A Fond Farewell (For Now) to Jim & Janelle Hendren

At Hope 4 Liberia, every heart matters. From the smallest child to the seasoned missionary, each life God places in our ministry becomes a cherished part of our family. This past week, we gathered with full hearts and bittersweet smiles to bid farewell to two very special members of our Hope 4 Liberia family — Jim and Janelle Hendren — as they depart for a three-month furlough to the United States.

Jim and Janelle arrived in Liberia last October, answering the call God placed on their hearts to serve in our ministry. In these seven months, their impact has rippled through every corner of our campus.

Jim quickly became a pillar among us, wearing many hats with grace and humility. As our school principal, he brought structure and encouragement to our students. As maintenance director, he rolled up his sleeves and tended to the grounds and buildings with care, ensuring our campus remained a safe, welcoming home for our children. Most importantly, Jim became a father figure — not only to our precious children but also to our younger staff members, offering wisdom, counsel, and Christ-like love in every interaction.

Then there’s Janelle — our dynamic, ever-joyful schoolteacher. From classroom lessons to activities she would organize, Janelle poured out her heart and talents into the lives of the children she taught. She carried the light of Christ into every lesson, and her nurturing spirit left an indelible mark on the hearts of those she served. It was clear to see how deeply the children loved her — their faces would light up at her presence.

As we gathered for a final photo and shared prayers of blessing over their journey, the atmosphere was filled with gratitude. We are so thankful to the Lord for the Hendrens’ obedience to serve in Liberia and for the many ways they enriched our ministry.

Though their absence will surely be felt over the next three months, we send them with our love and prayers, trusting God to refresh their spirits during this time in the United States. We pray their furlough will be fruitful, a time of reconnection with family and supporters, and a season of rest before returning to us again.

The children — and all of us — eagerly await their return.