GPS Life Journey Equips Orphans for a Successful Destiny

This month's story was written by Haven of Hope International back in November, 2020.  It showcases how volunteers helped to make a difference in the lives of three young women and used the Spanish translation of GPS Life Journey.
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"Haven of Hope International’s vision is to change the destiny of orphans around the world. We are doing this through strategic partners, like GPS Life Journey who provides programs that equip young people to succeed and find purpose. GPS stands for God’s Plan for Success and the program helps participants write a personal mission statement for their life, taking into consideration: personality, strengths, life experiences, skills and passions.

We believe God created each of us with unique gifts and abilities and has a plan for our lives to make a difference.  Its a beautiful process watching the children discover how they are uniquely created, realize they are fearfully and wonderfully made and to begin to dream about how they can positively impact their world.
HOHI’s founder, Alice Skaff, sat on the steering committee for the development of GPS Journey curriculum many years ago. The process and coaching from Pastor Nolen Rollins, was instrumental in helping her take next steps in founding HOHI.

Why Orphans Need GPS Life Journey Training

We know that 99.5% of orphaned children never get adopted and without life skills education and vocational training 70% of girls in adulthood will turn to prostitution.
Human trafficking is a serious problem in Bolivia where our flagship home is located. An investigation has found that human trafficking goes largely unchecked and 71% of the victims that are rescued do not receive attention or protection from the government. Sadly this makes Bolivia a source country for human trafficking.  

We are making sure our children have what they need and in less than 90 days, we equipped three university students from Haven of Hope Bolivia with resources that will help guide them using GPS Life Journey. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ( Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

From left to right: Luz Marina, Carlota and Fernanda with their GPS Life Journey workbooks.

Meet 3 Young Women & Their Mission to Serve and Fulfill their God Given Purpose.

Luz Marina was nine years old when she had a dream of children being trafficked for their organs.  She shared this horrifying vision with “Mama” Gladys.  So powerful was the dream that it has stuck with her ten years later. 
She’s determined to use her God given gifts and strengths to instruct young girls to see that the Lord is using them towards better plans and purposes. 
Her mission: To teach young people, using media and communication, to worship and serve our Lord. 
Her vision: Young people would put their faith firmly in the Lord and not fall into the wicked plans of the enemy such as: pornography, violent games, etc.  

Carlota had tuberculosis when she was a child and didn’t want to live.  She believes that God healed her lungs and a pastor from Mexico encouraged her to share her faith.  Now aged nineteen she loves to worship God through dance and gives God the glory for her strength. 
Her mission: To help children and adolescents that need support in creating a change in their lives so that they never give up on their dreams. 
Her vision: To see young people motivated, hundreds of children developing their talents, hundreds of young people and children in intimate relationships with God.

Fernanda shared how it took a bus she was taking to a neighboring city for her studies breaking down to appreciate where she lives today.  Seeing that others have worse living conditions made her grateful for all she has.  She’s excited to make a difference in the lives of the younger girls. 
Her mission: To develop projects that bring restoration and expand the word of God in their lives and the lives of others. Creatively decorate bibles for the children at church. 
Her vision: To see children motivated; to see families united; to see groups of people / teams well equipped to go out and share the word in different places.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV

From top left to right: Beth Webley; Fernanda, Carlota and Luz Marina. Bottom center: Alice Skaff, founder of Haven of Hope International on the last GPS Life Journey session.

Volunteers Made GPS Life Journey Possible
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Two volunteers from the United States helped these three young women learn more about strengths and weaknesses and gain a better understanding of others. Emily Miller provided facilitation using a program developed by Pastor Nolen Rollins.  Beth Webley donated her time and resources towards the cost of printed workbooks in Spanish.  Cathy Trentini de Guevera, HOHI’s onsite program coordinator, translated.
Importantly, we helped to equip Luz, Carlota and Fernanda to:

• Understand how God has uniquely created and gifted them
• Discover and engage in His special purpose
• Find ways to serve others
• Strengthen their sense of self-worth and significance 
• Begin their journey leaving a legacy of impact for others

We are proud of their efforts to pursue their dreams and they are already doing great things.  Please join us in praying for them to continue doing their best with their studies. We also pray that others will volunteer to help equip our orphans. If you’d like to get involved, please click here.

“I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” (John 17:4 NIV)
Our role remains – setting a new standard in orphan care."

If you would like to learn more about GPS Life Journey in Spanish then please contact us for more information.