Last Friday evening marked a big moment for Hope Station. An end of one season and beginning of another.
Hope Station’s Founder and Director, Rebekah Kepha, will be leaving China in August with her husband Jonathan.
So on Friday evening, Hope Station staff and friends gathered together to bless and send off the Kephas. It was a meaningful evening for everyone, complete with a time for prayer and encouragement, lots of food, and lots of hugs.
What will happen to Hope Station?
The work of Hope Station carries on as usual! The children and families we serve will continue to get the same high quality care and attention that they deserve.
Hope Station is in very capable hands. Margarate Zhang has already taken over daily operations in China as Hope Station’s new COO. She’s been working full time with Rebekah since 2018, and is passionately committed to bringing hope and healing to children and their families. The rest of the growing staff team will continue to serve under her leadership.
Rebekah will remain on staff with Hope Station as the Executive Director, and focus more on fundraising.
Talia, Margarete, Rebekah, Erica, Ryan
A Note from Rebekah:
It’s hard to believe I’m writing this letter. As many of you know, when I moved to China I thought it would be forever. But the Father had other, better, bigger plans for me AND for Hope Station.
I am really sad to leave China. In many ways, my heart is at home here. Hope Station started as a dream in my heart when I was 9 years old. Throughout the years, there have been many struggles and barriers. It’s not easy starting a nonprofit in a different country! But through it all, my Father kept reminding me that He is able to do “immeasurably more” than all I can ask or imagine.
I never imagined that Hope Station would look the way it does today… it is so much better. I love our focus on prevention. I love that our staff are all local people. I love that we value partnering with local companies that are already helping kids with special needs.
While I am so sad to leave this place, I leave with FULL CONFIDENCE that Hope Station is going to thrive and grow even more after I leave. It always belonged to Him anyway. This is not a goodbye to China, but a see-you-later.
I want to thank each one of you that has stood by me throughout the last 10 years in any way. Friends, family, volunteers, donors, supporters, board members… I could not have made it to this point without you.
With love,
Rebekah
