by Dale Russell
“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out.
It is then burst into flame by an encounter with someone who brings Good News.
We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.”
Albert Schweitzer
It is always hard to find the words to best express our gratitude for the truly humbling way so many have supported the goals and programs of Visions of Hope. We were able to accomplish some remarkable achievements this past year. If you have a few minutes we would love to express our thanks to God and to all who faithfully agree with what we do.
First, we have to honor God for such an interesting path He has led us all down, gathering relationships, donors, volunteers, board members, team members, AIC (Adults in Custody) and Ugandans. Inmates and orphans brought together? Only God can come up with such to show the rest of us how close they can become.
A first visit to Uganda and Otino Waa Children’s Village (OTW) changes everything. Some of us may have reluctantly started down that path, only to discover those kids and that culture permanently changed us – forever. That experience will most certainly do much to adjust your thinking and actions. Visions of Hope (VOH) has enhanced the experiences of team members by leading them to Uganda. 2023 was no exception, as we gathered a team of seven last April to conduct multiple, important projects with the kids and staff, that greatly enhanced the patnerships between VOH, OTW and AIC.
A first visit to a prison may make you realize what you have seen in any media has incorrectly tainted your thought process. Thankfully, many have discovered it was time to adjust to proper prospectives. VOH has gladly assisted in the adjustment. An open invitation to join us in a safe experience is always there, and last year we scheduled 24 prison visits, taking guests each time. WANT TO COME ALONG?
Using art as a ministry has always been unique. Art becomes a very exceptional way to bridge all the variety of people and beliefs in our communities. A non-Christian can display inmate art in their home and then becomes an instant ambassador to the project and purposes. God loves to use it to bring prisoners closer to Him. These stories are continual and amazingly powerful. ART 4 U
AIC have proven who they are as they participate in our customized sponsorship program. They sent almost $5000 last year as they helped to support 110 of the OTW students. Letters continue to flow back and forth as we make sure this connection remains strong and healthy. The $5/mo. sponsorship is then matched by someone in the community. (Was that you?) At the same time, the AIC interests included funds to assist with medical needs, education and scholarships. AIC contributed $1250 to these needs in ’23. All this is astounding when you consider those who have a job in prison might make less than $1/hr. MATCHING
October brought us wonderful guests from eastern US. The Brown Family and Daniel Clubb provided the talents needed to form the “Hebrews 13:3 Tour”. The programs included a variety of music and biblical teaching on how to be a Godly man. We included five prisons and a church service.
A common mistake we make is that we look for God in places where we ourselves wish to find him. That could be distracting from what He is trying to show us. We found Him ushering us into inheriting a project. A group had created backpacks for women parolees until COVID took it down. We were asked to take it up, and so the “Fresh Start Backpack” program took off. As an AIC leaves for a new start in life they will only have their current possessions in a trash bag. We now provide hygiene items, first aid, a bible, journal, socks and snacks in these backpacks. Last year we distributed 288, split between a men’s and a women’s facility. Many thanks to you who considered this a worthy investment! INTERESTED?
We conducted five art events during the year. The audiences varied from a little county church, to a street fair, to a large fairground venue. In addition, we still have the online store and a variety of rotating displays in the Central Oregon area. As always, we are looking for more. YOUR EVENT SUGGESTIONS
We have expanded the VOH Board of Directors to broaden our impact within the community. One of the goals in ’24 is to include former AIC as board members.
It’s a funny thing how God throws in enhancements you never would have expected. A few years ago, one of our AIC determined to provide bibles for new believers in Uganda. Just how is that supposed to happen? Well, you receive funds from the AIC, send it to Pastor Douglas in Uganda who purchases bibles in the local language, have him report back with photos and names, and present that report to AIC Ronald, who determines to pray for each one by name.
Through years in prison, and now paroled, Ronald provided over 860 bibles(!) That’s a lot of steps to keep track of, but the visual and emotional rewards are priceless. His actions inspired other AIC to donate funds for bibles as well. INTERESTED IN THIS?
And speaking of bibles – the past year connected us with local donors (Thank you Don, Kent and Keizer) who provided 120 audio bibles which were distributed to six Ugandan churches during our team efforts last April. Let’s suppose you live in a grass thatched hut with no power, and you can’t read. In comes the lantern style audio bible which lights your nights, reads you any scripture and provides AM/FM stations. No power – no problem. The solar panel on the back gets your batteries up again. Life changing?
God opened the doors to two new prison facilities last year. It appears one more will come on board this month. That makes nine! Praise Him for opening these new doors. May He grant us energy to keep up!
While we have made great progress on our goals, we know we have much more work to do under increasingly challenging circumstances. You might think the staff in all prisons would be supportive and informed of what we try to do. Most are, but a small minority is all it takes to create issues that pull time and attention away from our mission. The Dept. of Corrections has a ways to go to fully appreciate their dedicated volunteers. Considering the world around us, we can brace for even more. Please pray for patience for the team. The bright side is the dedicated chaplains we work with in all facilites. It takes a special calling and talent to do what they do. Our thanks to them all!
Can AIC minister and support orphans? Yep. Has now happened for 17 years. The connection is something we could never have invented. God had plans. Do you have a seatbelt on right now? Might be needed. Since the beginning, through AIC sponsors, matching funds, art sales and other designated funds, our AIC partners have contributed $215,365.00 to OTW! Since we have very little overhead (no employees, home office, etc.) 100% of those funds were sent!
To be sure, many AIC have more reasons today to be inspired by a relationship with the Lord, discover new purpose, meet personalities on the other side of the world, and find healing for a troubled past. VOH will be there, but would love to embrace your gifts and talents, including YOU in the story. INTERESTED?
Your involvement with all these things is essential because it allows us to plan confidently and build a sustainable and impactful program year after year. Together, we can convince the world that life changers exist where most people aren’t looking. The organization’s overall direction heartens us toward this end.
For the AIC in 2024 –
You were taught to leave your old self.
This means that you must stop living the evil way you lived before.
That old self gets worse and worse, because people are fooled by the evil they want to do.
You must be made new in your hearts and in your thinking.
Be that new person who was made to be like God, truly good and pleasing to him.
Ephesians 4:22-24
For you and I –
Seek the Lord and His strength;
seek His face continually.
Remember His wonders which He has done,
His wonders and the judgments of His mouth.
1 Chronicles 16:11-12
We look forward to a continued sensitivity to God, watching for those open doors, and including YOU in the year ahead. Thank you.