A message from Pastor Ron ...
“ Never deprive someone of hope ; it might be all they have .” --H . Jackson Brown , Jr .
There was a time when the American public had this concept of the average or ideal neighborhood in America :
White picket fences , manicured lawns , and two cars in the garage
That “ Leave it to Beaver ” concept is certainly no longer the primary perception of the average American neighborhood . Today in any given neighborhood with 100 average neighbors , 7 % will be struggling with depression ( some will consider suicide ); 14 % will feel crippled or trapped by fear and anxiety ; 7 % will abuse or are addicted to drugs or alcohol ; 8 % struggle with the loss of a job ; 3 % are grieving the death of a loved one ; and 60 % either don ’ t have any relationship or have a less than vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ * (* Billy Graham Evangelistic Association – BGEA ). What a time of hopelessness in our nation . Billy Graham said , “ I feel a deep burden for so many Americans who live with no lasting hope .”
Dr . Graham wanted to do something in response to this burden on his heart and directed the BGEA to develop a nation-wide response . My Hope America is the result . The campaign coincides with the 95 th birthday of Dr . Graham who has given hope to millions over the years . The campaign culminates in November with a special message of hope from Dr . Graham .
The My Hope Campaign is perfectly consistent with our vision , mission and core values here at UCUMC . Therefore , we feel a natural fit with our hearts and the heart of Dr . Graham and the BGEA . We also feel that God is calling UCUMC to join the BGEA efforts to bring Hope in 2013 to as many people as possible .
The My Hope Campaign is built around Matthew the tax-collector who became a disciple of Christ . Matthew invited everyone he could into his home to tell them of the Hope he had come to know . Like Matthew in the first century , we will be “ Matthews ” in the 21 st century to people in our communities so that they can come to know the hope that is in Jesus Christ .
This is going to be an exciting and fun experience for our church and a blessing to those who choose to become “ Matthews ” to the people they know and work with . But most of all , it will help bring Hope to so many who have no lasting hope . We will train you how to do it and it is so easy to do .
Be open to and prayerful for this opportunity for you and our church to “ go and make disciples ” and give hope to everyone we can . The key is in “ looking .” We will teach you the five “ looks .” Training begins on May 15 th at 6 p . m . Mark your calendar !
One of the greatest things you may ever do is become a “ Matthew ” and change the everyday life and eternal life of someone you know . That person will thank you for all eternity and our Lord can say to you when you meet him face to face : “ Well done my good and faithful servant .”
Ron Smith , Senior Pastor rsmith @ ucumc . org , 704-369-8005