Why I Love Living Hope

In August 2005 a group of women, most of us unknown to one another, gathered at a woman’s apartment to begin studying Rick Warren’s 40 Days of Community.  We all took a leap of faith, and for the most part simply picked a group leader off a massive list.  We called, agreed on a meeting time, and just “did it”. 

I think we were all nervous for a few minutes (or seconds) that first night.  Little did we know that our “family” had just been born.  We were the most diverse crew—ranging in age from early 20’s to 60’s, single, married, widowed, divorced, children of all ages, from all socio-economic backgrounds, stay at home moms to professional career women, to retirees.  Under normal conditions, no one would have ever put us together.  But God did, and we can never thank him enough.

We met regularly for our study and almost immediately had an at home, sisterly comfort with one another.  We all agreed that anything we divulged would be held in strict confidentiality, so we had irrefutable trust with one another.  We would kick off our shoes, laugh, giggle, cry, and share the most personal details of our lives with one another.  We would call one another just to catch up more.  Then we would meet for dinner.  Then we would plan to sit beside each other at church.  How quickly what had once been a massive crowd of strangers to me at Sunday morning service turned into so many familiar faces, people who knew one another, and truly cared about each other. 

During this time, “LIFE” continued to happen with all of us, and you know what….we all were there for one another.  We’ve survived births and deaths, marriages,  divorces, break-ups, infidelities, cancer and other health issues and serious illnesses, rebellious teenagers, job loss, job changes, other family crisis situations, home disasters, but we’ve also enjoyed sharing the celebrations of  birthdays, holidays (some quite memorable and hilarious experiences), and “just because” days.  We’ve painted, scraped, used more tools than we ever knew existed, moved, sawed…..our One Great Day projects have to be seen and explained to truly understand the depth of love that has gone into each one.  We just do life together. 

Biblically and spiritually we were all in different places, and still are, but it truly makes absolutely no difference.  Some grew up in church and have read the bible cover to cover numerous times, others are new to studying, and it’s all o.k.  Sometimes one of us may be doubting, angry, or confused, and we pray and pull one another through it.  We all add something positive to our group and our studies.  Our diversity brings strength to our group and everyone feels comfortable and at home. 

Needless to say, after the 40 Days study, we couldn’t bare the idea of splitting up.  I’d say the rest is history, but it’s all still a fabulous work in process—God’s work.  We’ve been together ever since.  We’ve done numerous studies and changed up our routine from time to time.  Some of our original members have moved on and we continue to welcome new folks who feel like they’ve been with us all along.  Some in our group aren’t members at Living Hope.  We simply love and welcome the women God puts in our paths. 

We just met to choose our next study, and we were so excited about all the great options that we really couldn’t make up our minds (can you imagine that?!), so we’ve agreed on what to do next, then next.  It will all be refreshing, exciting, and fun, and we’ll all continue to grow in our own way and together in our walk with the Lord. 

Personally, this group of ladies is truly like family to me.  While biologically I’m an only child, I have a terrific group of sisters who are always there.  When I have a crisis, they’re the first ones I call.  When something great happens, I can’t wait to share it with them.  They’ve seen me in my weakest moments and not for a second have I feared that they’ve passed judgment on me.  They’ve simply been there, loved me, prayed with me, and supported me.  They hold me accountable and call me out when I need it.  I’ve grown more spiritually and learned more through our studies and times we’ve shared than I ever dreamed possible, and I attribute this to my small group.   This is why I truly love my church.  I can’t imagine life without them. - Norma Henry

 

Mike and I committed to membership at Living Hope in 1997.  Having previously been a member of a small church, I admit that I originally thought LH was too big for me to feel connected.  Mike wanted to join sooner than later so I agreed to join with him.  Right away, we were contacted by a host family, Don and Paula Basham, who subsequently asked us to join them at their next small group meeting.  We were hesitant at first but decided to attend when we discovered the leaders were our new next door neighbors, Tom and Diana Propst.  That invitation has led to a ten year relationship with some of the most caring, genuine, and Godly Christians. 

In ten years, there are many occasions this group has been there for us...physically, mentally, serving us or praying with us.  While each need was received with heartfelt gratitude, their service this past year has been above and beyond our highest expectations. 

Recently, my father, Cotton Hunt, passed away after a long battle with cancer.  So Dad could stay at home, my family (immediate and siblings) began providing extensive care for Dad in March 2007 that extended until Dad's death in late December.  During this period of time, our small group prayed over us; provided numerous meals for our entire family (including siblings) and dedicated their service during One Great Day to my parents.  On One Great Day, our small group trimmed all Mom and Dad's shrubs, cleaned out their gutters and cooked food that could be frozen for many future meals. 

Many weekends I would help care for Dad.  This prohibited my ability to attend small group meetings.  When Mike was out of town, small group members have picked up our son, taken him to the meeting so that he could spend time with the other children then returned him to me.  They called regularly to see what we needed (we included parents and siblings).  The night Dad went home, a small group member came to Mom and Dad's house; immediately gave me a much needed hug; made sure the rest of my family was OK; then, took our son to their home so he could play with other children and be a young boy at a sleepover rather than being a young boy amongst death and sadness.  The following night, small group members delivered a huge home cooked meal.  They visited the funeral home and attended the funeral.  Again, massive amounts of food was brought to the funeral home.     

We have felt God's love in each step of Dad's illness.  We know he led us to Living Hope where he crossed our paths with the Propst and Basham families who then brought us into their small group family.  As I type this testimony, proof of God's perfect plan has been revealed to me.

Mike and I became members of Living Hope and our small group right before my father received his cancer diagnosis.  This was also around the time that Dad became a Christian.  God knew the suffering my father would endure and how we would need support while we helped care for Dad.

He connected us with this Church and these people at this perfect time.  What an awesome God he is! 

This group have been so faithful in their service to us.  We are eternally grateful to our small group family and Living Hope.   Because of them, we were immediately connected to the church which led to our ability to serve others.  Suddenly, the "big Church" became small and cozy.

- Mike, Joy and Gabriel Rogers  



The people at Living Hope are extremely special people.  They love the Lord and are the sweetest people you’ll ever find.  - Don Blackmore (former LHBC Discipleship Pastor)



If you would like to tell us why you love Living Hope, please email Debbie Robb at drobb@lhbg.org.