Build Hope Quarterly: Spring 2025
A Life Transformed: From Camper to Caregiver at Camp Abaco.
Lola’s story with Camp Abaco began in 1971, when she first arrived as a camper. At the time, she was not yet a believer, and camp was just a place to go. But despite the powerful messages and altar calls, something was missing—good food.
“I was hungry,” Lola recalled. “I had been there for three days, and I just couldn’t focus.”
That first year, she left without making a decision for Christ. But something about camp drew her back. The next year, she returned. This time, the food was better, the services were more powerful, and hearts were being changed—including hers.
Though she didn’t give her life to Christ at camp, the seeds had been planted. A week later, in her home church, Lola surrendered her life to Jesus. From that moment on, her journey of faith took root—and Camp Abaco remained at the center of it.
From Camper to Counselor to Head Cook
After becoming a believer, Lola returned to camp, this time as a counselor. She watched young lives be transformed, just as hers had been. But one summer, when the camp cook fell ill, an unexpected opportunity arose.
Without a cook, camp leadership considered sending the children home. But the campers were heartbroken.
“They started crying, saying, ‘We’re not going home. We’re staying at camp!’”
Determined to keep camp going, Lola stepped into the kitchen. She prepared a simple meal—corned beef and rice—but it was enough. She cooked for the rest of the session, ensuring no camper left hungry like she had years before. And from that moment on, Lola never left.
“I’ve been at Camp Abaco ever since—loving every minute of it.”
A Place of Healing and Hope
For nearly 50 years, Lola has poured into the lives of campers, not just through meals, but through mentorship and care. She has witnessed young people surrender their lives to Christ, become pastors, and even bring their own children and grandchildren back to camp.
One moment stands out vividly in her memory—a young girl, different from the rest, who wept at every altar call.
“She was just crying and crying,” Lola remembered. “So I took her for a walk and asked what was wrong.”
Through tears, the girl shared her painful truth—she was being abused at home and didn’t know it was wrong until she came to camp.
“She thought it was normal, but coming to camp made her realize—this is not what God wants.”
Stories like these are why Camp Abaco exists—to be a place of refuge, renewal, and restoration.
Believing for More
Through storms, challenges, and even the destruction of facilities by Hurricane Dorian, Camp Abaco has endured. Lola has watched God rebuild, restore, and expand the impact of camp time and time again.
Each summer, hundreds of children from across The Bahamas and beyond come to experience camp. And though the buildings are still being rebuilt, the mission remains the same—to reach more young people with the hope of Christ.
“I’m believing God will open doors,” Lola said. “We need more space, more workers, and more children to come to know the Lord.”
Lola’s Story
Project Shovel-Ready Update
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Project Updates
Click on a country below to see what is happening on each project around the world as the generous Builders International community builds hope!
Albania - Durres Church
The prefabricated metal building is onsite, and the foundation is being completed.
Antigua - Youth Ministry Center
The pre-fab metal building is onsite, and the foundation is being completed. Upon completion of the foundation, the building will be erected.
Bahamas - Marsh Harbour
The foundation is nearing completion, footers are in place, and walls are going up. Team-ready.
Belgium - Continental Theological Seminary - Phase 1
FINISHED! New dormitory is 100% complete! Ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication service held on October 5, 2024. Students moving in! Phase 2 has already begun. A graduation ceremony will be held next month.
Bosnia - Valley of Blessing Youth Camp
FINISHED! Ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication service were held on July 6, 2024! Students have already gathered for youth camps and are gearing up for camps this summer!
Builders International - Building Renovation
Interior and exterior renovations are completed. The building has been dedicated and is being used for God’s glory!
Chile - Santiago Children’s Ministry Center
Work continues on the ministry center. Some materials are onsite, and work continues daily. Teams are currently being hosted, and new teams can get on the calendar now.
Colombia - Justice & Bible Institute
Ground is broken and work has begun!
Cuba - Church Construction
Teams are currently being hosted in Cuba, working on a variety of church projects across the country.
Czech Republic - Church Without Borders
Remodel is underway.
Ecuador - Timothy’s Abode
Work on the building continues. The prayer tower and exterior solar lights are now complete.
Ecuador - Jungle Bible School
The prayer tower and security fence surrounding the property are now complete. Plans are being made for the construction of two additional dormitories and staff apartments. Work continues to bring this facility to completion.
El Salvador - Marriage & Family Counseling Center
The third floor of the building is moving to completion. Scheduling teams now as we push toward the finish line.
France - Beauvais Church
Teams are scheduling for 2026.
France - Multiple Church Project
Several projects are moving forward as funding is disbursed. Teams are currently scheduling.
Germany - Haus Antioch Ministry Center
Putting final touches on the project. Looking for teams in Spring 2025.
Honduras - Jehovah Jireh Church
Construction is complete, and the church is now reaching the community with the hope of Jesus!
India - Calcutta Mercy Hospital
Funds continue to be received for this vital remodel project.
Israel - Jerusalem School Bethlehem
Construction has begun. The children are particularly thrilled about the newly completed playground, which brings joy during recess time, allowing students to simply be kids — a welcome break from the constant conflict in this region.
Kosovo - The Hope Center
Finalizing project – nearing completion! Grand opening scheduled for Spring of 2025.
Mexico - Restoration of Life Church
Construction is progressing. The roof will go on soon, and then interior finish work will commence.
Mexico - Morelia Bible School
Close to completion. One team and $10K could wrap it up. Still needed – bathroom fixtures, windows and divider walls in the shower area. About $10,000 would complete it all.
Nicaragua - Casa de Mi Gloria - Managua Campus
Foundation work is in progress. Teams are being hosted now to work on the project.
Nicaragua - Casa de Mi Gloria - Nindiri
Nicaragua - Casa de Mi Gloria - Ticuantepe
Nicaragua - Casa de Mi Gloria - Tipitapa
Still needs construction. Scheduling teams now to work on project.
Nicaragua - Central Bible Institute
FINISHED! Ribbon-cutting and dedication service were held in November 2024. Bible School students are now being trained to take the gospel across Nicaragua and beyond!!!!
Panama - Panama 100
Four churches finished and dedicated in 2024! Two teams already hosted this year with 4 more scheduled to complete multiple churches in 2025!
Poland - 700 Cities Training Center
The building continues to progress.
Scotland - Bridge Family Church
The cafe is complete and operating. The next phase of completing exterior landscaping and gathering space is ready to begin.
Serbia - Crossroads Rehabilitation Center
Construction finished. Planning for a Summer 2025 ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication service!
Slovakia - Kendice Church
Work continues on the interior of the building. With funds in hand, the progress continues. Scheduling teams now.
Spain - International Media Ministries - Madrid
Work is ready to begin as soon as funds are available. Scheduling teams now.
Spain - Project Rescue Safe House - Melilla
Construction continues.
Spain - Barcelona International Church
Construction in progress. Teams are currently being hosted.
Spain - Mallorca Christian Center
Construction complete, but funding still needed!
Spain - The Garden: Missionary Respite House
Remodel projects continue. Scheduling teams now.
Sri Lanka - Navinna Church
Taiwan - Agape Church Plant - Zhunan
Fully funded and finished!! This church is reaching the lost with the hope of the gospel!!
Ukraine - Hope in Action Medical Ministry Center
Construction is underway, and the project will advance as funding is available.
Ukraine War Reconstruction - Phase One
Funds are continually being sent to help rebuild churches across Ukraine.
Uruguay - Hope for Uruguay 100
Twenty-eight churches completed, dedicated, and in use for His glory! Teams begin after missionaries return to the country from itineration.
Vanuatu - Tanna Mission Center
Construction is progressing full-speed ahead! The pastor/coordinating house and outdoor restrooms are finished. Now working to finish the ministry training center. Funding is needed to help this project reach its completion.
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