November 2024 Newsletter
As we move into November, we are reminded of the power of gratitude and community. This month, as we reflect on the impact of your support and the positive changes we are creating together, we also unveil our year end goal and share some information on which we have received a number of questions, Donor Advised Funds. Thank you for being part of the journey and helping us make a difference at Amor y Esperanza. Please read on!
Amor y Esperanza parents join together for a powerful evening of prayer and commitment as they kick off the new school year!
A CITY ON A HILL, by Candace Daly
The Scriptures teach us that the Lord is our Good Shepherd who goes ahead of us to prepare everything we require in life. His goodness often challenges our tendency to be skeptical or ‘cautiously optimistic,’ because time and again we see how detailed and compassionate His provision is.
Recently, Pancho and Pitty shared a (literally) powerful example of this very truth: Ecuador receives about 80% of its power from hydroelectricity. Because a severe lack of rainfall had left the country in drought conditions, there had been blackouts and restrictions on the use of electricity throughout the country. However, because of our Shepherd’s perfect guidance, Amor y Esperanza was able to remain fully functional with no interruption in the school’s electricity.
During the construction of the building’s third floor, a generator was purchased to help expedite the work. But as Quito experienced hours’ long power outages for several days, Amor y Esperanza was a shining City on a Hill, with lights flooding every classroom. Students were able to use their computers, and teachers continued instruction with the interactive SMARTboards™. There was no interruption in education or any of the vital ministry that takes place at the school. Hallelujah! Pancho and Pitty rejoiced as they told this story to the Love and Hope board. “We thought we bought the generator just for construction. But the Lord knew that we really needed it for the blackouts that were coming!”
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2024 YEAR END GOAL & ZOLA VISIT
As we approach December, LHF will share more details about the financial campaign, but for now we are excited to share that our December fundraising goal is $140,000. This is a big number, more than we have ever sought to raise in an end-of-year campaign! But God laid it on the hearts of Pancho, Pitty, and our board that the Lord has more in mind for us. As the Lord has blessed the school with more space, more students, and more staff, more is required of us to support them. Please join us in prayer that the right hearts and minds will be touched, that cheerful, generous donors will fill the needs of AYE and that blessing upon blessing will return upon those who heed the call!
We are thrilled that Pancho, Pitty and Maria Victoria will be back in Atlanta November 30 - December 8! Several festive events are being planned for Trinity and Whitefield Ecuador mission teams and alumni, as well as a few area churches, to have the opportunity to visit with them while they are here. Please reach out to us at lhf.quito@gmail.com if you would like some time with Pancho an Pitty and have not received an invitation by November 10th. We cannot wait to welcome the Zola family back to the United States!
DONOR ADVISED FUNDS, by Rebekah Kern
What is it?
It came to our attention that only 17% of U.S. adults know what a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is, per a survey conducted by inequality.org in March 2024. A DAF is a charitable investment fund that allows individuals to contribute money or other assets to support charities while receiving tax benefits. More specifically, a donor contributes their assets to a sponsoring organization, such as National Christian Foundation or Fidelity Charitable (the DAF associated with Fidelity Investments), and receives a tax receipt and deduction for that contribution, similar to donating to a non-profit directly. However, with a DAF, at this point the fund is managed as an investment and any growth occurs tax-free. The donor retains advisory privileges over the funds, including the investment strategy and how they are distributed to charities.
Benefits
DAFs have gained popularity as a way to give to charity because they are tax efficient and easy to use. Donors have flexibility in how and when donations are made, thus taking tax deductions when it makes the most sense for their financial situation, so long as the recipient is an IRS-qualified charity (which Love and Hope is, by the way)!
Conclusion
While potentially not right for everyone, we want to help our supporters understand what a DAF is, since they are rapidly gaining popularity, for several good reasons. We recommend seeking counsel from a trusted advisor on this topic! But please know Love and Hope accepts donations from DAFs and we stand ready to support your giving choices.
How can you partner with Amor y Esperanza?
Pray! Current needs are:
Seeds planted for generous December giving
Safe and fruitful December visit to ATL by Zolas
Lives transformed in the Carmen Bajo community
Staff & students' health, safety and growth at AyE
Financial provision for the full school year
One-time giving is always appreciated and helpful, too! Make a gift here.
Interested in serving on our board? Please reach out!