In early 2014, I had the incredible opportunity to serve in Santiago, Chile, with Vision for Chile at the House of Hope. This trip wasn’t just a journey across 5,000 miles—it was a journey of faith, growth, hard work, and transformation. Thanks to the generosity of River Rock Church, I was sent on an all-expenses-covered trip to join a construction and ministry team for nearly a month. Our goal: to help complete critical renovations and expansion projects at a facility that serves young women and vulnerable children in La Pintana, one of the roughest areas of Santiago.
Each day began with breakfast and devotions, then we worked from morning until evening—installing siding, hanging sheetrock, leading volunteer crews, and doing whatever needed to be done. On Saturdays, local volunteers joined us, and I had the privilege of leading and encouraging teams through various projects. I also led daily devotional times using Scripture and bilingual materials that helped us reflect on God’s love and purpose. As a non-Spanish speaker, I quickly learned how to communicate with the help of interpreters and a lot of grace.
Serving at the House of Hope was more than just physical labor—it was an opportunity to see God’s love in action. We got to witness new ministry spaces being used the moment we finished them. One of the most powerful moments was the launch of “Kids Zone,” a new outreach for unchurched children from the streets. We hoped for a dozen kids to show up—33 came, along with parents and even a stray dog! The House of Hope is now offering music lessons and English classes, expanding its impact every week.
About the Ministry
Vision for Chile is a Christian ministry that improves the living conditions of children and staff in Christian and Missionary Alliance orphanages across Chile. Through construction, parties, gifts of love, and personal testimonies, they show Christ’s love in practical, relational ways. The House of Hope, where we served, is a safe haven for young women with dreams of a better future—many of whom are now being trained in micro-business, music, and ministry.
How It All Began
Back in September 2013, Tom Orme, the Director of Vision for Chile, visited River Rock Church and challenged us to get involved. At first, I wasn’t sure we had space for another speaker—or the resources to host one. But God nudged us to say yes, and what started as a simple visit turned into a life-changing mission. Within weeks, God provided the funds for the trip. Donations came in, including a check to pay for my passport. Before I knew it, I was packing tools, supplies, and a Bible ready to serve.
Lessons Learned on the Field
During my trip, I shared a message called To the Ends of the Earth: Ten Lessons from My Mission Trip to Chile, which you can listen to on Buzzsprout here or on Spotify
These lessons include:
- Don’t reject the missionary speaker—God might be inviting you into something bigger (3 John 5–8; Isaiah 52:7).
- Don’t be surprised when God provides (Philippians 4:19).
- Get advice before you go—and while you’re there (Proverbs 11:14).
- God can use your past to build the future (Romans 8:28).
- Be ready to share the hope within you (1 Peter 3:15).
- Don’t miss adventure opportunities—take the long way if needed (Proverbs 3:5–6).
- Work unto the Lord, even when it’s hard or unglamorous (Colossians 3:23).
- Express concerns before things go wrong—honesty and preparation matter (Philippians 4:6–7).
- Be ready to lead whoever God puts on your team (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
- Know that God delights in giving good gifts—even the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).
I’ve included photos from my time at the House of Hope Photo Gallery, along with a Photo Album of the Andes Mountains and Images from Santiago. You’ll see the joy on the kids’ faces, the hard work of volunteers, and glimpses of the incredible city and natural beauty of Chile.
Thank You and What’s Next
I’m deeply grateful to River Rock Church for sending me, and to everyone who prayed, gave, and encouraged me before and during this trip. Ministry continues at the House of Hope every week with Kids Zone, music classes, English lessons, and discipleship.
Learn more about Vision for Chile and how you can be involved at visionforchile.org.
House of Hope Photo Gallery
Here are a some pictures of my time working at the House of Hope in Santiago, Chile.
Listen to the Director of Vision for Chile share with River Rock Church about the ministry click here to listen to 36 min message
Overlooking the City on San Cristóbal Hill – Santiago, Chile
Here are some photos I took from Cerro San Cristóbal, a famous hill in central Santiago, Chile. It rises about 300 meters above the city and offers panoramic views of the entire area. At 880 meters above sea level, it’s the second highest point in Santiago after Cerro Renca. We traveled there for a short break from the work we were doing in the underserved neighborhoods of La Pintana, and it was a memorable contrast to the places we had been serving.
Cerro San Cristóbal is one of Santiago’s most iconic landmarks, rising about 300 meters above the city and offering sweeping views of the capital. While many people associate it with the large statue of the Virgin Mary at its summit, the hill actually gets its name from the Spanish-Chilean San Cristóbal family. Historically, they operated a limestone quarry on the southern side of the hill near the Mapocho River. That limestone was used in early construction projects, including the first riverbanks and bridges in Santiago. Interestingly, the hill’s original name is Tupahue, which means “place of god or gods” in Mapudungun, the language of the Mapuche people.
Chile: Andes Mountains
Chile: Andes Mountains
My Trip to the Andes – The World’s Longest Mountain Range
After spending a couple of weeks working at the House of Hope in Santiago, Chile, I took a one-day trip into the Andes Mountains with Daniel, the Director of Vision for Children – Chile. We made the journey in a small Chevy Sprint, winding our way up into the mountains and stopping at a little roadside restaurant along the way. Here are some pictures from that unforgettable drive.
While I personally prefer the Rocky Mountains—where I spent much of my childhood—it was still an incredible experience to see the Andes up close. This massive range stretches along the entire western edge of South America and holds the title of the longest continental mountain range in the world, reaching about 4,500 miles (7,242 kilometers) in length. The Andes pass through seven countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
The range averages around 13,000 feet (3,962 meters) in elevation, and its tallest peak, Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, stands at 22,841 feet (6,962 meters)—one of the highest points outside of the Himalayas. The name “Andes” most likely comes from the Quechua word anti, meaning “high crest,” though some trace it to Anti Suyu, a region of the ancient Inca Empire.
The Andes are known not only for their dramatic peaks and valleys, but also for their volcanoes, ancient ruins, and even as the source of quinine—a key ingredient in the first treatment for malaria. It was a fascinating contrast to the ministry work we were doing in the city, and a good reminder of how much there is to see and learn—even in a single day.
