CRWM Ending Involvement With Hope Equals

For strategic purposes, Christian Reformed World Missions has ended its involvement with Hope Equals, a program that connected young North Americans with peacemaking efforts in the Holy Land.

Hope Equals grew out of a focus group in 2009 in which CRWM asked younger people how they would like to be involved in mission work. For many, the answer was clear: by impacting worldwide justice issues like those in the Holy Land.

That vision has not changed for CRWM, says Albert Hamstra, director of Global Impact. “We are still passionate about connecting youth in global justice issues but we need to re-evaluate the best way to do that. The structure that we were using for the Hope Equals program didn’t allow for sufficient opportunities for growth.”

Developing Young People into CRC Leaders

CRWM is thankful for the leadership of Mariano Avila, project manager for Hope Equals, and the impact that the program had on future ministry and lives of individuals.

Some of these individuals are using their Hope Equals experience in various leadership roles within the CRC and beyond.

“Many of us have been able to connect with our home congregations in deeper ways because of the passion that Hope Equals ignited in us,” said Shannon Jammal-Hollemans, a project developer and team leader for the Office of Social Justice

 “Young people are eager to share what they have learned and live out the gospel in ways that promote God's vision for peace and justice.”

One of the major ways that Hope Equals promoted this vision was through annual trips to the Holy Land. While there, seminarians, college students, and other missions activists witnessed the efforts of and served alongside local Israeli and Palestinian organizations that are working toward a just peace.

“Rather than trying to start something completely new, Hope Equals recognized that God is already at work,” said Justin Van Zee, who now serves with CRWM in Cambodia. “This same foundational idea undergirds my approach in ministry in Cambodia. I want to join in with what God is already doing through his people.”

Raising Awareness

The program also educated students on justice issues related to Palestine’s occupation. Kelsey Herbert, who now serves as the Justice Mobilization Fellow for the CRC’s Office of Social Justice, attended a Hope Equals workshop five different times.

“The workshops forced me to recognize the power and privileges that I maintain and challenged me to think about what I will do with them,” said Kelsey. “The training has equipped me to take non-violent action for peace in all aspects of my life.”

Although CRWM has ended its involvement with Hope Equals, CRWM will continue to seek ways to engage young people and strive for just peace around the world.