Take 55 young people from various countries, have them stay in vary basic conditions, let them eat Indian food with their hands every day, allow them to serve the underprivileged for 10 days and see what happens!
Young people from around the world gave the gift of compassion and caring.
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I must say I was a little nervous when we first planned this HOPE Youth Corps program. The size of the group was daunting and the average age was 17. They came from very diverse backgrounds. Most had no experience in the developing world.
Despite these differences the event was incredible. Everything went so smoothly. The participants were amazing. Everyone served, worked hard, and never complained. Some had a difficult time with the spicy food but kept a great attitude. I am so proud of our young people.
We spent a lot of time at the Pudupattinam Center of HOPE worldwide where we taught the primary school children and helped beautify the premises by painting murals. We celebrated Christmas day with the children of the AIDS Home of Hope. On our last day, we provided lunch to people affected by leprosy about two hours away.
I believe this service will have a lasting impact on the young people who took part in this wonderful experience. They missed Christmas with their families, they did not have the usual holiday trimmings, turkey or presents but they took away something much more valuable - the certainty that they made a difference!
Visit us at www.HOPEww.org to learn more about all of HOPE worldwide's programs and see how you can be a part of global change to bring hope to some of the world's most needy.
To read more articles from HOPE worldwide on Disciples Today:
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55 volunteers spend their holiday serving the needy |
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See how volunteers made Christmas dreams come true |
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You Can Make a Difference this International Day of Giving |