I woke up this morning in Hyannis, Massachusetts to the news of Senator Ted Kennedy's passing just 2 miles down the road in Hyannisport. Another 10 miles away on Martha's Vineyard is President Obama who chose Cape Cod for his family's annual vacation. I had no idea when I planned with my wife this one-day detour on our way to a church conference in Providence, Rhode Island that such news events would be unfolding so nearby. It seems like only yesterday that we were all celebrating the passage of the Kennedy Serve America Act and now its sponsor is gone.
The Serve America legislation was landmark in its bi-partisan support of volunteerism and represented a country united around the spirit of service. As I sit here listening to newscasts that report one Massachusetts resident after another who is already mourning the loss of their long-standing U.S. Senator, it is overwhelming to hear the number of references to service that are being used to describe Senator Kennedy's life. Yet, I have grown up with many memories of Ted Kennedy and his famous family that have included controversy and divisive differences of opinion. Isn't it true that a spirit of service has the power to unite us all, despite our varying views on other important topics?
In a few words, that is the great cause that HOPE worldwide and other worthy charitable organizations like ours represent. We plead for acts of service on behalf of poor and disadvantaged people from all around the world. And, in the process, we break through the many barriers that divide humankind and produce a powerful, uniting force for change. It is quite moving to be here today in Hyannis at such a time of memorial. The feelings that have broken through have nothing to do with politics, despite the significant political figures that are nearby, and have everything to do with the good that comes when we choose to be a servant of others. Although the passing of a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts may not be receiving so much attention in your part of the world, these thoughts are shared to confirm the course that we are on at HOPE worldwide. Please continue to serve - our acts of service are bringing an uncommon unity to a world that very much needs our help.
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
~ Ephesians 5:1-2.
God Bless,
Randy Jordan
CEO, HOPE worldwide
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Go to www.HOPEww.org/volunteer
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