About Light of Hope

The ministry to the poor widows, underprivileged school children, and needy adults came to life over a night time telephone conversation with a family member in Africa. I remember during the conversation I was led by the Holy Spirit to ask certain question about my old high school, but as the conversation was on my uncle changed the conversation to the ordeal of scores of high school students that were just sent out of the classrooms and prevented from taking their final terminal examinations because their parents could not pay for their school fees. After hanging up the phone, I was heavily burdened at heart and could not sleep until I called him again to ask for the number of the students and the total amount of their school fees. The total number was 35 students with one or two terms school fees defaults. We knew these students needed help and someone must come to their rescue at this hopeless time of their life. They must return to school and complete their examinations. This was a call to service and the birth of The Light of Hope.

In most cases our past life experiences determine how we see life and live today. This is because there are past memories of life that will always be part of one’s life forever, especially hard and hopeless times. As I was thinking about this difficult situation of these students, the memory of my difficult school years came back to my mind. I remember that I had also been in the same situation many times in the past during my high school years. Most times, my father of a blessed memory would have to sell all his farm produce just to pay for my school fees so that I could stay in class and take my examinations. Remembering my own old painful and hopeless times, I was moved with compassion. The next day I discussed the situation with my wife, and we decided to rekindle the hope of these students with the little help we could offer them. I believe no child or no one should have to experience such hopelessness while I can help by the grace of God. We thank God for being able to pay for their school fees. We give the glory to God for the grace and privilege of being the Light at their dark moment. But we will need the supports of kindhearted people like you in order to do more.

One time help does not suffice, and definitely cannot be the end. We also realized that there would be more dark moments because of the prevailing high poverty level in the community of these students. Most of their parents cannot afford two meals a day for their families; they live on less than a dollar or a pound a day. As a result, education is more or less a necessary luxury for their children to be able to make a positive difference in their families and in their generation. Despite all these challenges, these students and their parents are resilient in their belief and hope in getting an education for a better future. This is a noble goal that must be supported by the privileged and kindhearted people. We believe in the hope and in a better future of every aspiring child. This light must not die because light gives energy and hope. Our belief in the hope and in a better future of the underprovided and the needy is the very essence of the establishment of The Light of Hope. We believe we can always be the light in the dark moments of life for the people who are in need of light of hope regardless of their race, nationality, culture, and religion.

In the same act of compassion and in the fulfillment of the call to serve the underprivileged, in December 2017, Light of Hope had its first “Hope Banquette.” At the banquette we distributed food items and financial gifts to over 45 poor widows and seniors. We give the glory to God for the grace to be the Light that brings hope and joy to people in need indeed. This light must keep shinning and making positive impacts. It in our prayers to affect every one that comes across us in the most areas where our light must shine to give and bring back their joy and hope.

The greater the intensity of a light the brighter it becomes. We need your help and supports to increase the intensity and impacts of Light of Hope. With your help and supports we can spread the rays of this light and impact many generations, prepare and assure our youth of a better tomorrow, comfort the widow in need, restore strength and joy to the helpless seniors, and above all be a blessing to people in time of need.

Our Goals:

1. To provide scholarships to as many underprivileged students as possible.
2. To provide vocational and leadership trainings to the youth.
3. To provide financial and material supports to the poor widows and the needy.
4. To shine the Light of Hope in as many dark moments as we have the grace to shine.

We have dedicated representatives in the United States of America and in Africa that are coordinating the Light of Hope projects.

Thanks.

Pastor Olayinka Matthew Balogun
Founder of Light of Hope

• Our Africa Coordinators