Hello! It’s the moment you’ve probably all been waiting for... all about our ministry! We began ministry 4 weeks ago but I was waiting to write a blog until we got in the routine of things so I could go into more detail. Our squad is spilt into 2 groups for ministry, so half of us have morning ministry (9-3) and half of us have afternoon ministry (2-8). We rotate every week so we get a chance to serve in every area. Each week we get a schedule where we’re focused on serving in one area but we’ve learned to be very flexible and serve wherever we’re needed in the moment. We work with a ministry called “The Hope Project” (called “Til He Returns” in the states). We have the best ministry hosts, Micah and Melissa, who are passionate about us serving where we feel God has given us spiritual gifts.

We are not here to hand material things to people but instead walk alongside of them so Christ can bring healing to the areas of their life that need it. This ministry is relationship centered. We are ALL living in poverty whether that’s lacking relationship with yourself, others, God, or creation. The Hope Project bases their programs on the four broken relationships. The four branches are counseling services, community outreach, spiritual development, and economic empowerment. 

Relationship with Self 

The Refuge (Pregnancy Center):

A 2 year program for women who need guidance in childcare and motherhood. Individual counselors serve these women through training, therapy, and responsibility lessons to prepare them for the 9 months of pregnancy and the first year after childbirth.

Drug/Alcohol Counseling:

Drugs and alcohol are a major problem in low-income communities, so many are unable to provide rehabilitation for their loved ones. These individuals usually destroy families and end up in gangs or on the streets, so The Hope Project offers trained counselors for the entire family.

Relationship with Others

Club de Ingles (English Club):

This club is meant for locals to learn English. By using a conversational curriculum, learning English is an awesome way to build relationships in the community. We invite many people we evangelize to so we can build deeper connections!

Art and Coffee Club:

This club teaches art lessons over a cup of coffee. This time is meant for fun, creativity, and relationship building within the community. As volunteers, we have the opportunity and creative freedom to do what we want with these classes! Last week we made masks!

House of Raw:

House of Raw is dance class ministry. The purpose of this is to help people in gangs and on the streets find their passion in street dance and then train them to make a career out of it. Jose is the leader of this ministry (aka our big homie). He also comes with us to evangelize often. We love hanging out with Jose and his dog Nola! He is the top Krump dancer in Central America and is known around the world for his dancing. This type of dance is highly respected on the streets, in gangs, and now in American pop culture. (He also has connections to Justin Bieber and is bringing me next time he dances for him). 

Child Care

While all these classes take place, many parents bring their kids to the center. We provide child care so the mothers can be intentionally pursued by our volunteers without a baby climbing all over them. If you know me you know I LOVE kids. This has been my favorite to help out with. We’ve gotten to know the children who come to our building and we’re able to become friends with them and even learn Spanish from them! My squadmates knows how much I love child care so I’ve become the go to person for crying babies lol! 

Relationship with God

House Church:

Our ministry hosts Micah and Melissa also host house church out of their ministry building. House church is an intimate church of a small number of people intended for an emphasis on community and discipleship. The Hope Project intends to continue to raise up pastors within their house church to create a network of house churches across San Jose. 

Evangelism:

Every day at ministry a group of us evangelize in San Jose. We usually go to the national park down the street from our ministry base. It’s been different because of Covid, but we are still able to encourage locals and share the Lords love with them! We do ATL (Ask the Lord) and see who He tells us to approach, thus has become one of our favorite ways to minister!

Relationship with Creation

Business Club: 

This club is meant for business owners across San Jose and those who want to start a business to come together in the community to build relationships and to share and help others in the area. This is a place where business meets God to uplift the kingdom and create more intentional relationships than just networking and favors.

King’s Economy:

King’s Economy is a class that teaches individuals to budget, spend, and steward their money and resources well. As Christians, we are called into a high level of stewardship in which we use our resources wisely to honor the kingdom and not be foolish in our uses. 

Waves of Grace:

The Hope Project teaches women how to make bracelets (similar to Pure Vida bracelets) and bars of soap as a home business and then connect them to stores around San Jose and online to make a livable income. We also develop a women’s devotional for Waves of Grace every week. 

Hope you enjoyed this look into our ministry! I’m super thankful for our ministry leaders who continue to pour into us and encourage us to serve where we’re passionate! Here’s their website for more info:

https://www.tilhereturns.com