Messages of Hope | Fall 2014

2014

Angels Of Hope Update

“And whoever receives one child such as this in My name receives Me.” (Matthew 18:5)

A Safe Place to Call Home

Home was not a warm and nurturing place for 12-year-old Fernanda, who now lives in an Angels Of Hope orphanage in Nicaragua.

Fernanda’s mother had a temper, and frequently left Fernanda and her brother home alone. Fernanda often went hungry because her mother didn’t feed her and her brother. When Fernanda’s brother became abusive with their mother, Fernanda’s mother abandoned them.

Although Fernanda’s mother calls her occasionally, they don’t talk for long. “I tell her I feel safe here. I’m happy in the home. I feel better here,” Fernanda said.

Today, Fernanda is part of a loving Angels Of Hope community. Generous donors like you are creating a better life for Fernanda and children like her.

When Fernanda’s dormitory was in need of repairs, compassionate donors like you stepped in to help. Fernanda and the other girls now live in two comfortable, new dormitories, each equipped with eight bunk beds, four showers, and three toilets and sinks.

“I feel very happy…” said Sister Dominga López, who heads the orphanage. “Thank God we got the help. We hope to have more children to give them a better situation.”

Fernanda, who is in her first year of high school, likes art and enjoys drawing. “I draw the homes that I would like to have when I grow up,” says the budding architect. “A house with a nice view.”

She says she is grateful to have nurturing caretakers and a place to call home. “I am thankful for everything: clothes, shoes, food, to be taken care of, to have friends,” she said. “Here, I receive love.” ❋

“Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord, my God, You are great indeed!”

(Psalm 104:1)

Your Supp o r t Matters!

Did you know that more than 4,300 children in over 120 orphanages receive support through the Angels Of Hope child sponsorship program? YOU are an important part of this vital network. You are connected to your sponsored child in a way that makes them feel incredibly special. Nowhere is this more evident than in the letters you send. Here are just a few ways your love and correspondence gives them joy:

•Your sponsored child takes your words of encouragement and motivation seriously. They want to make you proud of them.

Any communication you send to your sponsored child is appreciated and a source of pride. These precious children often save your letters under their mattress or inside their pillow case.

• Pictures you include in your letters are proudly shown to other children, who are eager to see “who” the sponsor is.

The idea that someone they have not met loves them, supports them and prays for them truly helps them know the love of Christ and gives them a tremendous feeling of worth. Thank you! ❋

Junior Category

Winners of the 2014 Angels Of Hope Art

Rescued from an unsafe home, Pamela was brought to the Hogar Natalia de Siman orphanage in El Salvador. She is a cheerful, intelligent and active girl who is now being lovingly cared for. Pamela loves to dance and enjoys coloring when she’s at school. She dreams of becoming a doctor when she grows up.

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Junior Category

2014 Contest!

Angels Of Hope orphanages participate in an annual art contest that showcases the children’s talents, and also gives them invaluable inspiration and confidence. Let’s hear it for this year’s winners!

Senior Category

Luis J., 17, Inst. Indigena Santiago – Guatemala

To see more of the 2014 artwork entries by children in the AOH program please visit:

aohcontest

Luis came to Inst. Indigena Santiago because he was neglected at home and had no chance to attend school. Living in a safe home has enabled him to pursue his passions, like drawing, playing sports, and reading. His native Mayan language is Chuj, and he enjoys studying English in school. Luis is a shy, smart and focused boy who wants to be a lawyer.

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Senior Category

A note from Robin

Thank you for recognizing that helping a child is one of the most important things you can do.

Your loving support is helping a child grow up to be just like you — a caring adult. Your love is a comfort that your sponsored child carries with them always. You are giving a tremendous sense of peace to a child who likely came into this world with so much peace taken from them.

Children almost always arrive at an Angels Of Hope home feeling sad and brokenhearted, but quickly become hopeful because someone like you loves them. Because of your thoughtful and genuine kindness, a beautiful child’s spirit is on the mend.

Your sponsorship and generosity are giving a child something precious that can never be taken away from them: your love.

“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God…” (1 John 4:7a)

A servant of the poor,

Robin G. Mahfood

P.S. Keep those letters coming! Receiving a letter from you lifts your child’s spirits and offers encouragement. Your sponsored child cherishes each and every letter! Find us on: facebook.com/ffpaoh