If 2 fish and 5 loaves can feed 5,000, surely God has different math abilities than we do.
From the beginning of Hope61’s human trafficking prevention ministry in 2010 through 2023, Hope61 had not worked in Latin America. There were several reasons for this, but ultimately, the time was not right.
In March 2020, we were in Indiana and planned to participate in an Engage training at OMS headquarters in Greenwood. Then COVID struck, and the training was canceled. Later in the year, we returned to Cuenca, Ecuador, and had the opportunity to participate in an Engage training led by Lori McFall (U.S. trainer) via Zoom. Online training is not ideal, but during that time of the pandemic, it was the best option. Lori did a great job making it feel like a normal training. We were thankful to receive the training, one way or another.
So, in November 2020 we completed the Engage training. But what was next? We didn’t know … yet.
Leading up to 2023, OMS Ecuador leadership was in communication with Hope61 global director Darren Sweeney, planning a time for him to visit and share more about the ministry. In May 2023, Darren traveled to Ecuador and led two trainings—one for our field missionaries and another for a small group of church members.
That’s when 0 started to increase.
After Darren’s visit, we talked about being more involved with Hope61. Those conversations continued in July during the OMS Latin America/Caribbean regional retreat, where we again connected with Darren about the ministry. He is kind, gentle, patient … and persuasive! Soon after, we decided we were on board!
In November 2023, we became Hope61 trainers after completing the Multiply training.
Meanwhile, OMS Colombia leadership was also in communication with Darren and the Hope61 team. Tonya Overton (Hope61 associate director) and Lori went to Colombia in August 2023 to lead an Engage training.
0 was adding up. Soon, it would multiply.
Beginning in June 2024, we really gained momentum. We led Engage trainings in Ecuador and co-led Multiply trainings in both Ecuador and Colombia. Darren and Tonya led another Multiply training in Colombia in September 2025.
More trainers. More trainings. Multiplication.
We thank God for the Ecuadorian and Colombian pastors and ministry workers who have completed the Multiply training and now serve as Hope61 trainers. They are teaching human trafficking prevention to their churches and communities, sharing the Gospel, and protecting the vulnerable.
Because of the Lord’s blessing and the miracle math he does, 723 people have participated in Engage trainings over the past 18 months. That’s 723 people who have heard the Gospel and learned what human trafficking is and how they and their churches can use their skills, talents, abilities, and resources to build bridges in their communities and protect vulnerable people.
0 + God = 723.
Starting with 0 is not a problem; God does miracle math.
