Hope2

Be in prayer for the team as they start their journey home tonight and come back impacted and changed!!

The team is out and about for a day of shopping, visiting the local markets and eating out!

From Lindsey Jeffers:

"I think a word that comes to my heart when I think over the last few days, and think of our staff, is growth.

As we did a staff investment Saturday, I watched a group of teachers hungry for growth. Listening intently to what was being shared.

I watched the 12th closing program for Hope Academy, and I saw so much growth. Growth in our students, which is a direct correlation of the growth in our staff. They pour into these kids day after day, and that was so obvious. Growth in the program itself, seeing the progress and organization.

I see a growth in vision. Today, 8 of our teachers/staff joined us on mission as we went to visit the prison. They wanted to come with us and encourage the prisoners. Our calling as a Hope Giver and Kingdom worker is every step we take with the person in front of us, not just a job. That encouraged my heart to see!

Growth is a continual process, one that is both humbling and encouraging to be able to witness, and have done in your own heart. God is the best tender to the garden of our hearts, and I’m expectant to see what more He will grow!"

The journey is too much for you, get up, eat. What journey was Elijah on that was too much for him? Did He continue it? Where did it lead? What did God ask him and what did God tell him to do? He asked him why he was so far away from where he should be. And then He told him to go back! To get back to it.

Today I watched two brothers who have walked many miles together walk together on mission down to Hope Academy in Liberia, West Africa. You might ask, why would two going through so much be on mission in a fourth world nation where there is more suffering and pain than the place they just left. These two have walked some good miles and some miles that were not the best. They are not drawn to the easy path. They want to walk the road God has marked out for them.

I know there have been a few trials and times when they have quit; even walked the wrong direction. But here they are - Hope givers. Alongside all of you and your team you have sent. Why would God ask us to go when staying makes the most worldly sense? Elijah was hurt and that hurt and fear caused him to run and lay down and resist the voice of God.

Six days ago Joel buried his wife. His friend and his partner in the ministry. A few days before that he buried his beloved wife’s sister. The grief and trial these two brothers have walked through is their stand, their message is: Keep Going. Keep responding to God's plan! Remain knowing the loss today is the fertilizer for the new crop God has planned for tomorrow.

We all want to grow and bring blessing, but that all begins with using the rest of your strength to surrender that which you cannot sustain anyway to a Father's hand that can do anything. Mission is to keep moving for His glory no matter the cost. Let God be glorified today.

-Sam