Through her partnership with Growing Hope Globally, Michigan resident Courtney Lanting turned a personal challenge into an opportunity to support farming families in Kenya and help address hunger through sustainable farming practices and food security initiatives.

In August 2019, Courtney Lanting, a member of the Byron Center, Michigan, Growing Hope Project, set out to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Her goal was about more than reaching the summit. Through her “Mt. Kilimanjaro with a Purpose” climb, she raised awareness and support for Growing Hope Globally’s agricultural training programs in Kenya.

Supporters were invited to pledge an amount per meter of the climb, or contribute a fixed donation, with proceeds helping equip farmers with the skills and resources needed to grow more food and build stronger livelihoods.

Lanting shared:

“I’m going to Africa (Tanzania) to climb Mount Kilimanjaro…to help subsistence farmers in Kenya grow more food to feed their families.

I’ve climbed mountains and hiked trails in the past but this will definitely be the most difficult one that I have done and I am looking forward to the challenge! In addition to the physical and spiritual challenge, I am doing this climb to support our church’s Growing Project with Growing Hope Globally, as it’s their 20th Anniversary this summer!

I was able to be a part of this two years ago when I went to Guatemala. We helped communities build two greenhouses that each supported six families. It was a wonderful and eye-opening experience.”

How World Renew Creates Lasting Change

World Renew partners with organizations such as Growing Hope Globally to help address hunger through sustainable, community-based solutions. Rather than focusing only on short-term aid, World Renew invests in agricultural training, local leadership, and long-term development that helps farming families build a more secure future.

Through partnerships like Growing Hope Globally, World Renew supports smallholder farmers as they gain the knowledge, tools, and techniques needed to improve crop production and strengthen food security. When families are able to grow surplus crops, they can often generate income to help cover school fees, healthcare costs, and other household needs.

At the time of Courtney’s climb, Growing Hope Globally community projects across the United States had raised more than $35 million to support agricultural development programs in underserved regions around the world.

Rachel Conley, Associate Regional Director for Growing Hope Globally, says the organization’s focus is on lasting change through knowledge and training:

“Our programs are focused on providing agriculture training rather than material things. Things eventually break or get used up, but helping people gain the knowledge to help themselves and provide for their families brings about lasting change. We are able to provide the gifts of dignity, hope and a legacy to pass down to future generations.”

This focus on long-term impact reflects World Renew’s approach to community development: helping people build the skills, confidence, and resources they need to create lasting change for themselves, their families, and future generations.

Growing Hope Globally Mobilizes Communities to End Hunger

Founded in 1999, Growing Hope Globally works with churches, farmers, businesses, and partners such as World Renew to help address hunger through sustainable agriculture and food security programs.

One of the organization’s distinctive strengths is its network of community Growing Projects across North America. These locally led initiatives bring people together to grow crops, raise livestock, organize fundraising efforts, and build awareness about global hunger. The funds raised support agricultural development programs in communities around the world.

For volunteers like Growing Project leader LaRaine Salmon of Moline, Michigan, supporting Growing Hope Globally provides a practical way to make a difference:

“It hasn’t been possible for me to be a missionary overseas, but this allows me to serve right where I am and help others.”

Stories like Courtney’s show how local action can create global impact. Through partnerships with organizations including World Renew, Growing Hope Globally helps equip farming families with the knowledge and resources needed to build more resilient futures.

Growing Hope Globally Fast Facts

• Founded in 1999 to help end world hunger through sustainable agriculture.
• Supported by thousands of volunteers through community Growing Projects.
• Brings together farmers, churches, businesses, and community groups.
• Has raised millions of dollars for agricultural development programs worldwide.
• Has helped millions of people improve food security and livelihoods.
• Works through member organizations and local partners around the globe.
• World Renew is a longtime Growing Hope Globally member partner.

Learn more about Growing Hope Globally and its partnerships supporting farming families around the world at growinghopeglobally.org.

Editor’s note: Originally published in 2019, this story has been updated for readability, relevance, and current links while maintaining the original content and intent.