| Center of Hope Testimonies |
Richard's StoryMy journey with Center of Hope started when I was in my apartment on a Saturday afternoon. My wife and I had separated and I was living on my own. There was a knock on my door and two people had a flyer about the Center of Hope and some candy! I looked over the flyer and kept it. On March 15, my world changed when I lost my job. That means I lost my laptop computer. Little did I know that God was really beginning to work in my life. The Center of Hope would be a major part of this. I came across the flyer I had saved and saw that they had some computers available. I walked over the next day and met some of the staff and began to use the computer. As time went on, relationships were built and I knew the staff was praying for me. I alwyas enjoyed my cup of coffee and saying "hi". The computer usage became secondary! God answered many prayers in my life. My wife and I are back together and our marriage is stronger than ever in Christ. I also have a job now that doesn't pay as much but I am enjoying so much more. God is good! The staff at Center of Hope is so caring. God has really blessed me through this ministry that is reaching many people. RCA Today Article on Center of Hope - Spring 2011Center of Hope - On to the Next Step Note from Visitor"My family and I came in to get coats for our children and I was given a mom and baby package. It was very unexpected but a small blessing as my husband was out of work. God blessed us about a week later with my husband getting a job and a healthy baby girl. I just want to say thank you for the gift pack & may God continue to bless your ministry." Linda KoepsellI was asked to help serve a Tuesday meal at Center of Hope when the regular volunteer had a conflict. That was 3 years ago and I have been that regular volunteer ever since. When I started serving, my goal was to help provide a meal for folks who were having financial difficulties. While that is still true, I began to see the meal as so much more. The Center of Hope is a community. The dedicated staff, the neighbors who live and work in the area, the people who donate, prepare and serve the meals, and those just passing through who need a hand, make up this diverse group who break bread together. Some of us may never cross paths again, but for an hour, we are a family. We have someone to eat with…share our stories with...say a prayer with. It has become so much more than providing a meal. Carrie Sustad
Walking into the “Kids of Hope” room on a Sunday evening, you might hear loud noises and see what seems like commotion. Observing more closely, you would hear laughter, see smiles, witness kids hugging adults, and hear prayer requests and God’s Word. I have had the God given privilege to be a part of the Hope Worship Hour/Kids of Hope program at the Center of Hope for the past four years. The Kids of Hope program evolved from babysitting two children to a Sunday School program broken into two age groups (toddler-2nd grade and 3rd grade on up). Through the kids I have learned how important relationships are over acquiring material things. I have also been challenged by tough questions like “What does God look like?” Although there are frustrating nights, my faith has still been refreshed and renewed by my interaction with these inquisitive, eager to be loved kids. May we continue raise up God’s future warriors of faith! Cash for Clunkers! - Links to the NBC News Story
NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams - Aired: October 22, 2009 |