History of New Hope

During the summer of 1971, Hank Paulson, New Hope International’s founder and president, traveled into Eastern Europe. Meeting Christians who had been imprisoned or persecuted for their faith was what God used to challenge Hank’s committment and purpose in life. Seeing hundreds of Christians with one or two Bibles was a need that could not be ignored. It became the beginning of Eastern European Bible Mission, now called New Hope International. For almost 20 years, Bibles and Christian materials were smuggled behind the Iron Curtain. Secret camps and training programs were organized to strengthen the Church.

In 1989, when the Wall came down, freedoms were restored and a new ministry began, based on two decades of relationships and established credibility.

When Hank asked Christian leaders if help was still needed, their response was, “We need you more than before. We aren’t equipped to make use of the new opportunities.” They then added, “But, don’t come and do the job for us, come and train our people so we can make a difference for Christ in our own countries.” In response, New Hope established equipping and publishing ministries in six of the former Communist countries. Each New Hope ministry is registered as a non-profit organization and functions under a National Board of Directors. The New Hope ministries have an association agreement with New Hope International.

For a copy of Hank Paulson’s book Beyond the Wall which chronicles the beginnings of the ministry which would become New Hope International. Email your name and address to mary.pace@newhopeinternational.org or click here