Contact: Steve Ferwerda, Hopegivers International, 706-323-4673, sferwerda@hopegivers.org

COLUMBUS, Georgia, April 10 /Christian Newswire/ -- Georgia-based Hopegivers International recently completed a restructuring process that will allow the ministry to better respond to and serve needy orphaned children in India, Malawi, and Haiti, the nations in which it currently serves.

Hopegivers dedicated several months to maximizing the effectiveness and efficiency of its current staff, and also hired key additional staff. The organization also significantly increased the number of its full-time volunteers, along with improving its donor and inter-organizational communication channels.

One of the key new hires for Hopegivers is Priscilla David as the executive assistant to both the president and executive vice president. Ms. David is a native Indian who speaks four languages, and is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary. Highlights of her past work experience include serving as the assistant manager at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and as the administrative assistant to internationally known minister Chuck Swindoll.

"Priscilla provides the unique perspective of having lived in the states for many years while maintaining her Indian identity," said Sandy Ellingson, executive vice president of Hopegivers International. "Her insights and ability to bridge the culture gap will be an invaluable asset to the ministry and our work in India."

Ms. David brings to Hopegivers 15 years of experience in leadership, management, administrative, and analytical skills. Her multilingual background, heart for the children, diverse skill set, and training in managing top executive operations will directly help the organization make a difference in the lives of orphans.

"In 2007, the Lord placed a burden in my heart to take care of orphans and widows in India," Ms. David said. "I have been praying for a door to open in this sphere of ministry. To my utter joy, and to the Lord's perfect timing, Hopegivers invited me to join their life-changing ministry."

About Hopegivers International
Founded by Dr. M.A. Thomas, Hopegivers International (www.hopegivers.org) provides help for today and hope for eternity through strategic ministry initiatives that rescue orphaned and abandoned children, assist the needy and oppressed, and empower the work of the gospel. The faith-based, 501(c) (3) nonprofit humanitarian agency is headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, and supports outreaches in India, Haiti, and Malawi.

For more information, contact Steve Ferwerda, Hopegivers International
Phone: 307-856-3384 • Email: sferwerda@hopegivers.org  
Website www.hopegivers.org