The House of Hope is a prostitute rescue mission serving the women and children of Managua, Nicaragua. American April Havelin started the ministry in 2001 after speaking to a group of prostitutes. Sensing the need for greater outreach to the women and young girls caught in the sex-slave trades, April felt the Holy Spirit confirm the need for a home and vocational center that would offer safety, training in alternate ways to make a living, and the creation of an environment to share the Gospel and spread the love and salvation of Christ. Thus, House of Hope was born in 2004.

First and foremost, House of Hope’s mission is evangelistic outreach: sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ among the lost. To this end, on-site director Oscar spends his days witnessing in the streets and brothels of Managua, telling of Christ’s love and redemption and inviting them to come to experience all that House of Hope can offer to show them the way off the streets and alleyways. On Tuesday mornings, women who heed his call stream into the House of Hope compound to hear the Good News, worship, and participate in the jewelry and card-making cottage industry created to teach them new skills that would allow them to support their families without resorting to prostitution. Over 300 women regularly participate in these Tuesday workdays. It is estimated that 80% of these women have left the life of the streets and now support their families through other means.

For some, safety and shelter is only possible by becoming a resident of the House of Hope. Over 60 women and children call the House of Hope “home.” Having proven faithful in their desire to walk with the Lord, these women and children find a safe haven in the Resident’s Program. Here they have shelter, food, clothing, education, medical care, and a community of healing. Bathed in the Word and guided by April, Oscar, and his wife Vilma, the women stay until they are physically and spiritually strong enough to stand on their own back in their communities.

For those making their way in their communities, support is offered through micro business grants that enable the women to create small businesses such as vending carts, small variety stores, peddling hand-made items such as piñatas, or providing services like laundry and ironing. More importantly, support is offered through the establishment of small group Bible studies taking place in their homes. More than 75 of these small groups are held in homes throughout the city of Managua. Having lived in a world few can understand, the support they offer each other as sisters-in-Christ is powerful and unique. These women have accepted the call of discipleship and are carrying the Word out into their world!

BRCC has an ongoing partnership with this powerful ministry. Teams go to Nicaragua throughout the year to serve and minister to the women and children of the House of Hope.

To learn more: House of Hope Nicaragua 
Or contact: Shea Foster