Champions of Hope
In a world marked by uncertainty and challenge, hope endures as a source of strength and catalyst for change. Around the world, courageous leaders are turning dreams of hope into transformative action. These are our Agents of Hope– the artists, advocates, teachers, and entrepreneurs who prove hope’s incredible power to heal, connect and restore.
Edifying hope isn’t just for heroes– it’s a collective movement that flourishes when each of us take part. Meet a few of our Agents of Hope and discover how they are using their unique gifts to make a meaningful impact.
Seeing Beauty In The Places Of Decay
Haejin Shim Fujimura, Embers International
Meet Haejin Shin Fujimura–a lawyer, entrepreneur and the CEO of Embers International, a global NGO dedicated to serving those in oppressed and impoverished communities. Haejin brings light and opportunity to children born into brothels in India—second and third-generation children trapped in cycles of intergenerational violence and abuse.
Discover how Haejin’s faith, leadership and vision for justice is transforming lives and offering a new path forward – one of restoration and dignity– for hopeless communities.
A Hope-Filled Vision For The Future
Justin Beene, Center for Community Transformation
Justin Beene is the founder and visionary behind the Center for Community Transformation. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Justin is creating meaningful change in a city hailed as one of the best in the Midwest. Through his work, Justin seeks to expand opportunities for cross-cultural connection and empower leaders to break cycles of poverty through authentic relationships and innovative support.
Discover how Justin’s leadership and passion for transformation inspires hope and brings progress to communities in need.
Hope as a new beginning
Mako Fujimura
For artist Makoto Fujimura, hope is the substance that holds all things together – life, art, and communities. As a survivor of 9/11, Mako found profound healing through artistic expression, transforming tragedy into renewal. Rather than seeing his experience as an end, he embraced it as a “genesis point”; a new beginning. Through his work, Mako shows that creation itself is a courageous act of faith– one we have all been called to step into..
Explore how Mako imbues his work with hope to bring healing and new life into the world.
Holding The Light
Darren and Brandy Whitehead
For Darren and Brandy Whitehead, hope is a “buoyancy for the soul”—a vision for the future that inspires energy and optimism. As founders of Franklin, TN’s Church of the City, the Whiteheads have cultivated a thriving community where faith, purpose and belonging grow.
Beyond building a vibrant congregation, Darren and Brandy have prayerfully transformed a 50-acre property into a sanctuary of support, providing critical resources for people in need – those without transportation, those seeking mental health support and foster youth transitioning out of care.
Hear how Darren and Brandy Whitehead have created lasting impact for our neighbors in crisis through faith, friendship, and action.