Join us October 16-22, 2025 for our Vision Trip in Ethiopia!
Join Tim Runtsch, senior pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, CO, and other pastors for an intimate, unforgettable journey to Ethiopia. Discover how to make a global, transformational impact in and through your church.
Trip Details
- What: Pastors Vision Trip
- Where: Ethiopia
- When: October 16-22, 2025
- Who: This trip was created by pastors, for pastors.
- Cost: $1,600 per person and your choice of international airfare purchased by individual travelers ($1,600 covers food, lodging, in-country transportation, and excursions)
Meet Your Trip Leader!
Rev. Tim Runtsch, affectionately known as “P.T.,” has served as Senior Pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, Colorado since 1990, becoming the church’s first full-time pastor. He has led leadership training for the Ethiopia Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY) through Pastoral Leadership Institute-International and made his 11th trip to Ethiopia in October 2024 to continue that work. Redeemer partners with two HopeChest CarePoints, including Jemo CarePoint, based in the Jemo Mekane Yesus Church in Ethiopia.
Tim and his wife, Ann, have two adult children, Elisa and Micah. He enjoys the Colorado outdoors, travel, golf, and snow skiing—and is a dedicated fan of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies.
Encounter Community-to-Community Transformation
During your visit, you’ll get to see several community projects in realtime including:
- Local savings groups that empower individuals to build financial stability
- Youth empowerment and leadership development
- Emotional health and wellness initiatives
- Agricultural and animal husbandry projects
- Micro-enterprises and small businesses
- CarePoint operations and their holistic impact on the community
- Our community-to-community model that ignites two-way transformation
Trip Highlights
- Visit CarePoints and see their impact on communities
- Witness cutting-edge projects and programs
- Build life-changing relationships
- Explore the beauty and culture of Ethiopia in Arba Minch and Dorze Village
- Visit the Mekane Yesus Seminary.
Questions about the trip?
We’re so excited you’re considering coming with us! We’d love to hop on the phone or connect via email to discuss any aspect of the trip. Send us an email at childrenshopechest@hopechest.org and we’ll be in touch shortly!
Experience the Beauty and Culture of Ethiopia!
This Vision Trip includes exciting excursions throughout Southern Ethiopia, starting in the charming town of Arba Minch, known for its “40-Springs” and stunning surroundings. During your stay at the Haile Resort, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the twin lakes of Abaya and Chamo, with the iconic ‘Bridge of God’ connecting them.
You’ll also have the chance to explore the Dorze Village in the Gamo Highlands, famous for its distinctive hut architecture resembling beehives and elephants. You’ll have the opportunity to experience the rich culture of the Dorze people, experiencing their traditions and warm hospitality!
