Our History

Our history is an awesome story of God’s faithfulness, provision and how He loves to partner with us to see transformation in peoples lives.

Check out a timeline of key moments in our history.  For simplicity, we have Hands of Hope Ministries and Faith Academy on separate timelines.

Hands of Hope Ministries

Scroll down and read the key moments in the ministries history. 
Feb 2009
THE CALL

After a short term missions trip the Holy Spirit began to speak to us on the way home to come back full-time.

Feb 2010
PREPARATION

After a short term missions trip the Holy Spirit began to speak to us on the way home to come back full-time.

Nov 2010
SAN ISIDRO

After a short trip to NZ we headed back to San Isidro and started a Kids work. Adults started attending so we launched an adult service after the kid’s service. Late 2010 held our first baptism service with close to 60 people making the commitment.

May 2011
MULTI-PURPOSE CENTRE

Construction started on the Hands of Hope Multipurpose centre after the former congressman donated land. Ist Medical Mission in our new building.

Jun 2011
CHILD SPONSORSHIP

Launch the Hands of Hope Ministries Child Sponsorship

Jan 2014
CHURCH PLANTING

We begin planting churches in other surrounding villages, San Manuel, San Manuel Sur, Balawarte and San Nicolas

Dec 2016
MISSION MINDANAO

Partnering with Hands of Hope Youth Pastor we take a team of 10 young people and head down south into the Mindanao mountains. The team climbed mountains, cross flooded rivers to feed and minister to tribal people.

Oct 2018
TRAINING & EMPOWERING

Alpha course established and more leaders trained. The focus becomes more on training and empowering local people to run all levels of the ministry

Nov 2018
RICE FIELDS

One more rice purchased. Additional mechanical equipment also purchased to help maintain the fields. The end goal is to help Hands of Hope become more self sustaining.

Mar 2020
COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new virus. Shuts down HOHFA and ministry for two months.

Feb 2022
BORDERS OPEN

2 years after lockdowns, Philippines reopens its borders to visitors. 

Dec 2023
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

Hands of Hope Faith Academy celebrating its 10th Foundation Day. God has been faithful.

Dec 2023
1ST MISSION'S TEAM AFTER LOCKDOWNS

Thank you Team Tauranga for your continued support and encouragement.

Jan 2024
OUR FIRST VISIT POST COVID

Midway through January, we returned to New Zealand after an incredible two-week journey in the Philippines. This marked our first trip back since the post-Covid era, and we were blown away by the amazing experiences we encountered.

Hands of Hope Faith Academy

Scroll down and read the key moments in the ministries history. 
Nov 2012
LAND PURCHASE

Hands of Hope Ministries purchase a 2800sqm lot with a vision of building an Elementary School (Hands of Hope Faith Academy) in San Isidro, Agoo.

Apr 2013
CONSTRUCTION & REGISTRATION

Construction of boundary fences, pads for classrooms, other amenities and the assembly of the classrooms began in 2013. Papers to open Grades 1-3 submitted to Dep during 2012-13.

Jun 2014
HOHFA OPENS

Hands of Hope Faith Academy (HOHFA) received its permit from Dep Ed and opens its classes for Grades 1-3. 42 students enrol. December 2014 HOHFA celebrated its first “Foundation Day” and were honoured to have Congressman Sandra Eriguel and former Congressman, Franny Eriguel as the guest speakers.

Jun 2015
SCHOOL YEAR

Elizabeth Ornido accepts the position as Principal at HOHFA and makes significant improvements. The school adds Grade 4, student body increases to 54 and construction starts on a new two story classroom block in preparation for 2016-17SY

Jun 2016
SCHOOL YEAR

Papers submitted to Dep Ed and HOHFA receives its permit to operate K, 1-5. The reputation of HOHFA gains momentum and is reflected in the student body increasing to ninety-two students. Construction starts on another two story classroom. HOHFA also purchased the 3000sqm lot next door with a vision toward the future.

Jun 2017
SCHOOL YEAR

Papers submitted to Dep Ed and HOHFA receives its permit to operate K, 1-6. The student body increasing to 122 students. Construction starts on a CR block and canteen. These are completed early 2016. HOHFA also purchased the 3000sqm lot next door with a vision to build a High School someday. First set of students graduate from the school.

Jun 2018
SCHOOL YEAR

Papers submitted to Dep Ed and HOHFA receives its permit to operate K, 1-6. The student body increasing to 126 students. HOHFA purchase 3 more lots totaling 15000sqms with the purpose of planting rice to help support the school

Jun 2019
SCHOOL YEAR

Celebrated our second Graduation Ceremony

Jun 2019
NEW PRINCIPAL

With long term planning in mind Jervey is appointed as Principal. The Newports will be heading back to NZ in June 2020

Mar 2020
COVID-19

Corona virus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new virus. Shuts down HOHFA (and ministry) for two months. Final exams are cancelled, Graduation and Moving-Up programs are postponed.

Jun 2020
ONLINE CLASSES START

Because of lockdowns, HOHFA starts the  2020-21SY  with online classes.

Aug 2022
IN PERSON CLASSES

The Philippines is one of the last countries in the world to resume full-time, in-person lessons.

Mar 2023
NEW SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR

Duane, Jenny and the School Board appoint a new School Administrator, Dr Marichu Gapoy, to lead the school. Furthermore, appointed Karren Joy as the new Head Teacher.

Dec 2023
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

Hands of Hope Faith Academy celebrating its 10th Foundation Day. God has been faithful.

Jan 2024
OUR FIRST VISIT POST COVID

Midway through January, we returned to New Zealand after an incredible two-week journey in the Philippines. This marked our first trip back since the post-Covid era, and we were blown away by the amazing experiences we encountered.