Sep 7, 2014 3 min read

Hope is a prominent theme for the outreach programs at Calvary Full Gospel Church in South Fayette. For the past year, members of the congregation on Hickory Grade Road have sponsored several programs at home and in El Salvador, including House of Hope. The house is currently home to a house mother and three young women who are learning a variety of life skills. On top of having a clean place to live, they are safe from trafficking.

Deb Pilardi, director of House of Hope Ministries at the church, has made numerous trips to El Salvador the past few years and is planning another in March.

The house officially opened in the summer of 2013 for orphaned girls over the age of 13. Here, the girls have a “warm, family atmosphere that will lead to an education and employment,” Pilardi said.

Helping young, homeless girls has been in the ministry’s mission from the beginning. Florence Mediate, a member of the congregation, suggested the El Salvador mission.

“She (Florence) was born there and knows there is a great need,” Pilardi said. “Members of the congregation went on a introductory trip – just a few of us – and fell in love with the country.”

At the House of Hope, the girls are offered counseling, education and training for a good future.

“We focus on the total well-being of the girls – emotional, physical and spiritual,” Pilardi said. “We don’t focus on (religious) beliefs. We don’t care what (the girl’s religion) is. We just want to share God’s love.”

Kurt Kleinhans, youth pastor at Calvary, has also made several trips to El Salvador not only as a pastor, but also as an Auguste clown, to share the church’s mission through puppets and laughter. At least once a week, Kleinhans is in contact with the girls, mainly through Skype.

“They have to be responsible. We don’t just want to give them money. We just want them to understand and appreciate what they have,” Kleinhans said.

In turn, the girls have responsibilities around the house.

“And when they are ready to leave, they know we will stand by them,” Kleinhans said.

The congregation also hopes to add more houses as the program grows.

Money is raised through donations and church fundraisers, such as hoagie sales and pasta dinners, Kleinhans said. Those making trips to El Salvador from the congregation pay their own way. One hundred percent of the money raised goes to the outreach program.

“We just do enough to supplement,” Kleinhans said.

Pilardi knows a higher being will help.

“God always find a way,” she said. “We want them to know how special they are and that they matter.”

The girls in the House of Hope also help to supplement the needed funds by making organic soap to sell.

“This teaches the girls a purpose. ‘I can sell soap and I can make some money’ they’ll know, and it builds their self-esteem,” Pilardi said.

She feels the House of Hope and other programs will make a difference in El Salvador “one life at a time.”

“This is more rewarding than you can ever imagine,” Pilardi said.

For more information about the programs and how to donate, visit www.calvaryfullgospelchurch.org.