There is a term that our society now uses that is fairly new: “first responders.” Sometimes they are called “early responders.” It may have even come about, or been made more common, after the events of 9/11; regardless the term typically refers to firemen, EMTs or police officers that put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect the rest of us.
This month, a group of “first responders” traveled to Detroit to survey and to serve a community that is seemingly in the news constantly. They were not paramedics or police officers; they were college kids from the First Baptist Church of Leesburg, Florida. One of World Hope’s early partners, First Baptist Church of Leesburg, worked with World Hope staff and local pastors that will begin laying the foundation for the upcoming Hope Center. They paid their hard-earned money to give to the people of Detroit a week of their time and efforts to help others in great need. They mowed lawns, prepared hundreds of meals, and shared with people individually about the Hope of Christ. They served in the worst neighborhoods in the area, most without fear and with the confidence that they were on the front lines, with the blessing of their Master.
We are waiting on the Lord to direct us to a specific piece of property where we can build our permanent Hope Center. However, the Hope of Christ is needed now, so, these “first responders” came. World Hope exists, in part at least, to be a vehicle for people to serve their King. Having witnessed it first hand, we can tell you He must have been pleased with the outcome. The name of our website states it the best way we know how – We are World Hope. You are World Hope. Together, we can bring Hope to a dying world.