September 2021 Update
9/28/21
Dear Friends of Amor y Esperanza,
Autumn has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere, which for us in the US means school, football, pumpkins, cider, and changing leaves. In many parts of our country and the world, students are back in school! We praise God that so many students have been able to safely return to in-person classes and we continue to pray for their health and safety as COVID-19 cases rise, particularly among children.
Amor y Esperanza Returns to School
In Carmen Bajo, there is much cause for celebration. Amor y Esperanza recently welcomed back high schoolers for in-person classes, and the report is that there was joy on everyone’s faces at finally being together again. Before everything else, the students and faculty met to praise and worship God, thanking Him for all He’s done. One reason for praise is that after much delay and anticipation, the students are meeting in the new school building. It would’ve been impossible to safely meet the COVID-19 requirements in the old building with its more limited space, so we praise God even more that the new building was ready to welcome students this year! Other students will return in groups starting in October. Please continue to pray for health and protection for the students at AyE, their families, and the community of Carmen Bajo as they move forward at school during this ongoing pandemic.
Fundraising Fun!
In terms of the LHF Board’s upcoming fundraising efforts, there is a lot to get excited about. Board member and Trinity Anglican youth pastor Dave McCune is doing a 120-mile bike ride on the Silver Comet Trail on October 29th to raise money for Amor y Esperanza. He’s seeking sponsors at $80 per mile to raise $10,000. Please consider sponsoring a mile--and if you’d like to tag along in person for a few miles, start warming up now!
Our Bridge the Gap Campaign has relaunched after a summer hiatus. As a refresher, this year, the Board has committed to “Bridge the Gap” for the families in Carmen Bajo who have been hit hardest financially by the pandemic in order to make it possible for children to return to school and receive the good news of Jesus. Currently, monthly giving to Amor y Esperanza sits at $3,700. The monthly need is $13,000. You can help to provide the $9,300 needed to cover the shortfall.
We, the board members, have been breaking into teams to raise money for different months of 2021. We believe we can make a big difference in the lives of our friends in Carmen Bajo by dividing and conquering. You will be receiving an email depending on when and how you or your child went to Ecuador in the past.
The October team consists of families of Whitefield EMT alumni from 2005-2015.
Any and all donation can be made via our website: https://loveandhopefoundation.me/give.
Zolas Visit the States!
In other news, Danny Zola will be arriving in the US in early October to work for a couple of months with Trinity Anglican Church and with a ministry called Upper90 that is a soccer ministry in Atlanta. Pancho and Pitty arrive in the states around November 5, will visit Miami and Christ Journey Church first, then travel to Atlanta, arriving around November 10th. They will be at Trinity Anglican on November 14th and will return, along with Danny, on the 20th. Please pray for their safe travels and health, as well as a great experience for Danny.
As we mentioned in our last newsletter, we would like to reiterate that we have a few open spots on our board currently, and if you or someone you know would be interested in serving with us we’d love to hear from you.
We are so thankful for you every day. Please stay in touch with us via social media--keep an eye out for the bike ride!--and continue journeying with us in prayer.
In Christ,
The Board of Love and Hope Foundation
