2024 Year in review

2024—Investing in leaders

Angela Goertzen, Director of Operations

Reflecting on this past year, I am filled with gratitude for the ways God has provided for and worked through Hungry For Life. Our vision of thriving global communities and our mission to support leaders in cultivating spiritual vibrancy and human flourishing remains at the core of all we do. Our Canadian communities and international partnerships have remained stronger than ever, and together, they are accomplishing great development work and producing meaningful and collaborative relationships that are flourishing.

This year marked a significant step forward as we began our work in international leadership development. Dave Blundell (Executive Director) completed his doctorate, and that has affirmed the HFL model of partnership. By mentoring teams in transformational servant leadership principles, we aim to empower leaders who will serve and support their communities with lasting impact.

Our organization has also experienced growth. We welcomed a new Director of Development to strengthen our efforts in resource mobilization. Additionally, I transitioned into the role of Director of Operations—a privilege and responsibility I hold with deep gratitude. Meanwhile, Chad Martz continues his vital work in Ukraine, exemplifying God’s heart for justice and restoration in a time of great need.

Through these transitions and efforts, we’ve seen countless lives changed and communities strengthened. This year has been a testament to God’s faithfulness, from facilitating teams across the globe to witnessing leaders grow in their calling and abilities to lead effectively.

Thank you for your prayers, generosity, and partnership. Together, we are building a world where communities can truly thrive.

Imbenzi Foundation Testimonial

Everlyn Imbenzi, International Partner - Kenya

‍Everlyn Imbenzi is one of HFL’s first international partners to participate in the mentor program of International Leadership Development. She is currently enrolled in the Kurumbuka Leadership Solutions program in East Africa. ‍

The leadership training I attended had a meaningful impact on my growth as a leader. It equipped me with practical tools to improve communication, decision-making, and team dynamics. I learned the importance of fostering a culture of collaboration and trust, which I’ve since applied by creating open forums for feedback within my team.

One key takeaway was understanding my leadership style and how to adapt it to different situations. This has enhanced my ability to connect with diverse team members and effectively address challenges. An impactful lesson was the importance of active listening in leadership. I realized how crucial it is to create an environment where team members feel heard and are valued. I’ve become more intentional about empowering others to take ownership of their roles which, in turn, has enabled me to drive better outcomes for my team and organization.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow through this experience.

Timotheos' Testimonial

Gerrit Oomen, General Manager of Timotheos Foundation - Malawi

Our relationship with HFL has been going on for about 5 years. We love to be involved with HFL, especially in project/team management, as their involvement ensures we have very successful trips with minimal extra work for us. It has been a very good experience, both as an organization, and for the teams who visit us.

Fullwell Leadership has also been very helpful for us as an organization, both in the individual leadership training, and in the cultural training they organized for our head office staff in Malawi. Having multiple cultures within the group led to very beneficial and productive discussions, where both sides learned to understand more of each other’s culture and way of working.

Thank you very much and keep up the good work!

True & lasting impact

Dave Blundell, Executive Director

At HFL, through 20 years of working with international leaders on community development projects, we’ve seen this truth play out: while building infrastructure and programs is essential, true and lasting impact depends on the people leading these efforts. That’s why we’ve shifted our focus to an equally vital mission—investing in leaders who will remain in their communities long after HFL has moved on.

Leadership development must go hand in hand with community development. Our partners have made it clear—if we want our efforts to create lasting change, we must support them as they grow in their ability to lead and care for their communities. Without this investment, the success of any project is at risk.

In response to our partners, HFL is collaborating with our international partners to design an innovative two-year leadership development program. This initiative aims to transform the leaders we work with into transformational servant leaders—people who inspire growth and resilience in their communities. The program will be piloted in the Dominican Republic and Cambodia in 2025-2026, serving as a model for future expansion. We’re also working to make additional leadership resources accessible to as many partners as possible.

The sustainability of HFL’s work, and the brighter futures of the communities we serve, depends on what we do now to empower their leaders. Together we’re investing not just in projects, but in people capable of transforming their communities.

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An update from Ukraine

Chad Martz, Operations Advisor

During the almost 3 years of war in Ukraine, HFL has maintained a strong presence of support, standing with our partners in their struggles as they support their communities.

Over the past year, HFL has provided food, hygiene, and other supplies to our partners serving internally displaced people, those in conflict zones, and others in de-occupied territories. Because of the longevity of the full-scale invasion, the number of families of fallen soldiers continues to increase daily. In response to this, we are working with local churches that serve these families by offering retreats in the relative safety of western Ukraine. We have hosted approximately 8 groups, totalling approximately 140 people.

It has been truly humbling to listen to prayers of thankfulness for brushing teeth and washing faces with water from the tap, since they have been unable to do so since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, or overhearing how grateful a grandmother was following the first night of rest as she went to sleep without worrying about whether her grandchildren (who accompanied her) would walk over a landmine while playing outside.

Providing a place for families of fallen soldiers to come and rest and connect with others who are walking a similar journey is an incredible gift to them. The experience is often transformative, and we have frequently witnessed significant change during the week-long retreat. It also starts building community between them for support when they go home. The local church we work through continues to connect with all our guests after the retreats, and they often start volunteering to help others in the community.

We also host those serving in conflict zones. The quiet, safe environment, along with the fellowship of local believers, helps restore those living and serving in extreme conditions and gives them hope to carry on. In addition, we make trips throughout the country to visit and encourage those who cannot come for a retreat. These trips involve some distributions of needed items, but the most significant contribution is the fellowship, personal encouragement, and singing together, which lifts spirits and reminds those serving that they are not alone. If we can serve the ones who serve the hundreds, we can have a much more significant impact than we could ever have on our own.

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Meet & greet

Getting to know Lee Tracie-Stockburger, our new Director of Development (interviewed by Angela Goertzen)

I first met Lee in October 2024 when she joined a trip to Cambodia. Six months later, she became our Director of Development. Lee’s creativity, enthusiasm, and fun personality have been a wonderful addition to our team, and I thought it’d be great for you to get to know her better—so here we are, chatting over coffee.  ‍

Lee, welcome to Hungry For Life! Let’s start with an easy one—what should we know about you?

Lee: I’ve been married to Mark Stockburger for 31 years, and we have three amazing adult children, Kate, John, and Sarah. John is married to Maddy, who is a wonderful daughter-in-law. In my past work I’ve been a pastor, a coach, and a teacher. I love being part of something bigger than myself and working to make good things happen. ‍

What unique perspective or approach do you bring to this role?

Lee: I sometimes think of fundraising as transactional, but I’ve never experienced it that way as a giver. Generosity has given me deep joy and purpose. I love being invited to partner with inspiring people doing impactful things. It’s not easy being on the front lines of nonprofit work that is raising up a team and serving in marginalized communities with huge systemic challenges. The invitation to give to HFL is an invitation to join a whole community committed together to transformation, bringing hope and change.

How do your personal faith and values align with HFL’s mission?

Lee: I value good leadership, and I have the privilege of joining HFL at a moment when we’re emphasizing the impact leaders have in transforming their communities. I believe God has asked us to partner with a posture of humility as outsiders (in the global North). And that’s the HFL way! We get to equip, trust, and then follow the lead of insiders (local leaders who are our international partners). At HFL, we want to live out a transformational and servant-hearted approach, reflective of Jesus’ own leadership. I want this, too! My life’s purpose is to unleash human potential. This is also the way of growth and sustainability: empowering others.‍

What message would you like to share with HFL’s supporters and donors?

Lee: If there’s any way we can help you accomplish your goals for giving and having impact, I’d love to hear your vision and champion it alongside you. We are so blessed by your generosity, which I’m sure extends beyond us. I’m deeply grateful for everyone who stands behind HFL and our vision and mission.

2024 Stats

We're hiring!

Teams & Project Services

Teams & Project Services provides administrative support in planning and preparing teams for travel: preparing team handbooks, making all travel arrangements, creating and managing budgets, processing applications, creating on-field travel binders and providing current in-country information.  

Finance Administrator

The Finance Administrator will play a crucial role in supporting the financial operations of HFL. This position requires a highly organized and detail-oriented individual with a strong understanding of financial management in a nonprofit setting. The Finance Administrator will collaborate with various departments to ensure accurate financial record-keeping, compliance with regulations, and effective budget management.

Information Technology Administrator

As an Information Technology Administrator, you will help the Director of Technology manage and develop HFL’s IT needs and infrastructure.

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