HOH History

It all started when...

The House of Hope was founded by former International Ministries missionaries Dr. Mario Morales and his late wife Iris.  In 2004, they realized the students at a local seminary needed more than theological discussions and pastoral theory. The seminary students needed to move beyond the walls of the Baptist Seminary and start doing theology and pastoral theory on the go. They needed to give hope to people in the cycle of poverty—Andean women and kids who come from the mountains and deal with hunger, homelessness, and hopelessness.

At the same time, one October evening in Cochabamba, as Iris was buying a hamburger at Burger King, she noticed a young Quechua boy playing near the drive thru and watching people pick up their food. Iris saw that he looked hungry, so she rolled down her car window and asked the child if he wanted to eat. The boy nodded his head yes, so Iris bought a meal for him as well. When she gave him the food, he took the bag and ran as if he was afraid of being charged for the meal.

During this encounter, Iris realized that more could be done from Quechua children in Cochabamba. Mario and Iris learned of the plethora of needs that immigrants from the mountains have when they move to the cities. They need food, medical care, and to be treated with dignity. Most importantly, they needed HOPE. The Holy Spirit spoke to Mario and Iris to start the House of Hope with a focus on integral mission. This gave seminary students opportunities to do important ministry and local churches the opportunity to get involved in the community.

The House of Hope has grown and expanded throughout the years as the needs arose.  Since that time, the House of Hope has been responsible for the beginning or supporting of over 60 ministries in its over 12 years existence.  The majority of these ministries have been supported in various ways, and almost all of them have been turned over to a local church to continue making an impact on their local communities.