City of Hope: a place of JOY!
HopeCo Board Member, Matt Parker, shares some reflections from his recent trip to City of Hope…
JOY.
This is the overarching memory from my first visit to City of Hope.
From the moment you arrive, you will receive an exuberant welcome from the children! From visits to their classrooms and seeing the beaming smiles as they carry out their chores, to the energetic dance parties the children enjoy, there is an endless sense of delight and joy across the campus.
City of Hope is a place where God’s presence and love are experienced, every day. It can be seen in the commitment and love that the staff demonstrates for the children they serve. It is evident in the passion of the leadership team as they pursue excellence in our children’s home, schools, medical center, and other programs. It is palpable in the vibrant, lively church services where children are encouraged to grow in their walk with the Lord and use the gifts and talents that He has given them for His glory.
It is only Jesus Christ who can truly change lives forever, and this is happening at City of Hope.
One little girl summed it up perfectly as she walked towards her school one morning, she said, “I love City of Hope. I love Jesus. I am happy here.”
When children arrive at City of Hope for the first time, they are broken, fearful, and unhappy. The impact of abuse, poverty, abandonment, and lack of care on a child’s life is appalling.
But at City of Hope, they can heal and grow, finding renewed hope and a future. And it is these children and young people who will become the changemakers to share this hope with their families, workplaces, churches, and communities in the future.
We are grateful for the part that YOU play in bringing JOY into the lives of these children! Thank you!
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