Schaumburg missionaries to speak at Hope Center benefit

John and Judy Prim return to the U.S. for a visit, after spending the last three years in Antigua, Guatemala, establishing “Hope Center.” In 2008, they left their family, sold their cars and home in Schaumburg and set off to provide hope for girls in Guatemala.

At 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, the Prim’s will attend One Hope Ministries’ annual benefit dinner, “Cultivating Hope,” and share the adventure, challenges and progress of this “Rescue Mission” to girls. The dinner will be held at Living Hope Church, 777 S. Meacham Road, Elk Grove Village and feature a silent auction and a raffle. Tickets can be purchased for $25 per person. For more information or tickets; email OneHopeDinner@gmail.com. All proceeds will go to rescuing more girls at risk.According to Judy Prim, ministry director, #147;Hope Center exists to bring opportunity and hope to the lives of girls who are trapped in the cycle of poverty. We help those girls who would otherwise not have an opportunity to continue their education past elementary school, by offering them a sponsorship to begin junior high and a residential program which offers them a #145;Life Skills#146; program, which is designed to meet their needs and prepare them for a better future.#148; Basic health and education is critical in order to reduce poverty and advance socioeconomic development. The statistics are disheartening, the average schooling is only four years, only three of 10 children graduate from sixth grade, and more than 2 million children do not attend school. These factors virtually guarantee that the next generation will be no better off than the last, unless a higher level of education can be achieved. There are no quick fixes. However, Hope Center has accepted the challenge to #147;Cultivate Hope#148; and impact the lives of girls in Guatemala. With educational opportunities, access to technology and Biblical instruction they can achieve success as individuals, as members of their local communities and as contributors to Guatemalan society. Hope Center also provides a unique home environment where young women are taught the values of honesty, friendship, developing their potential, long- and short-range goal planning and service to others.One Hope Ministries is a nonprofit organization established in Illinois. The doors of Hope Center were opened on July 17, 2008. The program is ongoing and in full process at this time with 12 girls working their way through the program. The only barrier to receiving or rescuing more girls and full implementation of the program is financial. Hope Center like so many nonprofits are stretched to their limits; the current economic climate puts additional pressure on the ministry and those that rely on it for food, shelter, education and other basic needs. Cultivate Hope in a girls life through sponsorship.Ÿ Send Your news to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com.