Faithful and True.
The Hope Center: Inspire. Equip. Empower.
The Hope Center is a local community youth center built on the solid foundation and hope of Jesus Christ devoted to inspiring, equipping, and empowering the locals to become all that God created them to be.
Words cannot describe how incredibly excited and blessed I am that God has led me to this great place in the middle of downtown Newnan.
It’s actually a mind blowing story, and I am not sure you will even believe me, but I will give it a shot. ;)
At the beginning of the year, while I was praying through next steps in regard to ministry and location, the main theme God led me back to over and over was neighborhood ministry: getting to truly know the neighbors, loving them, serving them, praying and fasting for them, and sharing the hope of Christ with them. I did not understand what that would look like or where I would even be, but I trusted God had a plan and knew He would lead me accordingly.
During the same few days and weeks, I got a “random” vision. It was an idea of showing up at a basketball court at the same time and place every day/week to simply be a consistent face and friend in the community, specifically an under resourced community. This would be an opportunity to get to know and build relationships with kids AND their families, while also having a way to engage with them and help be extra support to them by truly being their friend.
Now the second part of the vision sounded great to me, the relationships and community engagement, but the first part... say what?! News flash: I’m no awesome basketball player... nor do I sit around thinking about playing basketball.
So what on earth did all of this mean?!
For months I have kept this vision in the back of my mind as I have been seeking, listening, and obeying God and His guidance, continuing to question where that thought and vision came from.
Then, this month, I landed at the Hope Center.
So get this. This youth center is right in the middle of an under resourced neighborhood and community. There are kids and families all around, and they love this center because they know their kids are safe and in caring hands. It has already started to bring some hope to many in the area. And then guess what else, there is a basketball court on the side of the building, which has been one of the biggest attractions to the center itself. The Hope Center has become a place of consistency for the community. They know when to come and can trust that people who care for them, those whom they have developed relationships with over the months and last year and a half, will be there waiting for them to show up to simply live life with them. Intentional and genuine relationships. Meeting individuals where they are and helping them grow in character and truth. Serving, loving, and being the hands and feet of Jesus.
I am here to testify that when we seek the Lord and His ways, He WILL establish our steps, even when we have no idea where He is taking us. Life with Him is one grand adventure - fun, random, wild, hard, scary, uncertain, exciting, etc. The emotions and opportunities are endless, but it is so worth it.
God simply asks us to trust Him because He is good, sovereign, faithful, and trustworthy. Although this journey has been and continues to be challenging because I am out of control and do not know what things are going to look like, I would not trade this story for anything. It is so humbling to think about the fact God does not need us, but He chooses to use us and allow us to partner with Him in His Kingdom building and plans. What an honor and privilege!
This is the God I serve. This is the power and faithfulness of my God. This is His goodness and mystery on display for all to see. This is His unpredictable and incredible plans and ways.
I have no idea what God has in store for the Hope Center and for the people of Newnan, but I know and believe with all my heart that it is something unimaginable and bigger than I (or anyone else) could ever think or envision.
If there is anything I want to leave you with, it’s the following encouragement: Keep seeking. Keep praying. Keep asking. Keep listening. Keep waiting. And keep obeying. God is with you wherever you are today and is doing big things. Trust Him and enjoy the process. The good, the bad, and everything in between.
PS, I’m still questioning what part my basketball skills will play in it all... but I do know one kid is giving me some daily basketball practice, so that has been quite helpful and fun! Ha! ;)
Soli Deo gloria.