Dear Friends,
Throughout this interesting year, I’ve been reading the Old Testament, and over and over again I have been reminded of how God defends the orphans, the widows, and those in need, and how He calls us to be just like Him! Seeing this repeatedly played out in Scripture reminds me that Arm of Hope is in the very center of God’s will. Arm of Hope is carrying out the heart of God, and through this difficult year, you have played a part in fulfilling His purposes by giving regularly. In a time where it may feel like our plans have been cancelled and we are unable to do what we would normally do, we are still able to join God in what He is doing in Ghana. He is busy carrying out His plans, and nothing can stop Him!
This summer brought about the disappointment of not being able to travel to Ghana for our regularly scheduled camp. Instead, Brother Philip and his team hosted a fantastic buffet on the rooftop of our Arm of Hope building. Children, dressed in their Sunday best, were separated into groups and given their turn at joining in the feast. It was a day where Arm of Hope was able to say, “We see you! You are important! You are not forgotten! You are loved!” In total meals were provided for 700 children, and the smiles on their faces show how special this day made them feel.
Our 2020 camp team is moving forward with plans to travel to Ghana after Christmas. Please pray for us as we take the steps needed to make this journey. Pray that God will provide us with affordable plane tickets. Pray that God will direct us through the protocols that are currently in place. Our camp theme this year is “The Wisdom of Proverbs”, and we need that wisdom now more than ever!
Currently, 350 children have been registered through Arm of Hope for the new school year and have been supplied with uniforms and books even though the start of the school year is delayed. Some children have traveled from the Arm of Hope community due to the closing of schools, so we are waiting for them to return and get registered for the new year. High schools will be opening soon and hopefully elementary schools will follow. We hope to have your new photos and information about your sponsored children in the mail soon, but we appreciate your patience as we sort through this complicated sponsorship year.
Last Saturday was a very special day for Arm of Hope – our fifth annual banquet and first ever picnic fundraiser! There were 250 people in attendance and it was a blessing to see everyone enjoying their food and chatting with friends at this outside event. As Mike and I walked around and greeted you all, it was so overwhelming to realize all we have to thank you for! Over the past nine years, God has brought us together to be a piece of something so much bigger than ourselves! To see each of you at the picnic and to realize the ways you have supported us, Philip, and the children of Arm of Hope, brought us such incredible joy! We are so grateful to everyone who came alongside of us to make the night possible and for each of you who attended and supported.
If you were not at the picnic, you can still have the joy of supporting Arm of Hope in 2021! You can support Philip Darko and his family as they serve in Ghana, you can support a child who has been waiting for sponsorship, or you can give into the Arm of Hope Development Fund. The Development Fund will help the doors of Arm of Hope stay open for another year. It will keep the lights on, the water flowing, and our seven staff members paid. Thank you so much for investing in Arm of Hope and the vision for the future.
You can give online at armofhopeinghana.org at any time, or you can write a check to Hope Community Church, 1806 Harrisburg Avenue, Mount Joy, PA 17552. Choose the appropriate giving option, or mark your check for either the Development Fund, Student Sponsorship, or the work of Philip Darko.
Our costs have risen considerably over the past year as we have a building to maintain now and staff to pay. That’s why we are asking churches, businesses, and individuals to pray about becoming monthly supporters of the Arm of Hope Development Fund. If your business would like to share its proceeds with Arm of Hope, we would be happy to help you get started. If your church would like to partner with Arm of Hope, we would be delighted to meet with you!
Arm of Hope has lots of dreams for the future: a possible medical clinic, a camp with job opportunities for our graduates and revenue for the ministry, and small business loans to help our students and their families provide for themselves. By becoming a monthly partner with Arm of Hope and giving to the Development Fund, you will free up funds for us to move forward with the dreams of Arm of Hope and job opportunities for our graduating students. Contact us anytime at armofhopeinghana@gmail.com, and we will be happy to talk with you about these opportunities!
It is a joy to serve with you!
Cheryl Zimmerman, US director of Arm of Hope