More Than a Gift

by Drew DeVries

Inspired by Christ’s love, Children's HopeChest connects churches and other communities in the United States with communities overseas through its Community-to-Community model. Rather than simply sending assistance from a distance, these partnerships build lasting relationships, coming alongside local leaders who know their communities and are working toward a stronger future for their children. The goal is not ongoing dependence, but lasting change that builds on the gifts and resources already present.

But the invitation goes beyond financial support. HopeChest encourages connections through prayer, letter writing, sponsorship, and opportunities to visit. These are ways for people to move from knowing about a need to knowing one another. HopeChest calls this “two-way transformation”—the belief that a relationship can change both communities, not just the one receiving financial support. That challenges the way we sometimes think about helping. We do not have to arrive with every answer. We can listen. We can learn. We can recognize that the people we meet have gifts to share, faith to encourage us, and experiences that may stretch our understanding of God’s work in the world. Our generosity can become something more than a transaction. It can become friendship. This Sunday, November 1, we have the opportunity to step into this relationship!