Stories of Faith
Over the past several months, HOPE Church has been hosting a series of Faith Stories, delivered by people we know, either as members of HOPE Church, notable people in our community or by video, those who are known nationally. The common thread is that each has a driving faith in Jesus Christ and has seen how faith in Christ has changed their life in some significant way.Christina Kirby (HOPE Member) - talked about her childhood without God except in minimal ways and how every thing changed with the birth of her son who has Asperger, a form of autism. Surrounded by a community of faith at HOPE Church she has found a strong Christian family to support, encourage and help her on her faith journey. While she talked about how HOPE had strengthened her, all of us were affirming how much she has changed and strengthened us with her faithfulness, optimism and determination.
Pamela Gardner (WISH TV Meteorologist) - Pamela shared with us her upbringing in the Catholic Church and her strong commitment to Christ, even in an industry that is not always known for its Christian perspective. She commented on how she had found a friend in fellow Christian Randy Ollis and how they are able to share faith values with one another as they approach each day. She also shared how she found her husband and being united in the church, and he growing into his newly found Christian values with her help.
Jessica Joy (Singer-Songwriter from Alpena Michigan) - We viewed the video on Singer Jessica Joy who was tragically killed in a car accident one clear day in Alpena as she rounded the bend and ran head long into an on coming garbage truck. The surprising thing about her testimony of faith is that the song she shared on video, written only days before, was one of complete reliance on Christ and his redeeming work, one that she intended to share with her parents only days later, but never got the chance. This heart wrenching story was also one of great inspiration how even at a young age with most of life ahead of you, life has it's own time schedule so we need to be ready. "Seek the Lord while he may be found..."
Mayor Dean Jessup (City of Lawrence, IN) - Mayor Jessup shared how his faith had grown from meager beginnings in his youth to one that is the driving force in his life and even his decisions as Mayor of Lawrence. As an investigator for city attorneys, he is use to digging for the truth and searching for clues, and all of this carried over to his search for Christ. Mayor Jessup is often an outspoken advocate for his Christian worldview in and out of office and brings an air of authenticity to his faith.
Melanie Scott (Cancer Survivor - The Rock Church, Indianapolis) - The daughter of a Pastor, (Bishop Leonard Scott) Melanie has always known the Lord and knew he was in her life. But it wasn't until she was diagnosed with Leukemia and unable to find a suitable bone marrow donor, that she found that leaning on the Lord was more than just a position but had to be a way of life. Melanie gave HOPE Church perhaps one of the most moving testaments of faith that we had heard so far and one we will certainly not forget. You can she and hear her Faith Story on our website listed at the top of this blog.
Wayne Waite (Gideon's Ministry and HOPE attendee) - Wayne, shared with us his developing faith and how as a young man, fully giving his life to Christ after reading of his great love for us in a Gideon Bible, became a member of the Gideon's. He also talked about how God had brought this pastor and he together through a Gideon dinner and how our friendship and counsel for one another has blessed each of us over the years.
Candace Cameron Bure' (actress and author) - Candace, by video, shared with the congregation how her insecurities through her early acting years on "Full House", lead to her developing an eating disorder that nearly took her life. It was through a book that her brother Kirk gave her about God's love and provisions through Jesus Christ, that turned her life around and brought her faith, health and Christ's redemption. She with her husband Pavel Bure' (hockey star) and children, live a family life that reflects her Christian values. You can watch her right now on Dancing with the Stars. God Speed Candace.
This Easter we are going to Experience Christ, as we view dramas on the testimony's of several of the people who followed Jesus, even to Golgotha that last week of his life and how Jesus changed their lives all future direction of history that first Good Friday and Easter. It is my hope that you will join us some Sunday soon to witness first hand in the life's of these people of Faith, how Christ is changing us and making all things new. You are invited to attend HOPE Church on Easter at 8:30 am for a free breakfast and at 10:00 for five witness' of God's love.
God loves you and so do I.
