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2025 Spiritual_Hicok

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20 Impact 25 Report Specially Prepared for: Gary & Roni Hicok


When people receive support that directly meets their needs, their spirits are lifted and lives changed for the better. 2

CONVOY OF HOPE


Dear Gary and Roni, Hal and I want to thank you for your generosity to the poor and suffering in 2025. Because of your commitment to helping and investing in others through Convoy of Hope, people around the world are receiving tangible care, practical education, relief, and hope for the future. We are so grateful to you! Because of you ... • More than 677,000 children consistently receive nutritious meals to fuel their days • More than 78,000 women and girls have been empowered to lead strong futures, with new skillsets and greater self-worth • More than 49,000 farmers have been trained to efficiently support their families and give back to their communities • The survivors of 92 disasters were provided with essential relief supplies when they needed it most • Hope has been delivered to 40 countries through Convoy’s integrative programming. Millions of people have been impacted by your faithfulness and generosity. When people receive support that directly meets their needs, their spirits are lifted and lives changed for the better. Thank you for being there for them, for warm food and clean water, for emergency supplies in some of the hardest experiences of their lives, and for uplifting education and training as they look to the future. Thank you for sharing God’s love and delivering hope. Gratefully,

Doree Donaldson Convoy of Hope

2025 IMPACT REPORT

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Children’s Feeding:

Bekele’s Story

(Ethiopia)

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ine-year-old Bekele’s empty stomach and worn clothing all too easily distracted him from learning and forming friendships at school.

Bekele fought to focus on his studies, but the circumstances of life were draining him. “I had a hard time listening to my teacher. I would think about food instead of studying,” he said. “At home, sometimes there wasn’t enough food, especially when my father wasn’t working for a few days.”

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CONVOY OF HOPE

Bekele’s parents worked hard to provide for their family. His father works as a carpenter; his mother, a housekeeper. Despite their dedication, some days there were not enough customers to bring in sufficient income. Bekele saw the stress it caused his parents, though they tried to shield their children from it Bekele said of his father, “I can see that he gets worried when he doesn’t have work, but he doesn’t show it much because he wants us to feel safe and happy.”


One day changed everything for his family. Convoy of Hope’s Children’s Feeding program came to his local school. Often, local churches volunteer as centers for the food distribution. With that partnership, Convoy connects nutritious meals with the Word of God, including Scripture distribution or simple biblical teaching. This feeds children in both body and soul. Five days a week, Bekele ate a warm, hearty lunch. Without gnawing hunger pains, he could focus on his studies. “When I eat lunch, I feel less tired and I can concentrate better in class. I don’t get tired like I used to. I can play with my friends and participate in class,” he said. When children are fed at school, families have the freedom to use their income to meet other important needs. And Bekele’s parents had the perfect idea for a gift for their son.

Bekele tried not to compare himself to other children who weren’t struggling in the same ways he was — but he still noticed the differences. “Sometimes I would wear my old shoes and see other kids wearing sturdy, thick shoes, and I would feel ashamed,” he said. “My feet would get really cold on cold mornings. When it rained, my feet would get wet and dirty.” He never complained to his parents. “I understood that they were trying their best to provide for us. So I told myself that I should just keep wearing the shoes I had,” said Bekele.

Bekele remembers coming home from class one day: “I noticed my mother smiling in a special way.” She called him inside and showed him a small package. Inside was a new pair of shoes. “I was so surprised that I hugged her and kissed her!” he said. “They were beautiful and sturdy.” The next day, Bekele didn’t walk with any embarrassment or distraction. He held his head high, with strong shoes on his feet, a caring family at his back, and healthy meals waiting for him at school. Thank you for being a channel of God’s blessing to children like Bekele through Children’s Feeding.

2025 IMPACT REPORT

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Women’s Empowerment:

Rosalie’s Story

(Philippines)

“I

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was a girl who was too shy, not confident about myself, and reluctant to form new friendships.”

“I prayed earnestly for God to guide me toward the path He intended,” she said. Rosalie’s future steps were just beginning.

Rosalie didn’t have a clear vision of her future when she was young. Raised by a farmer and a housewife, attending college felt like an unreachable dream for Rosalie.

“A friend suggested I consider a degree in education,” Rosalie said. “I realized that this was truly where God wanted me to be.”

At first, she pursued midwifery for a year, but couldn’t continue because of financial constraints.

While in college, Rosalie joined the local Convoy of Hope Women’s Empowerment program in the Philippines. Through

CONVOY OF HOPE


Rosalie committed herself to fulfilling her dream of becoming a teacher. She worked long days doing whatever jobs – babysitting, working as a household helper, and serving as a storekeeper.” With her faith stronger than ever, nothing could stand between her and success. The day arrived that she was working toward: her college graduation. She described the day as being “filled with tears of overwhelming joy.” “Having my parents there made the moment even more special,” Rosalie said. “There was a time when I wasn’t sure if this day would ever come, but it did.” Today, Rosalie no longer lives with uncertainty about her worth in God’s sight. She is helping other young women see their value, too. this program, she gained life skills, improved her physical and mental health, and learned financial management. The program played a vital role in giving her the strength and motivation she would need to accomplish her new goal of becoming a teacher. “My mentors regularly encouraged me … whenever I began doubting myself. It was during this time that I realized God truly brings people into our lives to guide and walk with us,” Rosalie said. “I built friendships with the other girls in the program and improved my ability to communicate my thoughts and feelings.”

“I want people, especially young girls, to learn from my experiences that we shouldn’t be hidden in our comfort zones forever. That we should be proactive to explore and discover more of ourselves and the Lord,” she said. She plans to pursue her career in teaching and wants to help her family provide an education for her younger siblings: “If I could do it, so can they.” Because of the training and fellowship with women she met through Convoy of Hope, Rosalie is creating an enduring impact.

2025 IMPACT REPORT

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Agriculture:

Community Story (Nicaragua)

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he now-plentiful community garden, affectionately named “La Bendición” (“The Blessing”), began with just 10 individuals in their small, rural town in Nicaragua.

A few had planted small crops before in their own yards at home. Those with gardening experience had only tried traditional farming methods, which often called for long days and uncertain results. Convoy of Hope’s Agriculture program

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CONVOY OF HOPE

introduced them to a modern, organized community approach to farming. Through hands-on training and education in efficient agricultural practices, the group’s skills advanced. They decided to clear an area for a collaborative garden, but this proved more difficult than they anticipated. The group had to remove large stones from the soil and bring in extra soil for planting beds. Though it was hard work,


the small team of community members only grew stronger in their resolve. Soon, individuals from all walks of life were contributing, each according to their own abilities. Young boys and girls, the children of the participants, joyfully carried soil back and forth in their own small containers. “This is the first time I have ever grown tomatoes,” said elderly participant Dona, excited to be gaining a new experience among friends. Eva, 70 years old, also demonstrated remarkable energy and positivity, inspiring those around her and becoming “a pillar within the team.”

Through the fellowship she found in the program, Eva has also grown spiritually. “I have developed a deeper love for God,” she said. “I feel that unity and working together as a community strengthened my faith.” Today, the community garden has produced enough radishes, tomatoes, and sweet peppers to distribute among the community. Families have seen noticeable financial savings and improved food security, and they have found joy in sharing their successes with others. When sustainable farming methods are brought to a motivated community, the results go beyond fruits and vegetables to include strengthened community bonds and lasting transformation. 2025 IMPACT REPORT

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Disaster Services:

Texas Floods

T

housands of Central Texas residents are facing the same question: How do you rebuild your life when you’ve lost everything?

In the early hours of July 4, 2025, torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to surge 26 feet in just 45 minutes. Floodwaters swept through homes, overtook campsites, and left devastation at every turn. Many people lost their homes, vehicles, and even loved ones. Entire communities found themselves facing an incredibly long road to recovery.

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CONVOY OF HOPE

Convoy of Hope responded quickly, delivering essential supplies — food, water, hygiene kits, and cleaning supplies — to families in the impacted areas. This was a direct answer to prayer for people whose homes were flooded, whose possessions were destroyed, and whose communities were shaken. The rural community of San Saba flooded twice in one week. Convoy of Hope partnered with First Assembly San Saba, where just 14 people attended regularly. When word got out that Convoy and the local church were offering relief supplies, people flocked to the distribution to give and receive help.


And we didn’t do it alone. In San Antonio, more than 500 volunteers packed thousands of buckets of relief supplies that were sent directly to the flood-impacted regions. In Burnet County, teams mucked out homes and cleared debris. Convoy worked with local emergency management to ensure help reached the people who needed it most, as efficiently as possible.

They gave the supplies to their neighbors, encouraged each other with the peace of God, and even translated when needed. Grief and stress weighed heavy, but arms full of groceries, hygiene kits, and cleaning supplies reminded the San Saba community that they were loved by God and cared for by their community.

The emotional toll of the flood was palpable. Many survivors expressed the heavy weight of loss. Yet strangers arrived with supplies, a listening ear, and the message of “You are not alone.” “It’s a great thing to need something and have people you don’t know reach out and help,” said Kerrville resident Bruce Jerome. “I’ve personally experienced this. It’s impactful.”

In Kerrville, Convoy supported first responders in the field, providing chainsaws, life vests, and other safety gear.

The supplies handed out were more than material resources; they were a sign that people remembered and cared. And a caring community reminded people of God’s unchanging love for them.

From the beginning, Convoy was committed to serving Central Texas for the long haul, walking alongside communities as they began to recover and rebuild, trusting God with every step.

As the recovery continues, the long-term, local partnerships built during this response are vital in helping families rebuild, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. 2025 IMPACT REPORT

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U.S. Program:

Zander’s Story

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onvoy of Hope doesn’t just send resources across oceans. Millions of Americans face hunger, financial insecurity, and poverty. Because of your help, we’re sharing hope and watching lives change for the better across America. Zander, a middle school student growing up in Florida with little stability, was one of five children. He had to live in multiple places while his mom worked to provide for him and his siblings, without a father present to support them.

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CONVOY OF HOPE

Financial burdens were a constant reality for the family. Many days Zander lacked transportation to get to school; he tried to learn virtually from home, but when his phone died, he was left with no access to a charger for several weeks. He was a smart and conscientious student, but because of the difficulty of his circumstances, he risked having to repeat a grade. Early in December, Zander was invited by one of his friends to come to a Convoy


of Hope Community Event hosted by a local church. With Christmas approaching, the event’s mission was to share God’s love by giving essential gifts to those in the local community who needed them. Always looking out for others, Zander picked out shoes for his siblings. When he was handed his very own pair of Nike Air Jordans, Zander was in awe. He returned to the church that weekend to go to their youth group; it was there that he made the decision to put his faith and trust in Jesus. Zander was one of almost 2,500 neighbors who attended that event and walked away with renewed hope. 2025 IMPACT REPORT

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Because of partners like you ...

350M+ People served since 1994

3.5B+

$

In food and supplies distributed since 1994 14

CONVOY OF HOPE


49K+

900+

130+

Individuals trained in agricultural practices in 2025

Total disaster responses worldwide to date

Countries served since 1994

Looking Ahead In 2030: 1M Children Fed Daily

677K+ 78K+ Children in our strategic feeding program

Women & Girls empowered in 2025

250K Women & Girls Empowered 100K Farmers Trained

2025 IMPACT REPORT

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A driving passion to feed the world. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” (Proverbs 19:17, NIV)

©2026 Convoy of Hope | convoyofhope.org


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