Pastor appeals to well wishers to make House of Hope the pet project this X-mas

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis, December 21, 2011 A Nevisian, Pastor Allinson Da Costa, has appealed to well wishers to donate towards House of Hope (HOP) children’s home this Christmas season.

Pastor Allinson Da Costa (center) with House of Hope orphans and caregivers

Pastor Da Costa, came back from Zimbabwe recently after staying in the country for six months in which time he coordinated the refurbishing of an old building that now houses eight children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. House of Hope was officially opened on Saturday, 26th November, 2011.

Da Costa, is the Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Gingerland. He spent $10,000 donated by Nevisians and Kittitians, persons resident in Nevis and well wishers to refurbish and put the necessary installations of an old building which is now an immaculate home for the children.

“We have acquired a 100 acre farm from the government which will be used as the future site for the orphanage. The land is rich and fertile and will be used for crop cultivation and raising animals. The architect has visited the site and is presently drawing the plans for the orphanage which will consist of 5 units. Each unit will accomomodate 10 children and 2 care givers,” Pastor Da Costa explained.

He is optimistic that teams of skilled men will enlist to support the project and travel with him to Zimbabwe in future to help construct the project.

“Because of your faithful prayers and your financial support, this dream that was in my heart from my first visit in 1998 has now become a reality.” House of Hope is now caring for seven orphans and another one will be added shortly. Their names are, Miriam (6), Pamela (3), Wayne (5), Immaculate (4), Promise (5), Brian (5) and Cynthia (5).

Two ladies, Hilda and Blessing are the care givers. “If house of hope is to succeed and go on from strength to strength we are counting on you to continue to stand behind us and support this worthy cause on a regular basis.” He said US$2,000 is required per month to maintain the orphans, to rent the refurbishing building and pay salaries to the two workers.

“The orphans are in need of food and clothing. Most of them came with hardly any clothing. I have been to their homes and witnessed their abject poverty. Sometimes when I think about their sad conditions, it brings tears to my eyes. On the other hand, it brings joy to my heart to know that God is using you and me to touch their lives in a meaningful way and to really make a difference for these dear children. It takes US $2,000 per month to operate the orphanage so whatever you can give towards this will be deeply appreciated.”

According to Unicef reports, the number of orphans resulting from the AIDS pandemic rose from 405,000 in 2000 to 874,000 by 2005. It is projected to reach 1,042,000 by 2010 and 1,083,000 by 2015. “It is in this background that House of Hope was established to provide a family environment where material support, love, security and spiritual guidance is offered to the needy children,” Pastor Da Costa said.

For further information call 1 869 469 5680 or 869 765 7755.