Periodically I like to share a HOPE story with you. The goal here is for you to truly understand and appreciate the impact your prayers, gifts, and time are having on the people of this community. Today, as we prepare for baby shower week I wanted to do something a bit different. I wanted to share a story with you of one of our newest supporters. I want you to see what a group can do when they set their eyes on others and not themselves. This week we have experienced a wonderful outpouring of love, generosity, and service from a local church.
A few weeks ago I was contacted by Bryan Wilson, pastor at Grace Presbyterian Church. He informed me that Grace would be turning a year old in December and they wanted to celebrate their birthday. I was intrigued, but wasn’t sure what this might have to do with HOPE. Bryan and I sat down soon after our initial conversation and he alerted me to his plan and what this meant for the patients at HOPE. To my surprise, Grace wanted to celebrate their birthday by celebrating life. They didn’t want to look inward, but instead they were seeking to look outward into this community and offer love to strangers. They wanted to donate gifts to HOPE for our baby showers. Grace’s mission was clear…God has allowed them to grow in Knoxville and now they wanted to share that blessing with others. They wanted to see people impacted. They wanted the love of God for them to overflow to others. This was exciting news!!
Once Bryan and I talked, we agreed that I would visit Grace and tell the congregation about HOPE and the work we do in this community. I was excited about visiting with Grace, but was unsure what this gift celebration might look like until I walked in their doors. I was greeted by many in a very loving way and then I focused my eyes to the front and saw shoebox after shoebox stacked up. These shoeboxes were for “Operation Christmas Child.” There were so many and I immediately knew that this congregation, this church, was eagerly seeking to love, not just this community, but people all around the world. It was in their DNA. They were a giving, loving, Jesus-sharing church and I knew HOPE would be in for a treat!
I did my part and briefly told those in attendance about HOPE and what we needed for baby showers and then I went on my way. Since that day Pastor Bryan and I have been in touch discussing the logistics and delivery of the gifts they collected. I had no idea what to expect, but was thankful that they thought of us.
This week is baby shower week, which means it is also shopping week for our staff at HOPE. On Monday we were preparing to send a few staff members out to purchase baby shower gifts when we received a phone call from Grace…they were making their way over to HOPE to bring some gifts. We put a pause on our own shopping trip and waited with great anticipation until we saw a cargo van pull into HOPE’s parking lot…a cargo van full of gifts for our patients!
I do not tell you this story because it was solicited by Grace Presbyterian. I do not tell you this story to elevate one church over another, as so many churches step up to assist HOPE and have since 1997. I tell you this story to highlight what can be done if we start thinking about others more than ourselves. I tell you this story to highlight the work of our God and His unbelievable grace in using His Church, you, to do so much for others.
This week, baby shower week, is truly a celebration week and one we look forward to after each class term. This Thursday, because of the gifts from so many, we are going to be able to show our patients that they are worthy, they are deserving, and they matter. We are going to be able to meet their needs as they prepare for their new addition.
I continue to be blown away at the work God is doing through HOPE and our partnerships. So many of our patients come in with a down-trodden mindset. Many of these patients have received second and third bests their entire life. Our goal is to show them they are worth so much more. Through your gifts and your support we are able to open the eyes of our patients and show them that they are loved by so many. Thursday, as we provide baby showers, HOPE will be filled with tears, joy, laughter, and love because of your donations. Thank you for your unashamed stance for life and your willingness to do what so many refuse to do…love your neighbor. We are blessed to call you a friend!
posted by Andrew Wood, Executive Director of Hope Resource Center
