World Vision -- New Hope actively supports the work of World Vision International by praying for and sending direct financial assistance to 10 children. While we are not the largest or strongest congregation, a total of 42 children are sponsored throughout the New Hope community. Updates their progress can be found on bulletin boards in the back of the auditorium or on Main Street. For more information about World Vision you can visit www.worldvision.org or resident Child Ambassadors April Wright (941-539-1346) or Terry Adams (941-321-2432). Articles from each of these authors regularly appear appear in Thoughtful Faith, New Hope's online journal--available on this site.

Samaritan's Purse --Through Samaritan's Purse International we participate in the program called "Operation Christmas Child." Over eight years we have actively engaged as partners with Samaritan's Purse as they send millions of shoe box gifts to children in war-torn and impoverished areas of the world. Our earliest records remind us that over 220 shoe boxes were filled by New Hope in preparation for the project in 2003. The funds for the project came from the people of New Hope and contributions within the Greater Venice community. The expenses include purchasing the gifts and sending approximately $7 per box to help defray the costs of international shipping. On November 15, 2004 282 shoe boxes were sent. The 2005 and 2006 editions finished with over 380 shoe boxes in support of Operation Christmas Child. The shoe box count for 2007 was over 500. The 2008 through 2011 time frame was and remains financially challenging. The final count for 2011 was 310 boxes completed and sent packing. We praise God for the effort and thank His people for their faithfulness--check out www.samaritanspurse.org for additional information.