HOPE worldwide CEO Speaks at ILC on Financial Challenges and “International Day of Giving” ^Featured

Jordan said the priority for HOPE worldwide in reducing its budget has been maintaining services for the poor and needy. The good news is that HOPE worldwide humanitarian programs serving more than 1 million people each year have not yet been affected.

However, there is bad news. Two HOPE worldwide leaders, Drs. Mark Ottenweller and Gary Jacques, may be unable to continue their work due to funding shortfalls. African programs Dr. Ottenweller started have benefited millions suffering with HIV/AIDS. Dr. Jacques directed the Sihanouk Hospital Center of HOPE, where Cambodians have received more than a million free patient consultations.

HOPE worldwide programs around the world are finding this a very difficult fundraising environment. While emphasizing the human toll associated with staff reductions, Jordan said his biggest concern is that the financial crisis threatens to result in “fewer poor served and fewer saved."

Jordan emphasized that HOPE worldwide’s mission remains closely aligned with the churches, demonstrating God’s love through service. He shared stories of individuals serving, as well those who were served, who made life changing spiritual decisions based on their experience with HOPE worldwide programs.

Despite current financial challenges, Jordan remains committed to a vision of expanding the impact of HOPE worldwide and the churches for God’s glory. One example is a latitudinal band near the equator called the “10-40 Window” that includes northern Africa, the Middle East, and Central, Southern and Southeast Asia. 82% of the world’s poorest people live there. Most are Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists. “How will we ever reach the billions of people in the 10-40 Window without a program for the poor?” Jordan said. “Yes, there are services for the poor that need to be saved, but there are also many people who need to be saved through our service."

The “International Day of Giving” is an initiative of the HOPE worldwide and Benevolence Service Team. The plan is for ICOC churches to join together during the Thanksgiving season (on or around November 22, 2009) to support HOPE worldwide’s global needs. U.S. churches are asked to raise at least $52 per member for HOPE worldwide global needs. Non-U.S. churches are asked to give as they are able.

With over 150 U.S. and foreign locations and 65,000 church volunteers around the world to coordinate, the work of HOPE worldwide requires cash beyond specific grants. Donations will help pay for the supervision, coordination and administration of international programs helping over 1 million people in 60 countries; the U.S. chapter system that is growing dramatically; HOPE Youth Corps and HOPE Volunteer Corps; growth of partnerships with organizations like the American Red Cross; raising $30 million annual in-kind aid; and technical support for HIV/AIDS programs. More information on the International Day of Giving can be found at www.hopeww.org/dayofgiving.

“HOPE worldwide is gratified to be supported by a fellowship of believers who are deeply committed to implementing the charitable ministry of Jesus by meeting the needs of the poor around the world,” Jordan said. “Thank you for caring about the poor and supporting HOPE worldwide.”