maria’s Big House of Hope in China. Sign up today!!
