Reflecting on the Festival of Faith

Countless people came by the HOPE worldwide booth asking, “How can I serve?” or “How can I get HOPE worldwide more involved in my church?” Our response: “Find out what the needs are in your community and we will equip you with the resources and expertise to help you meet those needs.” This is the idea at the heart of the Chapter model.

Campus Connection Launched
We also launched our new youth initiative called Campus Connection. This initiative gives campus students and teens a voice in helping shape HOPE worldwide into the organization that can meet the ever changing needs in our communities. All campus students and teens are invited to join our inaugural conference call on Wednesday, February 24th at 12:00 PM EST or 5:00 PM EST to discuss ways we can engage with our communities and connect with other groups doing the same.

To join the call, RSVP with Jenni Clemens at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Report from Haiti
Finally, on the last day of the conference, Dr. Mark Ottenweller spoke about all he has seen and heard in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake. In the spirit of 2 Corinthians 8, the disciples’ overflowing joy welled up in rich generosity. “For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in their service to the saints” (2 Corinthians 8:3-4). In response, the disciples from the southeast generously gave over $30,000 to meet the many desperate needs of the Haitian brothers and sisters.

How is your church known?
The Spirit of God was surely present this past weekend in Athens, and I want to leave you with the challenge that Sonny Sessions, Athens Church of Christ minister, left with the southeastern churches on Saturday night:

"In your neighborhood, who knows about the church? If someone has a drug addiction are the disciples in your church known by the community as a church that loves addicts? If someone is homeless, are the disciples in your church known by the community as a church that serves the homeless? If someone lives in poverty are the disciples in your church known by the community as a church that cares for them?”

I pray that we will make the love of God known in our communities through our service to those in need and that the gospel that saves all men will be made known through this love.

~ Ross Woods
National Field Supervisor, HOPE worldwide

Find out how you can help
in your community