From Crisis to Christ-Centered Mission
Restoring Hope Ministries began with a simple yet powerful response to human suffering. In 2013, the city of Dungu in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo was attacked by a militia group. The crisis hit home for members of Cornerstone Church in Easton, Pennsylvania, who had a personal connection to one of the families affected.
Moved by this tragedy and the wider suffering in the region, the church launched a Bike Tour fundraiser to support biblical trauma counseling for women in Dungu. What started as a local outreach quickly grew into a vision for long-term, gospel-centered impact in Central Africa
2016: The Birth of Restoring Hope Ministries
In response, Restoring Hope Ministries (RHM) was officially formed in 2016 by Cornerstone Church. The mission was clear: to help restore broken lives through the transforming message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, train leaders, and develop sustainable solutions to the challenges facing communities in the DRC.
Milestones of Ministry
Over the past decade, that mission has taken shape through impactful projects:
As an Independent Nonprofit (since 2019):
2020: Built a piggery and began raising pigs for food and income.
2020: Planted soybean and sesame crops to support food security.
2021: Sponsored a doctorate for a local nurse, who successfully graduated.
2022: Trained local trauma healing facilitators through group workshops.
2024: Began construction on the Hope Clinic, expanding access to medical care.
As a Ministry of Cornerstone Church:
2017: Launched a water testing and treatment business; installed clean water systems.
2018: Built the Hope House, a multifunctional guesthouse and conference center.
2018: Founded the University of Battison L’Espoir (UBECA) to equip future leaders.
2019: Initiated a microfinance program to empower widows.
Looking Ahead
What began as a response to crisis has grown into a Christ-centered partnership between churches in the U.S. and the DRC—uniting prayer, discipleship, and development to bring lasting transformation. As RHM continues to grow, we remain rooted in the gospel and committed to holistic restoration of individuals, families, and communities in the heart of Africa.