All Posts By

Kayla Balangue

Jun 04 2025
4

Update #2 South America B

By | 2025 Teams, South America B

We arrived at Hope Mountain today; the location of the first part of our ministry. Hope Mountain is located in a beautiful area. It is in a very hilly area. There is a beautiful mountain that overlooks the entrance.
We had the opportunity to meet with the kids, both the boys who live here, and those who come here for school. We were able to play with the kids and connect with them. We played games including ping-pong, soccer and volleyball.
We also heard the amazing story of how Hope Unlimited was started here in Brazil. Phil Smith, our host, came here in the 1990s with his Dad in response to the killing of kids who lived on the streets. They have been blessed by God and so many people. They have multiple facilities around Brazil where they take in kids as well as teach them. They teach them about God as well as practical skills that they can use to get a job.
We got to have lunch and dinner with the boys who live here. While eating, we listened to there stories.
We had a “meeting” with a room full of kids. We got to sing worship songs together.
We feel so privileged to get to be here serving the kids. We had a lot of fun today! We look forward to continuing to build the relationships and get to know the kids in the next three days.

~Christina

Jun 04 2025
5

Update #2 Southeast Asia B

By | 2025 Teams, Southeast Asia B

Halo!

Today has been quite the day. It’s been such a mix of fun, beauty, and some really powerful moments. We woke up this morning in Bali, started the day with a few laps in the pool, and then headed to the beach for a bit. The weather was perfect, all glory to God!! After that, we grabbed some breakfast, which was super good and super fresh, and then squeezed in a little more pool time before catching our flight to the island. As soon as we landed, we were met by the kindest people. Seriously, they were so genuine. You could tell they were just happy to see new faces, and that kind of welcome instantly made us feel at home. They didn’t have to say anything to welcome us, but the smiles in their faces were so valuable!
We headed straight to our hotel, then drove to the House of Hope and had dinner with the kids there, and that’s when things really hit deep. After dinner, we worshipped with them, and I can’t even explain how powerful it was. These kids have so little, like, less than the bare minimum, but their faith is so strong. They worship with everything they’ve got. No fancy sound system, no big lights, just pure hearts, real voices, and so much joy. It really makes you think. Like, they don’t have much, but they know Jesus is everything. Meanwhile, we can have all the material stuff and still feel empty sometimes, but as they do, we should trust in the Lord with everything we have, even if it’s nothing that we have. Tonight was a big reminder that Jesus is enough. These kids are such an example of what it means to trust God completely, even when life isn’t easy. Anyway, it’s night here now, we’re winding down and getting ready for what’s gonna be another amazing day tomorrow with some seriously awesome people.

~Allie

Jun 04 2025
4

Update #10 Southern Africa

By | 2025 Teams, Southern Africa

Today was the 3rd day of the second camp! We started the morning off like usual with breakfast and the Bible story. Today we acted out the story of the prodigal son. I played the prodigal son and it was fun to make the kids laugh as I acted out the part where he spent all his money. 

After the story my team went to games first. We played some relay games including my favorite, the ballon popping one. The leaders got to try a round of it and that was very fun! Next we had crafts. Today they kids got to decorate picture frames with their photos. It was very touching to see how they reacted to seeing themselves. They don’t get to have very many photos so the kids always cherish these as prized possessions. It’s really sweet seeing how something that we consider so simple, brings the brightest smile to their face. 

The afternoon games were water balloon toss and a game where one person was blindfolded and the other had to guide them using animal sounds. Team sharks won the first round! (And lost the leader round, but “shhh”) 

I think my favorite part of the day was free time. My and one of the other leaders on my team (Tadiwa) played with a group of kids. I would chase them and pretend to eat them while yelling  “shomba” (lion in Shona) and they had a great time laughing and running away. We also took turns showing them some tricks like handstands and back bends and they shocked us with their own impressive feats, much of which I  couldn’t do. It’s been really fun trying to learn Shona as well. They kids circle around me and yell out words they want me to copy. I do my best to say them and then they all laugh lol. 

We ended the day with a retelling of the boy who cried wolf. Its fun to tell them classic American stories because we know them super well and they have never heard them before. It’s a win-win. Noah was our little lying shepherd and I must say his acting skills are on amazing. It’s fun to see him along with everyone else opening up and becoming more bold with the kids. After our leader meeting we closed with some aggressive “passionate” playing of a game called over the mountain. There may have been a few minor injuries but it was still very fun! 

Well, ndakaneta (I am tired) so I am signing off now! Goodnight!    
– Teagan

Jun 04 2025
0

Update #2 South America A

By | 2025 Teams, South America A

We started the day with breakfast at 7:45 and then headed to La Roca Skate Church. They have a large skate facility that is for the community to come and skate and learn about Jesus. We met the manager David, along with some skaters like Walter, Jesus, and Gabax. Walter represented this country at multiple skate championships in Rome and Dubai! David also shared with us his testimony, and how God took away his Mom’s cancer! The whole team tried to skate, with some better than others. We started a work project of building a new ramp. While half the team drilled and sliced up wood, the other half painted some of the walls. We stopped for lunch at 1 and then continued working on the ramp. Then we left to shower and take a break. We took a walk to a nearby açaí bowl place, as well as went to the grocery store. Then we went back to La Roca and had some ice breakers with the La Roca boys and had a Devo from Cole. We made crafts and played soccer, and didn’t get back to home base till 2 am! Overall it was a great day, and lots of people opened up and shared some heartfelt messages about God in our debrief. Day 2 was awesome, can’t wait for tomorrow!

-Ryan

Jun 03 2025
10

Update #1 South America B

By | 2025 Teams, South America B

Oi! (Hello!)

Wow today was so amazing and full and exceeded every possible expectation but let me do a quick recap of yesterday.

We arrived late last night in South America and we ate probably the best steak I have ever had in my life!!! Seriously the best ever! We then headed to hotel around 12am and everyone was exhausted from traveling and had full bellies so going to sleep wasn’t hard!

We woke up this morning and got to hear the most beautiful testimony from a graduate of Hope while we ate breakfast at the hotel. (Side note, best hotel breakfast ever.) His story was both inspiring and also eye opening to the situations of lots of the children here in South America. I am reminded of how God can truly turn any situation for His good!

We then went to a drug rehab center. This was something that I am so thankful I was able to experience. Our team experienced lots of different realizations during this time. It’s crazy how much sin and hope are intertwined at this center. To see the devastation of drugs on the streets of South America in one look and then to turn and see the hope of Jesus and how He transforms lives in the next. The staff at Christ Landia were amazing! We fed meals to the people on the streets and got to have great conversations with them. We worshiped with both people in the rehab and also people that just walked in off of the streets. So beautiful! After this we danced with the staff and said chao!

We then went to the Cathedral and it was so beautiful! Our fieldworker then ordered us these amazing juices and smoothies! We also got samples of lots of local authentic dishes (so good!) After this we headed to the airport and headed to our next destination!

We are now at our new home for the week and the team is so beyond excited to meet everyone tomorrow!

Please be praying for good rest tonight and healthy bodies for the trip! We also are asking for prayers that God will open doors for us to share the gospel!

Thank you all for supporting us, we wouldn’t be here without you! Chao!!

Jun 03 2025
9

Update #1 Southeast Asia B

By | 2025 Teams, Southeast Asia B

Hi, everyone,
It’s been quite the travel experience for team Southeast Asia B! With around 20 hours of air time, and one more flight tomorrow, the team is ready to arrive at our final destination. We battled through a 13 1/2 hour flight with melatonin, movies, and a yoga session prior to taking off 🙂

This team has already bonded and learned so much in just a short amount of time. We have tried some yummy local dishes that excite the team members as the adventure is just beginning! Everyone has loved exploring our “pit stop” through shopping and food. I know I can speak for the rest of the team when I say we are SO excited to meet up with our fieldworkers and serve. For now, I think a good nights rest is in order!

~Natalie

Jun 03 2025
1

Update #9 Southern Africa

By | 2025 Teams, Southern Africa

Hello friends and family! Natalie and Eva here, coming to you after a longggg day of camp Day 2! 

The day started the same, the kids got a nice workout in and then feasted on some yummy breakfast. We then went to the Prayer chapel for our lesson of the day, worship, and introducing the memory verse. Teagan and Holly introduced the parable of the Lost Sheep, and the kids seemed to love it.

Today’s verse was John 3:16, and EVERY kid memorized it by the end of the day!

Next we split up into crafts and sports. The kids were able to decorate a shirt and colored a drawing of the lost sheep. For sports, the kids competed in some fun relay races, and all I gotta say is some of the kids CANNOT blow up a balloon! They tried their best, and the leaders had to get involved, but they had fun regardless.

For lunch, if you ask Olivia, was one of the best lunches we’ve had so far because…. They attempted to make hamburgers for us! They put actual ham on some buns, with tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and pineapples! Very interesting, but we were all craving In N Out so it hit the spot!

We ended the day with a yummy dinner, more worship, recap of the day, and an entertaining bed time story. We decided to share with them the story of the Ugly Duckling, and the kids were cracking up!

Overall, another amazing day! We appreciate prayers to increase our energy these last few days, preventing sickness, and cohesiveness as we go into the last two days of camp. 

Thanks for keeping up with us!

Oh, also, Mom and Dad I love and miss you! – Natalie

Jun 02 2025
5

Update #1 South America A

By | 2025 Teams, South America A

Hello friends and family!

Today was our first full day in country! We arrived safely late last night and got to our site.

Today we got up and at breakfast at 9! We had eggs, cereal, toast, fruit and more! Very delicious!

After breakfast we had our safety orientation! We learned all about how to best stay safe, and some general rules for the trip!

We then loaded up on the bus, and headed to La Basilica! It was so beautiful! We learned about the history behind it, and then got to go up to the top! We got to look into the church, see some beautiful stained glass, and then we adventured higher! We climbed up some very steep steps that were well worth it for the incredible view of the city around us! 

From there, we headed to see the capitol building and the Independence statue! It was neat to learn more details about the country! 

From there, we walked to lunch! Lunch was a few different courses! We had a juice, some sort of yummy orange-mango-passion fruit blend! We also had some plantain chips! Then we had soup, either a carrot and broccoli soup or a plantain soup with tuna! After that, we all had rice and some sort of meat! We ended the meal with some refreshing watermelon! Everyone enjoyed their meals, and then we headed back to our home site. 

Once we got back here, we learned how to make cheese empenadas! This was such a fun experience learning from our hosts mom! Everyone got to make some, some looking better than others, but all tasting delicious! We got to enjoy these, and then headed to orientation!

During orientation, we got to learn more about the organization and its roots. It was so cool to see all the ways that God has grown this organization/ministry here in country! 

We then got to hear from the manager of an organization who helps women who are being sex trafficked! This ministry helps them become more established in businesses, and we got to experience that! We were able to look and shop the jewelery that these women have made! All of the pieces were stunning!

We then had some fun team time, some playing soccer, others playing uno. We then headed inside for some more yummy dinner, and ended the day in a debrief! Today was an overall great first day, allowing us to see the culture here, and we are so excited to start ministry tomorrow!

-Amelia

Jun 02 2025
1

Team East Africa made it back home!

By | 2025 Teams, East Africa

After a beautiful two weeks in East Africa, the team has made it back to the US safe and sound. Don’t forget to ask them all about the stories they have about the girls they encountered and how they experienced God in Africa. Pray for them to navigate culture shock with ease as they lean into God and answer whatever he is calling them into next.

Jun 02 2025
7

Team South America B has arrived safely!

By | 2025 Teams, South America B

The South America B team has arrived safely in their destination! They are ready to get settled and get serving!
Join us in praying for them to get good rest and to continue to press into all that the Lord has for them in the coming days and weeks. The team will update again after their first full day of ministry!