About Us

Words of Hope’s mission is to provide people both near and far with access to God’s Word so that every life can be changed by God’s grace.

What We Do

Words of Hope is an international media ministry working to build the church throughout the world. We focus on areas that are hard to reach with the gospel, either because of poverty, geography, or social antagonism toward Christianity. We partner with existing Christian organizations in these hard-to-reach countries and equip them to more effectively ministry in their own language and context, among their own people.

What We Affirm

As a ministry in the reformed tradition, we wholeheartedly affirm the great Reformation principles: that we live under the authority of Scripture alone—our only infallible rule of faith and practice; that salvation is by grace alone through faith in Christ alone—the only way to eternal life; and that all we are and do is for the glory of the triune God alone—the blessed and only Ruler, from whom and through whom and to whom are all things.

As an evangelical mission agency, we wholeheartedly affirm the missionary principles expressed in the Lausanne Covenant (1974), in particular its statements on evangelism.

“To evangelize is to spread the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead according to the Scriptures, and that as the reigning Lord he now offers the forgiveness of sins and the liberating gift of the Spirit to all who repent and believe. . . . In issuing the gospel invitation we have no liberty to conceal the cost of discipleship. Jesus still calls all who would follow him to deny themselves, take up their cross, and identify themselves with his new community. The results of evangelism include obedience to Christ, incorporation into his Church and responsible service in the world.

Our Board

The business and affairs of Words of Hope are managed by a Board of up to 24 members.

Current Directors (2020-2021)

Rev. Jon Opgenorth, President (ex officio)
Dr. James Bultman
Dr. Ruggles Church
Mrs. Michelle Christy
Mr. Charles Damon
Rev. Jonathan Elgersma
Mrs. Marcia Elgersma
Rev. Mark Heijerman (Secretary)
Mrs. Susan Kuiper
Mr. Ed Mol (Finance Chair)
Rev. Dr. Steven Petroelje (Chair)
Mr. Skip Pylman (Vice Chair)
Mrs. Cheryl Schregardus
Rev. Jon Sherrill
Mr. Willie Si
Ms. Beth Snyder
Mr. Dennis TenClay

Honorary Directors

Dr. William Brownson, President Emeritus
Mrs. Marjorie Maas
Dr. Gordon VanWylen

Words of Hope Ambassador Program

Ambassadors are the volunteer force behind Words of Hope, connecting their local communities to Words of Hope’s global mission throughout the United States and Canada. Words of Hope Ambassadors have an informed and enthusiastic commitment to world evangelization and particularly to the ministry of Words of Hope. By connecting with our field leaders around the world, you are directly supporting the global church.