Over thirty years ago HIU alumna, Gayla Congdon (BA '77, MA ’89), founded Amor Ministries, a non-profit organization whose mission is to change the world, one family at a time, through life-changing mission trips. Amor Ministries carries out this mission by building homes for families (primarily in Mexico), giving them safety and security, and helping them to keep their families intact.

Hope International University has partnered with Amor since its inception, helping change lives both domestically and internationally through the program.

Each semester, a group of students led by Bryan Sands (BA ’01), HIU’s Director of Campus Ministries, travels to Tijuana, Mexico, to build a home for a family in need. Over the course of four separate day trips, a basic home is built: concrete floor, walls, roof, stucco, windows and doors. Although there is no electricity or plumbing, even these simple houses are more substantial than many of the makeshift homes in the region. 

“One of the great aspects about these trips is it gives all the participants a better perspective,” Bryan says of the outreach. “These trips help us take our eyes off of ourselves and focus others’ situations. The experience helps us appreciate what we have and challenges us to be more giving to those in real need.”

The families who receive these homes are evaluated and prioritized by the Ministry Planning Board made up of local Mexican Pastors. These Pastors also continue to visit each family served, building a long-term relationship and sharing the love of Christ.

HIU’s partnership with Amor continues to provide many varied opportunities to serve. In January 2017, student leaders will join the Amor team and other participants from around the world in a Global Gathering to learn about how to promote justice in person’s own domestic region.

For more information about HIU’s student outreach opportunities, contact Bryan Sands.