All About Outstretch Hands
Outstretched Hands Story of Love and Ministry
Our Mission
The mission of Outstretched Hands for the Poor and Needy is to fulfill the scripture of James 1:27 in helping widows and orphans, including abused women and the poor, in the country of Kyrgyzstan.
Our History
In 2010, Iris Pritchard, who had suffered at the hands of abuse personally, channeled the pain of her suffering into compassion to help other women caught in the all too familiar cycle of abuse. With her young daughter in tow, Iris started giving abused women a place of safety in a rental home in her native Kyrgyzstan community.
In 2013, she was blessed with a better home which was donated to help her assist these unfortunate women. Women who very often had young children that were also in need of compassion and protection. This became the first official shelter for abused women and children known as the House of Comfort. Not only was shelter, food, clothing and safety provided but also the good news of a loving Savior was shared and shown through the care House of Comfort provided then, and now.
Over the years this ministry grew as the word of their mission spread. As time passed outreach to not only the physical and spiritual care of women and children in need, but also we began with additional support through crisis counseling. When needed, we also assist women who were pregnant so that they could keep their babies and not feel like aborting their babies needed to be an option.
In 2017, A Summer Camp was set up as well to minister to and teach the local youth about Jesus. This Summer Camp Ministry has become a yearly event, ministering to 100 or more Muslim children each year.
Our Goals
In May of 2023, another home was purchased with the goal of helping even more women and children escape from their suffering so that we may assist them in leading independent lives. This is so that they can be free from the bondage of abuse and fear.
As the Lord leads, OHPN will continue to expand this crucial ministry as long as there is a need. We are excited for our second home to open as our caring love and support continues to be desperately needed by these women and children. Their need is as great as our longing to help.
The yearly children’s camps will continue in a rented space. OHPN has purchased land that is intended to become a permanent camp site that will allow the duration of the camps to last longer making it possible for more children to participate. What is now a 10 day camp will become a 3 month camp for these Muslim youth to be introduced to the love and teachings of Jesus.
One of the desires of OHPN is to open orphanages and provide these children with a loving home. Women who cannot sufficiently care for their children will be assisted as well, so they can provide for their children instead of having to give them up.