Linda Koepsell

I 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-2^nd grade and 3^rd 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

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