Alexander HarveyWhen we launched Equipping Hope International in late 2018, we stepped out in faith, trusting God to provide where we could not. We didn’t have a detailed blueprint, a full staff, or a robust donor base. What we had was a clear calling — to equip refugees in Tanzania with tools for dignity, self-sufficiency, and spiritual growth — and a deep conviction that God’s Word was enough to lead us.
Now, as we begin Year Two, we’re still building. We’re still learning. And we are still being led by Scripture — not just as an inspiration, but as our blueprint.
In this post, we want to share some of the verses that are shaping how we move forward, what they mean to us as a team, and how we see them playing out in the lives of the people we serve in the Nyarugusu refugee camp.
“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
This simple command remains at the center of everything we do. It reminds us that our work, whether it’s managing a budget, planning English curriculum, or communicating with donors, must be an act of love.
In the refugee camp, love means listening with patience. It means honoring the dignity of every student and tailoring apprentice. It means walking alongside people, not trying to fix them.
As we expand our programming and grow our impact, this verse calls us back to the core of our mission: equipping in love.
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” — Proverbs 3:27
In a place like Nyarugusu, the needs can feel overwhelming. But this verse keeps us grounded. It reminds us that we’re not called to do everything. We’re called to do the good that is within our power.
In Year Two, we’re committed to action: expanding English classes, supporting more tailoring apprentices, and laying the foundation for our additional initiatives. We believe it is within our power to act — and we believe God is calling us to do just that.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” — Colossians 3:23
Excellence matters. And not because we want to look impressive. It matters because we serve a God of excellence.
In every spreadsheet, every lesson plan, every mentorship, we are working not just for our participants or our partners, but for the Lord. That truth changes the way we approach our daily tasks. It turns ordinary work into holy work.
As a small but growing Christian nonprofit in Tanzania, we’re learning how to build with both grit and grace.
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” — Proverbs 22:9
Generosity doesn’t begin with abundance. It begins with compassion.
In Nyarugusu, we’ve seen families share what little they have. We’ve watched tailors help each other with broken machines. We’ve watched teachers stay late to support a struggling student. And we’ve watched our donors give faithfully, even when things were tight.
This verse reminds us that generosity is one of the clearest signs of spiritual health. It is also a foundation for long-term community transformation.
“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness…” — Isaiah 58:10
Equipping Hope was founded because we couldn’t ignore the hunger both physical and spiritual, that persists in long-term refugee situations. This verse has become a kind of mission statement for us.
Our aim isn’t to offer quick fixes. It’s to spend ourselves, to give time, energy, prayer, and resources, in service of lasting hope.
In Year Two, this means deeper relationships, stronger programs, and more intentional discipleship.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” — Romans 12:6
From day one, Equipping Hope has been shaped by the gifts of others like teachers, volunteers, donors, board members, and partners. Each person brings something unique to the table.
In this next season, we want to make more space for those gifts to flourish. We want to encourage our teachers to lead boldly. We want to invite more voices into our leadership circle. We want to help our students discover not just what they can learn, but what they can give.
This is the body of Christ in action.
Thank You for Walking with Us Into Year Two
We couldn’t do this without you. Your prayers, your giving, your encouragement — they are part of every student’s breakthrough, every graduate’s success, every moment of restored hope.
As we step into 2020, we do so with renewed faith and sharpened focus. Scripture is not just comforting us. It’s moving us. It’s pushing us to act, to serve, to risk, and to believe.
Thank you for being part of that movement.
With gratitude,
The Equipping Hope Team