"A Time of Inspiration "

May  29, 2008
By: Naomi Wallace

“All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor,

the very thing I was eager to do” Galatians 2:10

 

The 2008 HOPE worldwide Global Summit held on May 17th was a time of rekindled memories, honor, and inspiration for all that attended. Hosted in Herndon, Virginia, it was very appropriate to celebrate the history of HOPE worldwide in an area filled with buildings and monuments signifying the history of success and victory of the United States from the rule of Great Britain. The theme of the conference was “The Power of Partnership,” illustrated how networking relationships develop a natural connection with others. Through those partnerships we accomplish our goals on a larger scale and are inspired by how much God works through others to serve and meet people’s needs of different communities around the world.

HOPE worldwide-Washington was able to send most of their staff to the conference this year. It was amazing to see people like Doug Arthur, Doctor Mark Ottenweller, and Bob and Pat Gempel speak about the beginnings of HOPE worldwide and the results of fifteen years of sacrifice and compassion to serve the poor and needy. The Gempels shared that it is important to always reflect on why we do what we do. There were three main biblical commandments from Matthew 22 and John 15 that motivated the Gempels and HOPE worldwide staff to continue their work: (1) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, (2) Love your neighbor (the poor) as yourself, and (3) Love each other.

Those same commandments are an integral part of our discipleship as followers of Christ. In the South Sound Church of Christ we serve and volunteer in local projects in our community. We are also committed to contribute $1 per member each year to HOPE worldwide. Our commitment was recognized as a pillar of HOPE at the Global Summit.

Our local HOPE site in Washington facilitates a Saturday Academy for Native American students on the Muckleshoot reservation in Auburn.  This is a tutoring and mentoring program created by Mack and Zoe Higheagle-Strong to strengthen Native American children and at-risk youth in grades 4-8. According to the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Native American students have some of the lowest graduation rates equaling 54.7%, while the overall graduation rate in the State of Washington is 74.3%. In each TEAM-WORKS Academy session, children receive focused attention through the Strong Minds, Strong Bodies, and Strong Character curriculum. Our objective each Saturday is to equip students with the skills and confidence to achieve success both personally and in the classroom. It is our first year on Muckleshoot Reservation and it has been successful.  A special thanks goes to all our amazing volunteers/mentors that have participated. Without them we would not have been able to implement all that we are trying to achieve with Native American and at-risk youth in Washington State.

Thank you to all who have served this year with the Mack Strong TEAM-WORKS Saturday Academy!  Your sacrifice for those less fortunate than yourself will not be forgotten. 

Naomi Wallace

South Sound Church of Christ Intern

HOPE worldwide - WA Muckleshoot Site Coordinator