Poverty is not just a cash flow issue. In this blog post we delve into why hope is so much more than a full stomach and bills paid.
We at the Center of Hope strive to meet people where they are, assess their needs and provide them with information, durable goods, encouragement, transportation, communication, etc. But if meeting only their physical needs were the whole answer we'd be out of work. The particulars of poverty are complex. The back stories of our guest vary greatly, but one theme that seems to be common among most is that of broken relationships and dysfunctional family structures. Daniel Patrick Moynihan's 1965 report on the breakdown of family and its correlation to poverty garnered some attention then, and was revisited by the author and others in the 1990's. Though the original, all too prophetic report cited particularly African Americans, it has turned out to be relevant for all races and nationalities across the world.
Believing and understanding the core identity of self as a innately valuable, uniquely designed, loved and forgiven child of God is the most transforming and hope-giving element of restoration for any individual.
The breakdown of what many would call the core social structure of any healthy society has contributed to an increasing need for stability, identity, sense of purpose, and ultimately spiritual healing for thousands of folks just in the Sioux Falls region. This is why Center of Hope's mission to bring hope through physical AND spiritual ministry to individuals and families is so important.
The Necessity of Gospel Transformation
Believing and understanding the core identity of self as a innately valuable, uniquely designed, loved and forgiven child of God is the most transforming and hope-giving element of restoration for any individual. But this is especially so for someone who has never known the beautiful, powerful simplicity of the Gospel message. God loves you. God sent a solution to our brokenness in the form of Jesus. The forgiveness and wholeness found in Him is available freely and completely to any who would believe and receive. These are transforming truths that bring folks from hopeless to hopeful and from desperate to empowered.
We strongly desire your prayers for our staff and volunteers at the Center of Hope as we strive to meet the physical and spiritual needs of our guests. Maybe you are looking for a way to help make a difference. You might prayerfully consider being a volunteer in one of a number of areas. Either way, thank you for partnering with us in ministering the Good News to those who are struggling in some way.
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