Hacienda of Hope by Glen Laird

(from EnVision newsletter #2)

From the beginning, the Hacienda of Hope has been an adventure for all of us, and it's been a blessing to witness God shaping this incredible mission. Jerry and Pat Snyder are very much a part of the Twickenham family. Their testimony is a lesson in sacrificial living. Selling all they had, they answered the call to serve the children of Ecuador.

I paid a visit to the Hacienda of Hope in March and was amazed to see that the vision today is bigger than ever. Caring for abandoned children remains the primary focus, but God has providentially altered things to touch many more lives. The new Hacienda of Hope Christian School is full with 125 students – each one bright and hungry for knowledge. Expansion is underway which will double the school's capacity. Having already developed the reputation as one of the best schools in the greater Cayambe area, it is certain to be full upon completion.

Our school and orphanage have combined efforts with the Bellevue Christian Camp to start a new church, and attendance is already close to 150 in just its second year. Can you envision a church of 500 in this rural section of Ecuador? Jerry can! This church is full of energy and doing everything it can to touch the community.

Just as Paul must have thrilled the first century church with his missionary adventures, Jerry and Pat Snyder have thrilled us. And just as his perseverance inspired them, Jerry and Pat inspire us.