Almost a year and a half ago, our congregation in Southwest Florida put together a service team. Our mission was to serve those in our local community with the conviction that when we’re serving the poor, we are serving Jesus.
Our motivation comes from Matthew 25: 35-36, 40:
'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me'…“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’"
How it began
We began with baby steps by forming a monthly “simply serving event.” Our volunteers served at local food banks, soup kitchens, blood drives, Habitat for Humanity, beach clean-ups, and our kids drew pictures for those in prison, and numerous other activities. This past October, it was only natural we to become an official HOPE worldwide Chapter since we already had a team and were actively doing many of the same things HOPE worldwide Chapters were doing across the North America.
I was leading the service team so I became the director – just a simple change in title. It was amazing that God had us become the 100th HOPE worldwide Chapter.
Looking ahead
This year we plan to continue our volunteer service once a month. For example, on MLK Day the team volunteered at a local soup kitchen for the homeless. The difference is that we will be more focused on making the most of each service opportunity. The Chapter plans on adding even more joy and creativity into our events by sharing our hearts with those we serve in an effort to make a long-lasting impact for families needing hope in our community.
Join us in bringing hope to our Southwest Florida communities. Learn more at hopeww.org/southwestflorida.
For more information about starting a HOPE worldwide Chapter in your community, contact Simone Bell, Chapter Relations Coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..