an interview with... heidi hove

Journey 28:19 recently had a conversation with a sponsor to find out what makes partnering with us different. We are excited to share with you what Heidi Hove had to say as she shares the impact she has seen over the past 3 1/2 years as she has sponsored and been deeply impacted by the ministry.

What makes partnering with Journey 28:19 different?
"I suspect many of you are like me and have sponsored kids through various organizations over the years. While the organizations have different niches, many have similar beliefs and values and provide a variety of similar benefits such as access to food and clean water, access to medical care, and the opportunity to hear the gospel.

What makes Journey 28:19's model so unique is the education, relationships, and involvement!

Education... It resonated with me that children at Ekklesia were not only hearing the gospel and getting fed, they were being educated as well. Education is an integral part of Journey's holistic approach. It is so powerful and has the power to break the cycle of material poverty.

Relationships... Traveling with Journey on an Impact trip is not a typical trip, especially when you sponsor a child. It is a cultural immersion into the children's country and culture. You have the opportunity to experience and see the real life and day to day struggles the families go through. There is nothing so humbling and gratifying as visiting your child's home and meeting and praying over the child and his/her family."

Involvement... The direct business relationship with Journey 29:19 and Ekklesia allows you to truly be involved in the change and transformation of the kids and community."

Tell us a little more about the first time you met Kiya, the child you sponsor.
"The first visit I met Kiya, he was a bit standoffish. He would give me a half grin or wave and then run off to play soccer. As I was searching for him on my last visit, he found me first. He burst through the crowd of 200+ students and quickly grabbed my hand. He pulled me toward his friends. He proudly and clearly introduced me to his friends by pointing to them and saying, in English, 'friend.' Then he introduced me to each of them. They all laughed as I repeated (or tried repeating) their names back to them in Amharic (Ethiopia's national language). This time he did not quickly run off and play soccer, (he eventually did), but showed me his classroom, his desk, and his grades. He is a good student and enjoys school (and soccer)."

Have you formed any other relationships in Ethiopia?
"Our hosts and translators not only take care of the logistics of our Impact teams, they have acted as cultural advisors and have become friends - family really. One very special relationship I have is with a woman named Emebet. She is one of the cooks for the school, and we have a very special bond. If the team cannot find me, they know to look for me in the kitchen, I might be sitting and listening to their chatter or watching them cook. Sometimes they pull me and try to teach me how to make injera."

What opportunities with this ministry would you recommend people consider?
"If you can’t go on an impact trip, you can pray specifically for staff and workers at the school that are directly involved with the child’s education and hearing the gospel and then also for those individual’s lives as they work and are a productive member of the community. You can be involved with the change at Ekklesia by, sponsoring, praying, participating on an impact trip, or getting involved with Journey 28:19 – there is no limit if you are interested."

As Heidi said, there are a lot of ways to get involved. We would love to have you join us in this ministry by sponsoring a child or find other ways to get involved on our website.

Questions? Please don't hesitate to call or email. We would love to talk with you.