Sections:
Home of Hope
Teams
Sponsorship
Rwanda
Kenya
Congo
India
HOME OF HOPE
What is HOH’s mission statement?
How did Home of Hope start?
What countries is HOH helping in?
- India: (the Boy’s Home of Hope started 1982, then Home of Hope took over in 2009) Closed in 2021.
- Rwanda (started 2006)
- Kenya (started 2010)
- DRCongo (started in 2012)
- Malawi (started in 2020)
Coming Soon:
- Mozambique
- Tanzania
How does the Feeding Project work?
Every Saturday morning, at least 100 of the most desperate children in the area are taught about the Bible and then are given a good, hot meal.
Women come to prepare and cook food for at LEAST 100 children per week. This number can swell to around 300 some weeks. The food is prepared and portioned out on plates. It usually contains beans and rice and a vegetable and meat.
This happens in over 20 locations on a weekly basis, feeding over 4000 children each week!
Although it takes hours for preparation and distribution, the workers love what they do. The children and families are so grateful. Hundreds of children walk miles to come to our feeding programs. Sometimes it is the only good meal they will get all week.
It only costs $1/plate to feed a child!
How can you help?
To see our feeding program video, click here.
To donate to the feeding program, click here.
How is HOH helping medically?
Dr. Johann van der Vyver (from Olds, Alberta) has visited our Home of Hope projects and loved every minute of it. He has become HOH’s medical advisor and has been very beneficial in aiding children in HOH projects.
“Thanks for making me a part and for lifting each of us up during this trip, it was the best experience of my life as a believer and as a physician.” – Dr. Johann van der Vyver (2012)
Any medical or dental professionals interested in helping with Home of Hope, contact Dr. vanderVyver here.
Or, you can help sponsor a nurse, cover the cost of medical supplies, or fund the next medical mission trip by clicking here.
Can I see Home of Hope’s financial audits?
What administration does HOH take?
We keep our administration costs as low as possible. Only 11.5% of donations is allocated for the Canadian HOH office operating expenses and 3.5% for financial management, tax receipting, and yearly audit costs through Home Church. This means 85% of donations go toward designated projects, and 15% goes to administration.
*The Home of Hope Founder and Director, Brian Thomson, has never received a dollar from donations and raises his salary separately.*
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, all donations to Home of Hope $15 and over are tax deductible.
Even gifts-in-kind and services are tax-deductible. For more information, email us.
Tax receipts are mailed out every January from Home Church.
How do I include HOH in my WILL?
Your financial advisor or legal counsel can help you set this up.
No matter where you are in life, it’s never too soon or too late to think about planned giving. If you have always had a heart for the lost and broken, the poor and dying of this world, planned giving is one way to continue sustaining the causes you love. God has remembered you in His Will!
“He is willing that all should be saved…” 2 Peter 3:9
Matthew 25:40 – Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
How can I volunteer with Home of Hope?
We really love and appreciate people willing to give of their time to help Home of Hope. We always need help around the office, and there is always a lot to do.
To volunteer a short amount of time, please simply call the office.
To volunteer a long amount of time, please email us the following:
- Resume
- Volunteer Application Form
Thank you!
How can I give a year-end donation?
Year-end is a great time to give a gift to Home of Hope.
All donations received before December 31 at midnight are tax-deductible in that year. If a cheque is mailed and the postal stamp is December 31 or earlier, it will be receipted in that year as well (even if the cheque is received in January).
Any questions, please call us.
TEAMS
How do I apply to go on a trip?
- APPLY ONLINE HERE
- All team members must complete the Missions Preparation Course by Brian Thomson. To order this free course online, please click here.
- A photocopy of your passport is required to be sure that all personal information is correct when we put a flight on hold under your name. It is also required for entry visas.
- You need to meet with your Pastor or employer to fill out a recommendation form to complete your application. They can click here to fill out the Online Recommendation Form.
What does a trip cost?
RWANDA/KENYA: An average trip from Alberta, Canada costs approximately $4000-$4500 for a 12-day trip depending on flight costs. This amount covers all flights, good accommodations (at double occupancy), food & water, transportation, interpreters, phones & internet, administration, and contingency.
**Final prices vary with each trip**
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: We do not take teams to this country at this time due to volatile political conditions.
MALAWI/MOZAMBIQUE: An average trip to Malawi is $4000 which covers the same as above.
Why do I need to go through the Missions Preparation Course?
The Missions Preparation Course is a mandatory, 1.5-hour course online (with a manual to follow along) that gives you an idea of what to expect on a mission trip and how to prepare. It will also answer questions and will equip you to be safe and have fun.
The link and manual is sent to everyone who applies to go on a team.
Can I fundraise for my trip?
We encourage it as it spreads the word about Home of Hope with your friends and family, plus it takes the stress away from you paying for the trip all by yourself.
Please remember to let everyone who gives money towards your trip know to make all cheques out to “Home of Hope.” This way, they will receive a tax receipt. We will keep track of your total and take care of the expenses for you.
Here are some fundraising ideas:
- Write a letter to all your friends and family to let them know. This is generally the most affective, as these people know you well already.
- http://www.youcaring.com (they take no fee from donations!)
- Bake sale
- Barbeque
- Bottle drive
- Garage sale
- Car wash
- Game tournament (sports, cards, etc.)
- Silent auction
- Deliver pizza
Can I go shopping during my trip?
Yes. We always schedule time for shopping at local markets. It is best to bring new, unmarked US bills with you.
We also schedule a day off to go to a nearby Animal Park or Safari.
Can I stay longer than my team is staying?
Yes, you can extend your trip beyond the team scheduled dates. All alterations to your trip schedule needs to be discussed with your team leader and HOH staff for scheduling and itinerary planning. You are more than welcome to extend your trip to enjoy the beauty of Rwanda or other parts of the world. If you wish, you can spend your time with the team in missions, then extend your stay afterwards for a vacation.
Can I take my child(ren) with me?
We do not recommend that children under 15 years old go on a mission trip.
Our Policy: At least one parent should go to Africa beforehand to personally experience a mission trip to Home of Hope projects. After the trip, they can appeal to the HOH Director for a family holiday and a tour of the HOH projects. To be part of a ministry team is not an atmosphere for children.
We are working in corrupt nations, rescuing babies in a garbage dump, helping desperate & poor people in large slums, etc. Each day on a ministry team can be very intense, full, and fast-paced. It can also be very emotionally draining. Additionally, there are health risks, jet lag and a lot of travelling. If there are children approved for joining the team, the trip schedule would look more like a HOH Discovery trip.
HOH Director, Brian Thomson: “I have been to our HOH projects over 10 times and there is no way I would ever take my 4-year-old granddaughter on a ministry trip to Africa.”
Team Member (father of a 4-year-old daughter): “I think Africa is a beautiful place with amazing people, and going there on a mission trip is a powerful experience. But, I would not take my child with me. Besides the obvious concerns of disease, dehydration, physical exertion, etc, I just don’t think a child under the age of 12 could really handle a Home of Hope mission trip. It’s long days of full-energy meetings and challenging hikes over rough terrain. There’s no time for casual sightseeing, potty breaks, or picnic lunches. I could never have enjoyed myself and fully engaged in ministering to people at 100% if I had to constantly be keeping an eye on my child’s safety and well-being. My daughter has asked if she can go with me on a mission trip to Africa. One day I hope to take her – but not for many more years.”
Read about a family of 5 that went to Rwanda in May2019 HERE.
Do I need to get medical shots?
There are medical shots that need to be taken before any international trip. Please see a travel clinic near you as soon as possible as they can be backed up weeks or months at a time. We recommend that you only get what is required (getting all optional shots can be very expensive and is not necessary). Discuss with the doctor or nurse at the travel clinic whether you need other possible immunizations.
Malaria Pills: Not mandatory, but most people like to take them on their first trip as a precaution. Remember, once you get Malaria, you have it for the rest of your life. We normally use “Malarone”, but there have been a few people who have experienced side effects. Please discuss with the nurse at the travel clinic what would be best for you.
Yellow Fever Vaccine: Most countries in Africa require that foreigners have this vaccine and have the right to refuse you entrance into their country without it. When you get the vaccine, you are given a booklet with the date administered – you should keep this with you as you travel. Should you choose not to get this vaccine, you assume all responsibility for the outcome of your decision.
Some healthcare plans will cover certain shots that you may want or need. Check with your healthcare provider to see what will be covered.
Do I need visas?
Rwanda: All Canadians & Americans going to Rwanda no longer need a visa.
Kenya: All Canadians & Americans must apply online for a visa that is $30USD for a single entry visa and $60 for a multiple-entry (6 months).
DRCongo: All Canadians must send their passport away with the application and a list of items prior to the trip. This is a very complicated and expensive process. For more details, email us.
Malawi: All Canadians & Americans going to Malawi do not need a visa.
What are we allowed to wear?
RWANDA is known as the “land of eternal spring” with an average of 23 degrees celsius. It is not as hot as you are probably expecting, so khaki capris and cotton t-shirts or long dresses are best. For people doing labor intensive work, shorts are fine.
Our white skin is quite shocking to some Rwandan people, so we recommend covering up as much as possible. Stay away from short dresses, short shorts, and low-cut shirts. You don’t want to be showing your mid-riff, cleavage, or too much of your legs.
Rwandans really love to dress up for Sunday church services, and they expect the team to as well. Please bring some nicer clothes for this (dress shirts, long dresses, etc).
KENYA can get pretty hot, but we recommend that team members cover up when in public to not attract too much attention.
What is the best footwear to pack?
Crocs are really good, also a really good gift to bring for the local people. They are comfortable and durable, washable and colorful! The dirt in Rwanda is really red and could stain your shoes, so if you pack an easily cleanable pair of shoes you will be set! You could be doing a lot of walking while you are there, so bring a pair of comfortable runners or something similar. If your team is visiting the Kenya dump, you will need runners or steel-toed shoes, as the dump is full of sharp objects and contaminated items.
How long does it take to fly to Africa?
A normal routing looks like this, with each flight about 8 hours.
Departure:
Calgary, Canada → Amsterdam, Netherlands or London Heathrow → Nairobi, Kenya
Return:
Kigali, Rwanda → Amsterdam, Netherlands or London Heathrow → Calgary, Canada
*If you live in another area, the itinerary would look differently.
Do I need to bring a mosquito net?
No, we ensure that all beds for team members have a good mosquito net.
What could I do?
There are lots of ways to help in Rwanda. Some of those ways are: Construction in all HOH locations – cement, building, carpentry Medical – expanding the medical ministry, starting a dental ministry. Any medical professionals can go over anytime – we have the facilities to accommodate them. Children – there are hundreds of children in all locations who need bible training, English classes, medical help, feeding programs, and lots of love and affection. Training – Staff need help in time management to make them more effective.Small groups – how to evangelize in small groups, how to run a small group.
Talk to your team leader if you are interested in helping with something specific or have special training in a certain area.
There are lots of ways to help in Kenya! Construction in all HOH locations – cement, building, carpentry Medical – expanding the medical ministry, starting a dental ministry. Any medical professionals can go over anytime – we have the facilities to accommodate them. Children – there are hundreds of children in all locations who need bible training, English classes, medical help, feeding programs, and lots of love and affection. Training – Staff need help in time management to make them more effective. Small groups – how to evangelize in small groups, how to run a small group. Dump rescue – searching for and saving babies from the dump in Nairobi. Talk to your team leader if you are interested in helping with something specific or have special training in a certain area.
What gifts should I bring?
- Balls – the more colourful, the better
- Soccer balls or other deflated balls are ideal because you can fit more in a suitcase when they aren’t full of air. Bring a pump to inflate them when you arrive.
- Durable toys that can be played with frequently by many children are fantastic!
- They really appreciate flashlights too. Rechargeable or solar panelled flashlights are the best since it gets dark at 6:30pm and there are no street lights in most areas.
- Crocs are a good gift because they are light and comfortable.
- Other gift ideas are pictures of you and your family that they can mount on their walls (they are bare, mud walls).
As an alternate option, we have donations of toys and clothes that we can fill your second suitcase with if you are planning to join Home of Hope.
What happens if I raise too much money?
If you raise more money than needed for your mission trip, that is great! You have two options:
- You can spend the additional amount in the country on projects that you see. Since the money went through our account, we must report to our auditor what each dollar is spent on, so we will require a breakdown of what it was spent on.
- You can designate the money to be used for a certain project (ie feeding program, Christmas, etc)
Do I need to be physically fit to go on a mission trip?
What is a HOH DISCOVERY Tour?
We have so many trips available for people to apply for. Most of them are “ministry” trips where the team is very busy, traveling, ministering to children/adults/teens, helping with feeding programs, animal projects, teaching classes/seminars, church services, etc etc.
We are now offering a new trip called the “DISCOVERY Tour” where the team will experience the country, the locations, the people and focus more one-on-one. There will be less locations visited, nicer hotels, 1-2 days off and a slower pace.
Both trips will be very rewarding and incredibly fun.
SPONSORSHIP
- Email [email protected] the letter and we will make sure that your sponsor child will receive it. Most times, the child will write you back! This is a very quick way to hear from your sponsor child!
- To send a monetary gift or physical gift, please read these instructions.
With $50 a month, your child receives clothing, food, a health card, schooling and attendance at church. This may also cover some small medical expenses that come up. This sponsorship tends to benefit the whole family and will help to lift them out of poverty.
When a child is only partially sponsored ($25/month), it covers food and clothing for them that month. The partial sponsorship is not enough to cover school fees. You can partially sponsor a child and help them on their way to health and a good life. Sometimes people partner up with someone they know and split the full sponsorship.
If you have any further questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us by emailing [email protected] or by calling 403-314-1214.
We are here to help you be the difference in a child’s life!
I have a question about my sponsor child.
We would love to hear from you and answer all of your questions!
Please call 403-314-1214 and our staff would be happy to answer any questions that you have. Or, feel free to email [email protected]
Is my sponsorship tax deductible?
Yes, all donations and sponsorships to Home of Hope $15 and over are tax deductible.
Tax receipts are mailed out every February from Home Church (formerly Word of Life Centre)
Why am I not receiving emails or updates?
We may have incorrect contact information for you! If you aren’t receiving our emails please let us know. You can call us at 403-314-1214, or click here to subscribe to get email updates.
If you haven’t received an update on your sponsor child in a while and would like one, call us at the number above or send us an email at [email protected]
My sponsor child is 18. What happens now?
Option #1:
We ask that you sponsor the child until they graduate. Many of the children in Africa don’t start school until later in their lives because they lack the funds to pay the school fees, or they can’t pay to take their exams and move up a grade. If a child doesn’t get sponsored until they are 10 years old, they could be in school until they are 22.
If they are done school, you may give a one-time or monthly gift towards their college education. For an average of $2000, they can further their education for 4 years! (In North America, this wouldn’t even pay for one semester!) This means that if you continue with your regular sponsorship amount every month, the child will have their college education paid for in just over four years. This may seem like a long time, but remember that without your help they may not go to college at all. Any help that you give is always appreciated!
Option #2:
You could transfer your sponsorship to a younger child who needs sponsorship for the basics of food, clothing and education.
How can the Animal Project help my sponsor child?
Buying an animal for your sponsor child can help them in a variety of ways. They can make money by letting the animal reproduce and selling the offspring, or by selling the animal to start their own business. If they are given a cow, they can sell the milk it produces and make enough money to feed themselves.
This gift doesn’t only help the child receiving it, but their family as well. The whole family will be given renewed hope for the future. An animal is a great way to help someone get out of poverty!
To purchase an animal for a child or your sponsor child, click here.
Private: How can I get a tax receipt in the USA?
Global Spheres is an American organization that has graciously agreed to give tax receipts to American donors and forward the funds to Home of Hope, with no fees. We are so thankful for this.
So, Americans who wish to donate to Home of Hope will simply send a cheque to Global Spheres with designation to Home of Hope and they will receive a US tax receipt for the donation, and the full donation will be sent to us.
All cheques can be made out to Global Spheres and mailed to:
P.O. Box 1601
Denton, TX 76202
***Please include a note with the designation of the cheque. Example: “Home of Hope Feeding Program”
RWANDA
Recommended Resources
Here are some resources about the Rwandan Genocide (1994):
What is the language of Rwanda?
“Kinyarwanda” is Rwanda’s first language. English is their second language. Most educated adults will speak some French and Swahili.
Here are some general things to know in Kinyarwanda:
- Yes: YAYgo (Yego)
- No: Oya (Oya)
- No problem: NAHkeyBAzo (Nakibazo)
- Good morning: MwahRahMootZAY (Mwaramutse)
- Hello (anytime): MooRahHoh (Muraho)
- How are you?: AhMahKooRoo (Amakuru)How are you? (reciprocated): AhMahKooRoo Yah Way (Amakuru yawe)
- Answer: I’m fine: Nee MAYza (Ni meza)
- What’s up?: BEEtess? (Bitese?)You, too: NahWay (Nawe)
- Answer: It’s good: Nee Byeeza (Ni byiza)
- Thank you: MooRahKohZay (Murakoze)
- Goodbye (general): MooRahBAYho (Murabeho)
- What’s your name?: WitWAHNday? (Witwa nde)
- My name is _____.: NEETwah _____. (Nitwa)
- Numbers:
- 0 OhBooSah (Obusa)
- 1 ReemWay (Rimwe)
- 2 KahBeeRee (Kabiri)
- 3 GahTahToo (Gatatu)
- 4 KahNay (Kane)
- 5 Gahtahno (Gatanu)
- 6 GahTahnDahToo (Gatandatu)
- 7 KahReenDwee (Karindwi)
- 8 OoMooNahNay (Umunane)
- 9 EeCheeEnDah (Icyenda)
- 10 EeChooMee (Icumi)
- Beverages:
- Water: AhMahZee (Amazi)
- Coffee: EeKAHwah (Ikawa)
- Fanta (orange flavor) / Fanta citro (lemon flavor)
- Coke: CoCah (Coca)
- People:
- White person: OoMooZoonGoo (Umuzungu) multiple: (Abazungu)
- Black person: Mirabura
- Friend: EenShooTee (Inshuti)
Where is Home of Hope helping in Rwanda?
KENYA
Here are some statistics:
- 1.5 million children are severely underweight
- In 2009, an estimated 2 million people have HIV/AIDS
- 2.5 million children are orphans
- 32% of the population is malnourished
- The average life expectancy is only 58 years
In 2011, we found out that babies were being thrown away in the 30-acre garbage dump of Nairobi. We had to do something to help.
Click here to see what the Dream Centre is doing.
What are we doing in Kenya?
In 2011, we started the Kenya Dream Centre Project that is rescuing babies from abandonment in Nairobi – mostly in the Korogocho slum of 750,000 people and the nearby 30-acre dump.
We are building the Kariobangi Rescue Centre to help men, women and teens with training and more.
Where is Home of Hope helping in KENYa?
CONGO
Why is HOH in Congo?
Facts about the Democratic Republic of Congo:
- Population:71.7 million people (2012)
- Average age: 17 years old (lower life expectancy because of AIDS)
- 126 children per 1,000 die before the age of five
- Ongoing conflict, insecurity, and violence in Congo (450,000 people are refugees in neighbouring countries)
- Many armed groups threaten civilians, take their homes and livelihood
Congo is the rape capital of the world (50 rapes per hour)
- Dr. Mukwege, a general surgeon, works tirelessly to repair women damaged by rape
- Eastern Congo is the most dangerous place to be a woman (because of rape and other sexual violence)
- Rebel groups and the Congolese army are using rape as a weapon (targeting women, little girls and little boys). This happens in their homes/villages or they’re kidnapped and taken into the forest and gang raped for months (held captive as a “bush wife”)
- There is a huge stigma and sense of shame around the women who have been raped. Their husbands and families often find it very hard to accept the women back after what’s happened to them.
- The violence in Congo is intense and people fight to survive just one more day.
AIDS:
- In 2003, est. 1.1 million people were living with AIDS in Congo
- Number of women with AIDS is increasing (est. that more than 60% of the 1.1 million people were women)
- about 10% of pregnant women are HIV+ (as a results, the infant mortality rate is high)
Why are so many men raping women in Congo?
Why can’t the women get jobs where we are helping?
What can women do to make money?
Can I go on a mission team to help?
INDIA
How did HOH start in India?
In 1982, under the direction of Bob & Kay Hoover, Home of Hope India rescued hundreds of boys with desperate needs and raised them to be successful adults in the village of Kuzhipanthandalam. September 2009, Home Church (formerly Word of Life Ministries), under the direction of Brian Thomson, assumed leadership and built on the legacy of Home of Hope India. In 2021, the government of India forced us to shut down and sell the property.
Home of Hope had an orphanage for around 60 boys and a few girls in India. As we were preparing to expand and help girls and do more in the community with a boarding school, the government of India blocked all funds coming from Canada. After 40 years of serving the community, we were forced to shut down our work in India.