March 2025 Newsletter
There were many festive and educational happenings at AyE during February, including a talent show, culinary work, and several Valentine's Day themed celebrations reminding us that God is love and we love because He first loved us!
A LOOK BACK AT 2024, by Lee Martin - LHF Board President
I have had the opportunity to lead the Love and Hope Foundation board for nearly two years, and I am STILL humbled when I see what the Lord continues to do through you all, the supporters of Love and Hope. I know I speak for the entire board when I say that our hearts are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support and prayers that have enabled us to witness the Lord's work in remarkable ways at Amor y Esperanza (AyE).
I recognize that we are already a couple of months into 2025, but I wanted to share a few data points from 2024 that demonstrate the Lord’s continued faithfulness:
Fundraising and School Growth
Collectively, we raised $320K in funds that contributed to the ongoing operations of AyE in 2024. This included $67K from the Kilometers for Quito campaign and $124K from the End of Year Campaign. These were all record-high figures for giving to Love and Hope!
Because of your incredible generosity, we were able to support over 360 students and 60 staff at AyE this school year, the largest numbers for the school ever!
3rd Floor Construction
In mid-2024, we completed construction of the 3rd floor at AyE, providing much-needed space for the growing student body and space for mission teams to stay.
Mission Partnerships
Speaking of mission teams, this past year, AyE welcomed more than 70 students and chaperones collectively from Trinity Anglican and Whitefield Academy!
We also forged new partnerships with Eastside Christian School in Marietta, Georgia, which sent students and staff to AyE in January 2025 and with Samford University, which plans to send a group to AyE this spring.
Growing Community of Supporters
This past year, we welcomed three new board members (Robyn Feather, Clayton Hemphill, and Teresa Hemphill). We also established an Emeritus Board with initial members Bob Fugate and Chris LeCraw to honor former board members like them who wish to continue to serve.
Our community has grown to more than 700 supporters that we reach through our monthly newsletter and social media!
Love and Hope Foundation continues to cultivate new relationships. In 2024, we met with representatives from 8 schools, 4 churches, and 2 additional organizations to explore potential future mission partnerships and other opportunities to advance His Kingdom.
As I reflect on all that I shared above, I am filled with gratitude and anticipation for what the Lord will continue to do through your support.
Whether you are a past or future mission trip participant, a parent, a church leader, a teacher, a donor, a prayer warrior, or fall into several of these categories, thank you for being part of this incredible Love and Hope community. Your support has been invaluable to what God has done and will continue to do in Quito and beyond.
In Christ,
Lee Martin
Please check out our Instagram and/or Facebook accounts and give us a like or follow - it's a great way to support LHF and AyE as well as stay up to date on the latest happenings. Reach out to us via email with any questions!
How can you partner with Amor y Esperanza?
Pray! Current needs are:
Lives transformed in the Carmen Bajo community
Staff & students' health, safety and growth at AyE
Financial provision for the next school year
Increased number of monthly donors
One-time giving is always appreciated and helpful, too! Make a gift here.
Interested in serving on a LHF committee? Please reach out to lhf.quito@gmail.com.