Hope of the Ozarks

06/26/2026

It's Thursday. You've spent four straight days chasing four boys between the ages of 8 and 12 whose energy levels fall somewhere between an approaching Ozarks thunderstorm and the nuclear fusion powering the sun. Their latest brilliant idea? Temporary face tattoos... for everyone.

And somehow, in the middle of all the laughter, chaos, dirt, and face paint, God does what only He can do.

Tonight, we celebrated as two young men committed their lives to Jesus Christ and followed Him in baptism.

We are incredibly grateful for the counselors who have poured themselves out this week. Their love, patience, grit, and unwavering joy create the kind of environment where kids feel seen, valued, and safe enough to hear the Gospel. They don't just supervise campers—they point them to the hope found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is why we endure the long days, sleepless nights, endless energy, and yes... even the face tattoos.

This is why we do what we do. 💚

06/24/2026

There’s just something special about watching these young men catch fish—many of them for the very first time. The excitement, the smiles, and the memories made along the water are moments they’ll carry with them for years to come.

We’re incredibly grateful for community partners who generously share their property and make experiences like this possible. If you think bringing the hope of Jesus to children of prisoners looks like a good time, you’re absolutely right. It’s hard work, but it’s also filled with joy, laughter, and moments like these that remind us why we do what we do.

06/22/2026

Our first group of Junior Boys have picked out their quilts and moved in!

06/22/2026

2 First-Time Salvations
11 Rededications
6 Baptisms

The Lord was on the move during Teen Girls Week 2026!

Twenty-eight young ladies from across the region joined us for a truly powerful week of faith, friendship, and transformation. From the very first chapel service, hearts were open as these young women bonded with one another and experienced God breathing hope, healing, unity, and peace into their lives.

We are incredibly grateful for the 12 amazing counselors who answered Christ’s call to serve this week. Each of you was exceptional, pouring your hearts into these girls and setting the bar high for the rest of the summer.

As we celebrate all that God has done, we’re also looking ahead with excitement. Next up: Junior Boys 1!

Bring on the hope!

06/18/2026

Another big thank you to Sarah’s Sweets for providing cupcakes for our Princess Dinner during teen girls week! Every great birthday party needs cake, and if you're going to have cake, you owe it to yourself to check out Sarah’s Sweets. Not only are her treats absolutely delicious, but they helped make this special evening even more memorable for our girls. Thank you, Sarah, for investing in our campers and helping make their week so special!

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

HOTO has talent.

A wonderful moment of worship as we begin our Teen Girls Talent Show.

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

We were blessed to celebrate three camper salvations and baptisms during Teen Boys Week, along with two staff baptisms as well.

Heading into Teen Girls Week, there has been an unusual amount of opposition and pushback—more than we can remember in quite some time. Through it all, our team kept saying the same thing: the Lord is about to do something big.

Then I received this message.

God is so incredibly faithful. He is moving in powerful ways, changing lives, and doing something truly remarkable at Hope of the Ozarks this summer.

Stay tuned, friends—we have a feeling this is only the beginning.

06/15/2026

Had my first of hopefully many one on one teaching sessions Tuesday night. I met them in the baking/ cake decorating isle at Hobby Lobby. Instant friendship. So lucky to have met these girls and their mom. Amy Yates Thank you! I hope the girls had as much fun as I did.