Open Hands

Meet our committed Mexico Program Manager, Dietrich Miller!

Dietrich and his wife Veronica live in Choix, Mexico. He grew up in Choix where his parents served for many years with DestiNations International. Dietrich works part-time with Open Hands overseeing the Mexico program and loves to see the savings groups bless his fellow Mexicans. Dietrich and Veronica enjoy spending time together in nature and prayer walking in their community.

"The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor." (1 Cor. 3:8)

This group of facilitators display their completion certificates after successfully finishing a training session.
Open Hands provides facilitators with training and teaching materials for the savings groups, including the Savings Groups Facilitator Guide, the Family Finance course, and a series of four books covering business fundamentals.

Thank you for honoring our Maker through your generosity!

Meet Mike, our committed Director of Operations.

Mike and his wife Amber and son Makai live in the small city of Lebanon, PA. He joined Open Hands in 2022, initially leading the Colombia and Venezuela programs. In May of 2024, he transitioned to his new role as Director of Operations, where he provides support to Open Hands program leadership. Mike serves on the Executive Leadership Team alongside Lyndon and Joe. Leveraging his business background and field experience serving with Plain Compassion in Colombia, Mike thrives in his new role.

The Weaver family enjoys books, trying new cuisines, engaging in thought-provoking conversations, and taking walks.

Savings groups provide a safe place for individuals to save money. They can also be a safe place for members to share, care, and pray for each other. In this picture, group members are gathering in prayer after completing the formation of their savings group.

Blessing families, one loan at a time!

Savings groups give underserved people access to the financial tools they need to thrive. A small loan from the group's savings can help a member start a business and invest in their family's well-being.

Here, group leaders from an Open Hands group in Uganda keep meticulous records, ensuring everyone benefits! -centered

Open Hands savings groups are self-governed by local leadership.
The president, secretary and treasurer are trustworthy people chosen by the group at the beginning of a savings cycle to help create a safe place for everyone to save their money.

Meet Joe, our dedicated Executive Director!

Based in Detroit, MI, Joe, alongside his wife and their family, brings passion and commitment to our cause.

In 2014, Joe's journey with Open Hands began. In 2015, he assumed the role of East Africa Regional Director.

His transition into the role of Executive Director in 2022 marked a pivotal moment for our organization.

Joe's leadership continues to inspire and develop positive growth in Open Hands.

Thank you, Joe, for your unwavering dedication!

We are excited to announce the successful launch of Open Hands’ latest program in Noida, India. Under the expert guidance of Lyndon Swarey and Delvin Zimmerman, a dedicated team of 10 local facilitators and 2 program managers has been equipped to bring hope to their communities through Christ-centered savings groups.

Thanks for your part in sharing the power of the Gospel through the savings groups!

https://www.openhands.org/

🌟 This month's staff highlight shines on Nick Suarez! 🌟

Meet Nick, our dedicated program manager for Guatemala and El Salvador. Based in Mixcolajá, Guatemala, Nick and his wife Vivian also serve with Mennonite Air Missions.

In addition to these roles, Nick runs a seasonal side business husking and shelling corn. He enjoys connecting with his community through this venture, cherishing the opportunity to meet and engage with his neighbors.

Nick's boundless energy and commitment have been instrumental in the significant growth of the Open Hands program in Guatemala since he joined us in early 2023.

Thank you, Nick, for your unwavering dedication! 🙌

Savings groups provide a place where the younger can learn alongside the older how to steward their money wisely.

Excitement is high in Northern Colombia! In February, we hired and trained four new facilitators, all of whom have already formed at least one savings group. We thank God for this opportunity and express our gratitude for the enthusiasm and dedication of our Colombia team.

This month's staff highlight is Delvin Zimmerman. He serves the organization by overseeing the programs in Asia. Delvin & Darlene live in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Delvin began serving with Open Hands in 2017.

"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."
I Corinthians 4:2

Exciting News from Our 2024 Annual Staff Retreat!

We had a wonderful time at our annual staff retreat last week! It was a beautiful opportunity for our global team to come together to collaborate, grow, and fellowship. We truly appreciate the dedication of our amazing team and their families.

Throughout those several days, we strengthened our bonds as we worshipped together, prayed together, learned together, and exchanged ideas. A special thanks to our fantastic team members--your impactful Kingdom work makes us more than colleagues.

Here's to more incredible moments, growth, and success ahead! Thank you for being a crucial part of this journey with us.

This savings group in Haiti is prepared to do their distribution of funds at the end of a 12 month savings cycle.
The 71 members saved the equivalent to $2,970 USD.

Just wanted to drop in and send a massive shoutout to each and every one of you for being awesome supporters of Open Hands! Your love and prayers for what we do make all the difference.

Thanks for helping to make Open Hands the incredible community it is. Your kindness and generosity have helped us make a positive impact in combating poverty in 2023, and we can't wait to see what we can achieve together in the future.

Together, God has allowed us to accomplish so much. From serving 1,370 savings groups in 2022, we now serve over 1,550. With your help, we are privileged to engage over 190 staff members across the globe in this Christ-centered ministry.

As we look ahead to the coming year, we're inspired by the potential for even greater impact. With your continued support, we are confident that we can reach new heights and make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve, all for the glory of God.
Have a blessed New Year 2024! 🙌

Sincerely, Joe Kuepfer, Executive Director, Open Hands

Creating community and reducing poverty - Open Hands Have you ever wondered if there is a better way to love your global neighbor?

Merry Christmas from all of us at Open Hands! May the God who is with us bless you this season!

We appreciate you! Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

This month's staff highlight is Lyndon Swarey. He serves the organization by managing systems and platforms to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the savings and credit groups. Lyndon is also a valuable member of the Executive Leadership Team. While primarily working remotely from Stuarts Draft, Virginia, he occasionally makes field visits. Lyndon began serving with Open Hands in Haiti in 2009, took a break in 2018 to pursue a degree in statistics, and rejoined Open Hands in 2021.

Open Hands hires locals to teach practical, biblical financial principles. If diligently applied, these bring long term positive change in skills and habits for the savings group members.