Hope Has a Name

For nearly two decades, my world revolved around conference rooms, government contracts, and dignitaries— managing international programs that shaped policies and served administrations around the globe. It was meaningful work, but my passion for serving Christ’s Church began to fade beneath the weight of deadlines, travel, and growing family responsibilities.

“We sold our house, left our jobs, and moved…”

Through prayer, long conversations, and a deep sense that God was stirring something new, our family made a bold decision. We sold our house, left our jobs, and moved to Chicago so I could study Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership. Our prayer was simple: “Lord, use this season to prepare us and make Your calling clear.”

During that time, we began volunteering with refugee resettlement agencies. We met people who had lost so much yet carried remarkable strength, faith, and dignity. Their stories moved us deeply. When we learned about IAFR and its mission to help people survive and recover from forced displacement, we knew this was where God was leading.

We’ve welcomed more than 2,200 guests from 27 nations.

In 2022, we joined IAFR and were invited to pioneer a new location in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Today, that calling has become Hope Community—a space where displaced people find friendship, rest, and belonging. Over coffee and games, English classes, men’s and women’s specific programming, and worship gatherings, we’ve welcomed more than 2,200 guests from 27 nations in just 18 months.

“This is the first time in years I’ve felt like part of a family.”

One man recently told us, “This is the first time in years I’ve felt like part of a family.” Another said, "I am not a Christian but would like to attend the worship service. I feel like everyone is welcome and respected in this place.” And another shared through tears, “I am glad I have gone on this very difficult journey in my life because now I have found Jesus.”

Jesus knows what it means to be uprooted, unseen, and unwelcome.

During Advent, we remember that the story of Jesus begins not in comfort, but in displacement. The Savior of the world entered our story as a baby born far from home, laid in a borrowed manger because there was no room for Him – soon to flee with His parents as a refugee in Egypt, seeking safety from violence and oppression. He knows what it means to be uprooted, unseen, and unwelcome.

For every weary heart that longs for hope, Hope has a name. His name is Jesus. Jesus has already gone before us. He is not a distant observer but Emmanuel, God with us. And He keeps showing up, just as He always has, reminding us that no one is ever beyond the reach of His redeeming love.

CLICK HERE to learn more about IAFR in Sarajevo