Hope for the City
Dear Hope Family and Friends,
I’ve been learning Español since returning from Quito last summer (give me a follow on Duolingo!) and one of my favorite words is misericordia: mercy. It originates from the Latin and can be literally translated “compassionate heart,” i.e., a heart that pities those in misery.
One of my goals as your Pastor for Missional Engagement is to provide opportunities for Hope Church to (1) give to the poor and (2) serve the poor, so that we may all learn to (3) love the poor. Why is this so important? Because it comes from the heart of God.
The famous Presbyterian theologian B.B. Warfield once wrote, “Jesus burned with anger against the wrongs he met with in his journey through human life as truly as he melted with pity at the sight of the world’s misery: and it was out of these two emotions that his actual mercy proceeded.”
We cannot read the Gospels (especially the Gospel of Luke) without coming away astounded at our Lord’s special attention toward the poor—not only in his works but in how those works proceeded from deep love and compassion, anger and pity, as Warfield said.
Mercy, therefore, is not simply tolerating the less fortunate; it is a heart that burns to relieve the miseries of our neighbors. I’m so grateful for our Deacons and Women’s Care Team who are especially appointed for the role of leading us in this great endeavor, but I’d love for you to join in the work. The following are several current or upcoming opportunities:
- Manna Bags, assembled by our children, are available at the church exits. Please take several to keep in your car so that you may bless those you meet throughout the week.
- YoungLives is a lesser known ministry that seeks teen moms (and dads) with the gospel. Since last fall, I have personally witnessed the beauty and fruitfulness of this ministry. Would you consider giving toward the Mother’s Day card fundraiser that sends teen moms to summer camp?
- We have begun serving with Forsyth Jail & Prison Ministries at the Cherry Street prison by participating in quarterly worship services and joining inmates for snacks and fellowship afterwards. Our next opportunity is Sunday, May 24th, 4:30pm. You do not need to have worship leadership skills, although we’re always looking for folks to use their musical/vocal gifts! Email me if you’re interested.
- This summer, in conjunction with Kids Camp, we are going to pilot a new idea: Hope for the City Mission Week. Each morning between June 1-4, we will partner with an organization serving our city. Stay tuned for more information and registration details!
In light of all of this, would you please be in prayer for our mercy work and the distribution of our mercy fund? What a gift it is to join God in his wonderful works of compassion!
Peace,
Ethan