HopeCo’s Director of Engagement, Sarah Alfieri, shares about her first time at City of Hope…

I recently returned from my first visit to City of Hope, and I am in awe of all that God is doing. The joy seen among the staff and students isn’t just evident; it’s contagious!

As many of you know, we currently have 33 students from Tanzania studying in the US. This summer, 14 of them had the opportunity to return to Tanzania and spend the summer with their families, friends, and community.

After three travel-filled days, we pulled through the gates of City of Hope with these students and were met by a cheering crowd - it didn’t matter that it was dark and nearly midnight! The band played, parents cried as they were reunited with their children, and students danced and sang. I have never felt more welcome anywhere than when I arrived at City of Hope!

The joy and celebration did not end that night but were felt and seen for the duration of my trip. Each staff member was eager to share what God was doing in their life, classroom or office, and family. Not only were they passionate about the vision and mission of HopeCo, but they were on fire for the Lord. The Lord’s presence and love were tangible across each inch of campus, from the classrooms to the medical center to the church!

The staff aren’t alone in their commitment to the Lord. Many of the students are growing in their faith and God-given talents, leading in the choir, lending a hand to other children, and desiring to learn more about their heavenly Father. One student who is on fire for Christ and leads in the choir, sang these words during church: “I will never stop saying what he has done.” This should be the posture of every Christian - to never stop proclaiming His glory!

Although most of the children at City of Hope come from backgrounds of abuse, abandonment, poverty, and neglect, it can be hard to tell when interacting with them. The children are full of joy, love, and energy. They are eager to learn, dedicating their days to studying and growing so they can reach the dreams that God has placed in their hearts. The children are just as eager to play and get to know the visitors, spending their breaks playing soccer, duck-duck-goose, and racing one another.

Through the love and care of our incredible staff and the redemptive, life-changing love of Jesus, these children can overcome and heal from past hurts.

Now, they are looking at bright futures. After all, City of Hope is a city of a thousand dreams! During my visit to the City of Hope, I asked some of the students what they wanted to be when they grow up. Some of their responses were: teacher, nurse, pilot, engineer, professional soccer player, doctor, and so much more!

Thank YOU for supporting these children and giving them the chance to hear the good news of the Gospel and to dream BIG! Your partnership gives them the hope they need to heal from painful pasts and look to the bright future God has for each one of them.

You can make a special gift today to support these children and help them reach their dreams. It will have a life-changing impact! Or, you can even visit City of Hope yourself to experience the joy first-hand as part of a mission trip. Find out more about joining a mission team, or make a gift today.