Soup Kitchen Set Up in Sydney

In February 2022, headed up by Ricaredo Del Costa (Sydney HOPE Rep), volunteers from the Sydney Church of Christ set up a Soup Kitchen to meet the needs of the vulnerable in Telopea, a western suburb of Sydney. HOPE worldwide Australia hires the Community Centre for a few hours on a Sunday night and on average 40 meals are prepared and served to the members of the community who attend.
The Sunday night mealtimes have an encouraging atmosphere- great food, light conversation and friendly service. Some of the regular volunteers are getting to know the community better, for example Emman, who is studying finance and banking at the university of Sydney and commits to serving weekly and is building trust through service and kind words. People from the community have also started to contribute, like Karin, who brought herbs from her back garden the other week.
The community response has been very positive: “We are very grateful” someone commented, “that there’s something happening like this in our area”. Towards the end of the meal serving times, volunteers put together between 30 to 50 packs of food that can be taken home to feed some of the family members (mainly children) who were not able to attend.
Thanks Sydney church for your service and caring hearts!

Pray for Peace in Ukraine

UPDATE- March 14th 2022
Dear Friends,
The response from around the globe supporting Ukrainians (and Russians) adversely affected by the current conflict has been tremendous. In addition to donations, thousands of people across Europe have opened up hearts and homes to take care of those displaced by war. Well over 2 million Ukrainians are now in neighbouring countries and more are on the way despite the danger of travel to the borders during active fighting and shelling.
HOPE worldwide is on the ground assisting refugees and working with European HOPE members and the Churches of Christ to house people. In addition, 2 plane loads of food, medicines and other essentials have been secured and are in the process being transported to those in most need. For more information see: https://www.hopeww.org/ukrainerelieff
Funds collected through the HOPE worldwide Australia are being held in wait for use when other funds have been depleted. The relief effort is likely to run into months if not years, so the funds are genuinely needed and likely to be exhausted.
In addition to making a donation, if you are of a spiritual mind, feel free to please us in a day of prayer (and fasting) for peace in Ukraine.
Mark Timlin, Country Director, HOPEworldwide Australia.
https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/hopeworldwide
https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/disciplestoday

UKRAINE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS
UPDATE 7th MARCH 2022

Situation/Progress
- Active military conflict in Ukraine: destruction of homes and schools and disruption of basic services in numerous cities; people living in danger and mass evacuation of women and children to neighbouring countries (more than 1.5 million refugees). Families from the northern and central areas of Ukraine are evacuating largely through Poland and Hungary.
- Disaster response director: Arrived in Chisinau, Moldova Friday 4th March 7 20222. Headquarters for HOPE Relief effort. Currently a safe location.
- Volunteers and Church of Christ members currently in Ukraine: 2,000 (500 have evacuated).
Needs/Programs:
- Food, water, healthcare and shelter for tens of thousands of people in Ukraine affected by war. In addition to support for 1.5 million refugees entering European countries.
- Food security within Ukraine: a food voucher program is currently funded for 1,000 people in Odessa, Southern Ukraine. Work is ongoing with Northern and Central Ukraine Food Distributor for a similar program for Kyiv and Kharkiv. Seeking funding from ‘Feed the Children’.
- Water. Donation of 200 Water Filters arrived in Moldova 4th March, to be deployed into Odessa. HOPEww Hungary is planning to move up to 2000 water filters to Ukraine.
- Psychosocial Support in Ukraine: using a $20,000 donation. Program managed by HOPEww Canada
- Essential medicines and medical supplies: Coordinating with Ukrainian Government for bulk medicine shipments from AmeriCares, Direct Relief and Heart to Heart.
- Shelter for Refugees: hotel secured in Moldova, capacity of 150. Currently housing 104 people.
- Relocation of refugees to other countries: HOPEww Berlin is coordinating all housing available with families throughout Europe that are evacuating

Use of Donated Funds:

Donated funds will support the above needs
Donations can be made online: https://www.givenow.com.au/ukraine

Read the 2021 HOPE worldwide (Australia) Annual and Financial Reports

HOPE worldwide Australia 2021 Annual Report

HOPE worldwide Australia FINANCIAL REPORT 2021

2020: COVID19 Response update for Fiji and Papua New Guinea

COVID19 RESOURCES

DONATE COVID19 RELIEF

HOPE Day of Giving appeal to support Fiji and Papua New Guinea 2020

**2019: HOPE worldwide PNG, Celebrates its Silver Jubilee- 25 years of Service!**

HOPE worldwide PNG Staff

HOPE worldwide PNG Birthday Cake

Remarks by Priscilla Mal, Country Director (Monday, 25th Feb. 2019)
Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished Guest from HOPE worldwide Australia (Dr Mark Timlin and Dr. Graham Gumley), Manager Refugee Clinic Melbourne (Mrs Fay Lea-Smith), Pastor and Women’s Ministry Leader of the Port Moresby Church of Christ (Felix and Ashley Tokwepota), Development Partners, and my wonderful & hardworking HOPE worldwide staff;
It gives me such joy and great pleasure to welcome you all to the commemoration of 25 years of HOPE worldwide PNG’s work in reaching and serving the underprivileged communities in PNG.
25 years is a huge milestone for this faith-based community orientated organization. It is a testament of our resilience to survive, thrive and adapt, never shying away and fully living out our mission and vision every day. It is a testament of ultimately God’s unconditional and unfailing love for us, His people despite our weaknesses & downfalls. God has covered us with his feathers, sheltered us with his wings and his faithful promises are OUR armour and protection as stated in Psalms of David Chapter 91, verse 4. It is a great privilege and honour to commemorate 25 years of HOPE worldwide PNG with you all. I would like to acknowledge the previous Country Directors (Drs. Graham Ogle & Helen Ogle, Mr. Luke Keria, Ms. Jessica Lesly, Ms. Tessa Temata & Mrs Joan Timothy) who have strategically led HOPE worldwide PNG over the years, Board Members past and current and of course the hard-working staff for your valuable contributions.

1994: The 9 Mile clinic was a mobile caravan. Far left Dr Graham Ogle

HOPE worldwide PNG was established on February 23rd1994 under the Associations Incorporations Act of Papua New Guinea as a Non-Governmental Organization with the purpose to promote charitable services including societal development, relief and welfare including but not limited to medical, educational and social programs, primarily throughout Papua New Guinea. The Association (HOPE worldwide PNG) is a faith-based organization but the purpose of The Association does not discriminate based on people’s religious beliefs, race, gender or economic status.
For 25 years now, I am proud to say that we continue to achieve our vision of ‘Bringing Hope & Changing Lives’ of the disadvantaged communities through our health, education, agriculture and other social services in PNG.
For 25 years now, we continue to achieve our mission through the compassion and commitment of dedicated staff (such as you all) and volunteers to deliver sustainable, high impact and community-based services to the poor and needy.

Our Programs at a Glance for the past 25 years!
HEALTH
From a mobile caravan clinic operating out at 9-mile in 1994 to now managing and supporting four (4) health facilities in PNG in partnership with the National Government of PNG, Department of Health, National Capital District Health Services, Christian Health Services and the Simbu Provincial Health Authority.

2019, outside 9 Mile Clinic- 25 years of operation. Left to right: Nadine Tenpler (Global Volunteer Director), Priscilla Mal (PNG Country Director), Mark Timlin (Australia Country Director), Fay Lea-Smith (Volunteer Nurse team leader from Australia)

EDUCATION
Three main programs: Non-formal Education, School Sponsorship and the Library program.
The Non-formal Education program allowed Basic literacy, Numeracy and General Skills to be taught to ‘out of school’ students in National Central District (NCD).
The School Sponsorship program made schooling affordable to those who could not pay the government school fees. The program has sponsored over 1,000 students who are now contributing dynamically in their various professions in the private and public sector!
The School Library Program distributed over 2 million Books nation-wide. Some remote schools in the Highlands have a school library as a result of the program.

One of the primary schools in Gumine, Central Highlands benefitting from the library program

Catch-up School that operated at Six Mile

Above: a simple but very effective program that helped hundreds of students re-enter the school system!

AGRICULTURE
A number of programs including Rice, Vanilla and Duck farming conducted around the NCD and central province assisted local communities and villagers to step out of poverty and sustain themselves.

Rural HOPE Clinic at Bokolma, Gumine, Central Highlands

Our Current Programs

HEALTH
We provide vital health services through four clinics: 2 urban clinics (9-mile and Lawes Road) and 2 rural clinics (Moroma and Bokolma). They are operated in partnership with NCD health and funded through the Christian Health Services. The 2 urban clinics serve over 300 patients on a daily basis.

Our 2 rural health facilities are situated in the Simbu province, Central Highlands. The Bokolma Aid Post in Gumine District provides health services to a total catchment population of over 15,000 men, women and children. The Moroma health facility is located at Kerowaghi District and serves over 20,000 people including people from the neighbouring Jiwaka province.

The health facilities provide integrated services including; General Uutpatients, Antenatal Care, Nutrition for malnourished children, Well Baby clinic, Family Planning, Leprosy treatment, TB, HIV & STI - Counselling, Testing & Treatment, Family and Sexual Health Services, Gender Based Violence Counselling, Treatment (and appropriate referral pathways).

Mapping of outreach area for HIV team

Some of the HIV outreach team at the HOPE clinic at Lawes Road, Port Moresby

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Kisim Save Helpim Hauslain (Gain Knowledge, Help Communities) funded by the US Ambassador’s grant, now moves into a new stage
The Kisim Save Helpim Hauslain (KSHH) provides capacity building training for community-based organizations (CBOs) and supports them to effectively work within their communities to help reduce HIV associated stigma, discrimination (including violence), encourage lifestyle change and access medical diagnosis and treatment services. It will now go into its third phase of capacity building with Adult Literacy and skills-based training for job creation with the support of the Brian Bell Foundation and the Auckland Church of Christ.

EARLY CHILDHOOD
New literacy project in Early Childhood Education: this pilot project aims to serve a poor community in Port Moresby by supporting a preschool of 80 student, ranging from ages 3 to 6. Funds are being provided by HOPE worldwide Australia

New Literacy program to support early childhood development

VOLUNTEERISM
We partner with the dynamic Filipino Medical Team at Port Moresby General Hospital, Port Moresby Church of Christ volunteers, UPNG School of Dentistry, Cheshire Disability Services including friends and family members to conduct the following community initiatives:
✓ Feeding Program for the Homeless (Men, Women & Children)
✓ Feeding Program for people living with disabilities
✓ Free medical and dental care and treatment for the people living with disability

FAR REACHING IMPACT
Approximately 200,000 Papua New Guineans benefit from our services annually. We have come a long way HOPE worldwidePNG! Now is a time to look back with admiration of our humanitarian efforts, identify gaps and challenges, address them and continue to stay focussed on our mission, and look forward with anticipation to respond to the call of service with all our hearts. In the words of Maya Angelou, an American poet: “My wish is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a Mean world with your acts of Kindness.” Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of HOPE.

Happy 25thBirthday HOPE worldwide PNG Family!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We remain thankful to our current and past Development partners / Supporters / Donors and Volunteers since the establishment of HOPE worldwide PNG (listed below):

Global Fund
US Embassy / US Government
Oil Search
NZAid
World Vision
Malaysian Association of PNG
Port Moresby Church Of Christ
International Churches of Christ
HOPE worldwide Australia & NZ
HOPE worldwide US
National Department of Health
Christian Health Services
National Capital District Health Services
Simbu Provincial Health Authority
Kerowaghi District & Health Administration
Gumine District & Health Administration
Australia New Zealand Bank
Bank of Papua New Guinea
Bank of South Pacific
Powa Industries
Cheshire DisAbility Services
Port Moresby General Hospital
Filipino Medical Team
FHI360
Population Service International
Rotary Against Malaria
Rotary Madang
Brian Bell Foundation
DFAT
National Aids Council Secretariet
Telikom Foundation

HOPE DAY OF GIVING 2018

Supporting programs across the SPA Region

**HOPE worldwide & SPA Churches Service Planning 2018**

On behalf of HOPE worldwide (Australia) I would like to present a brief update and proposed service activities for 2018 where we plan to impact 1,000 people and engage volunteers in over 3,000 hours of service in Australia and New Zealand alone. We pray that Jesus shines through our service as we continue to share the gospel and remember the poor.
 Graham Gumley
(HOPEww Board chair)

Main Developments:

HOPE Aus has been streamlined and simplified reducing administration costs
Available funds for programs in 2018 is estimated at $68,000
HOPE Aus Board: Graham Gumley, Mike Fontenot, Winvie Mendosa, Jun Pablo, Willem Hattingh
HOPE reps are initiating small volunteer based programs in our cities: Jo Donado (Melb), Ricardo DelaCosta (Syd), James McCauley (Bris), Melinda Smith (GC), Rowan McCauley (Adelaide), Duncan Wilson (Nz).
HOPE website is being developed to highlight church connection and local programs
HOPE PNG continues to go through transition with a new country director and board

HOPEww Aus Calendar 2018

HOPE Day of Giving- date varies across cities from Sun, April 29th through May.
Supporting South Paciific Australia (SPA) region programs (focus on PNG & New Zealand)
HOPE AGM- Scheduled for mid-end Aug 2018. Planned to be held in Sydney
SPA Conference- Oct 26th- 28th. Video/Update
HOPE Volunteer Corps in New Zealand- Dec 16th- 28th. 40 volunteers signed up.

‘Signature’ programs in 2017-18

Volunteer/Youth Corps

International v local programs
Global Service Interns (GSI), Dylan Panacheril
2 week program developing servant leadership, 50% evangelism, 50% service
23 programs across 16 countries. Popular programs: Nepal, Cambodia, Philippines
SPA region: Auckland in Dec 2018. Expect 40 volunteers. Beneficiaries: 50-100

Ronald McDonald House- meal and entertainment.

Serving sick children and their families who are going through cancer treatment
Perth: ‘big’ breakfast events for 30-40 people which includes musical entertainment. Total beneficiaries in 2017 were 140 people
Auckland, annual themed event (super heroes, the Olympics). Beneficiaries in 2017: 100

Seniors afternoon tea plus

Addressing loneliness and general health and wellbeing of seniors
Activities include: Zumba, Bingo, Art and Craft, Cabarets, Christmas parties and Quizzes
Monthly or bimonthly social activities held at a community centre. Beneficiaries in 2017: 15

Homework club for refugee children.

Supporting refugee children who are struggling with school work
Refugee families matched with families in the church congregation needing support.
Homework support at local library or in the home, fortnightly or monthly for 12 months
End of term/program celebration meal and presentation of school bags to children
Beneficiaries in 2017: five refugee families (20 people)

SPA Region Service Programs/events 2017- 2018:

Fiji:

Programs delivered through the churches in Nadi and Suva
Maternity packs for pregnant women

Papua New Guinea:

2 Urban and 2 Rural Health clinics: providing primary health care to poor communities
TB treatment- DOTs program, HIV treatment and prevention program
Food aid to street kids
Literacy- planned

Auckland, New Zealand:

Entertainment and dinner to sick children at Ronald McDonald House – annual event. 100 beneficiaries
Food bank. Donations of food items given by church members. 20-30 beneficiaries
Baking for a Hospice. Donations given by church members. 20-30 beneficiaries
HOPE VOLUNTEER CORPS: Developing Community Gardens with the Maori population (indigenous).

Developing sustainable community gardens to the Maori community. Expected Beneficiaries 50-100

Melbourne:

Assisting refugee families- kids with homework, Fortnightly to monthly. 25 beneficiaries
Seniors social activities- bimonthly program at a community centre. Beneficiaries: 15 seniors
Christmas event for refugees: church service, lunch and gift giving- held in poor area of Melbourne

Beneficiaries: 30-50 refugees. Held every second year

Meeting physical needs for the poor- church members donate items that are distributed to the poor
Shoe boxes to the Philippines (size and gender matched). Beneficiaries: 25. Handbags and sanitary items for vulnerable women in Australia (Share the dignity). Beneficiaries: 30
Christmas hampers for poor families in Australia (Melbourne Basket Brigade). Beneficiaries: 100
School bags for refugee children. Beneficiaries: 20
Art & Soul program: arts and craft classes to promote health and wellbeing. Aimed at people who want

to develop their art skills and also who may social or mental health needs. A series of 6-8 fortnightly
classes. Planned for April 2018. Number of beneficiaries: 15-20

Good enough Parenting: helping refugee parents in parenting: meeting emotional needs and limiting

Harm (exasperation). Planned for July 2018. Expected beneficiaries: 25

Perth:

Big breakfast: entertainment and breakfast to families of sick children at Ronald McDonald House

Biannual. Beneficiaries: 140

Aged care: visiting and socialising with the elderly and occasional singing. 15-20 beneficiaries
Plan to involve more Bible talks in the second half of the year

Sydney:

Assisting the running of a soup kitchen for the homeless. Fortnightly activity. 40-50 beneficiaries
Age care: visiting and socialising with the elderly. 8-10 beneficiaries
Quarterly days of service for each region of the church. Expected beneficiaries: 100

Gold Coast:

Signed up for Disaster relief response
Researching projects. Considering supporting victims of domestic violence through a women’s shelter

Expected beneficiaries: 50

Brisbane:

Material aid to various vulnerable groups in Australia: Immigrant Women, women released from prison,

homeless people, women caught in domestic violence. Beneficiaries 50-100

Plan to assist marginalised migrants & refugees in 2018

Adelaide:

Grape picking for the poor. Grapes for wine to be sold with profits supporting the homeless
Social events for seniors in aged care, buddies for seniors. Expected beneficiaries 10-15
Considering meal preparation and social interaction with sick children and their families through Ronald

McDonald House. Expected beneficiaries 50

HWW Medical Corps - Cambodia

Sept 2017, By Julie King
‘You can have a mind-set of abundance rather than scarcity’
I had the privilege of going to Cambodia for the first ever Hww Medical Corps (HMC) in August 2017. It was also my first volunteer trip with HOPE worldwide. A group of volunteers from all over the world (USA, UK, Australia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, South Africa) spent 13 days serving and the activities included:

Providing free primary medical care to residents of a rural province (at Baray-Santuk Referral Hospital - Kampong Thom province),
Visiting a HIV village on the outskirts of Phnom Penh as part of a "Home Healthcare" visit providing food (rice, fish) and children's school supplies (backpack, pens, notebooks) to a number of families, and
Learning about the fantastic work done by HOPE worldwide Cambodia through their hospitals and medical clinics (e.g. Sihanouk Hospital Center of Hope, Sonja Kill Memorial Hospital and Mobile Outreach Clinic)

HOPE Medical Corps participants outside a HOPE Hospital in Cambodia. (Julie King - far right)

Before I departed Melbourne, I reflected on three things:

What I wanted to get out of this trip? For God to reveal the areas in my life I need to grow in, as well as being able to serve those who are less fortunate and do not have the same opportunities
How was I going to survive? This is what some might consider a "first world" way of thinking: access to wifi, transportation, coping with humidity (it was the wet season in Cambodia after all), where to obtain bottled water etc.).
People have amazing generosity. I needed to raise extra funds to purchase medical supplies for the clinics and I had amazing support from people, some of whom I had never met. Funds were raised through 'go fund me', selling handmade gift cards as well as receiving private donations.

As a pharmacist, I used my skills working with a team of volunteers to treat patients. Daily, we treated approximately 160 patients at the HOPE clinic, but on the 4th day of the clinic, we saw over 300 patients (in total we saw 1071 patients over the 4 and a half days). On that morning, many of us (me included) remember looking at the crowds of people gathering as we arrived thinking 'how will we ever see and treat all of these people?' (Given we only had a few extra staff to assist when compared to the other days). Towards the end of the day (when I actually had a couple of minutes break from the very busy pharmacy station to process my thoughts!!), I reflected on a scripture, John 6:5-13, where Jesus decides to feed the crowd of 5,000 men (and presumably additional women and children) that gathered, and only had 5 small barley loaves and 2 small fish (and had crumbs of food left over in 12 baskets)!

Patients waiting for treatment at the outpatient clinic set up at Barry-Santuk Referral Hospital, Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia

“When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.” - John 6:5-13 NIV

On that busy day regardless of where we were working (either at a doctor’s station or, in my case, the pharmacy), I was ultimately reminded that God provides more than enough for any situation. We were able to help more than 300 patients and still have more than enough "fuel in the tank".

At the end of this amazing experience, I learnt that:

I am capable of so much more than I thought I could do previously (and that God will give me the tools to battle through whatever comes my way).
First world problems are not worth worrying about at all (this was highlighted for me by seeing the many challenges).
you really can have the mind-set of abundance rather than scarcity (regardless of the situation).

I would encourage you all to consider applying to join a HOPE Volunteer Corps (whether it is singles, medical, youth or an all ages volunteer program) - you won't regret it, and you will learn so much in the process!

HMC Participants with children outside a HIV village on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Fiji Cyclone Article

FIJI 2016 Cyclone Winston Appeal, What has been done in 2017?
Rebuilding on the island of Koro
In addition to the international support, funds raised by the cooperating Churches of Christ in Australia and New Zealand were used to support family members and the wider community in areas most affected. A committee of church leaders was set up in Suva and Nadi to assess needs and to coordinate the use of funds. The main support given was material aid and money for home repairs. So far building materials were purchased to rebuild a home on Koro Island. Materials were brought in Suva and then shipped out to the Island. Unfortunately because of the scale of devastation, shortage of materials, limited availability of contractors and the large amount of homes needing to be rebuilt, progress has been slow.

Work in Koro has began! To the left are some photos of the progress made through 2017. There are still many families throughout Fiji sleeping in tents so more is needed. The members of the Churches of Christ in Fiji are so grateful for the support received. Left: is a thank you from one of the families who benefitted.
(Update by Alexandra Siwatibau, a member of the Suva Church of Christ)

Campus ministry event- Homeless

Soup kitchen reflection- Students serving the homeless
In April, 2017, fifteen university students from the Melbourne Church of Christ Campus Ministry volunteered their Saturday afternoon to serve food to the homeless and those in tough financial situations in North Melbourne. Organized in conjunction with the Many Rooms volunteering organization, the day was a great success with many in attendance and many satisfied stomachs. To assist with the barbecue, the campus ministry provided salads, tables, chairs, and fellowship. Having arrived, we split off into small groups and began to set up equipment, cook the food, and interact with the attendees. As the day progressed, more and more people arrived, and with a variety of cultures in attendance. It was great to see all the campus helpers interacting with everybody equally. As part of Christian living, an area that is often neglected is our service to those in need.
What stood out the most, in our time there, was the desire for people to build relationships and simply have someone to talk to. Despite their tough financial situations, what people seemed to want most was companionship- someone with who would stop and listen. Through this activity, the campus ministry definitely gained a deeper appreciation for the privileges and comforts we have in our lives, and for the need for us to reach out to those in the world who need and want help. With everyone thoroughly enjoying the time we spent
there serving and speaking to other people, we are eager and hope to be able to continue events like this in the future.
By Dylan, (student at Monash University)