Missions & Outreach
Intra-Church "Missions"
Our local missions effort begins at the intra-church level. When a person becomes a Christian, they may be a saved child of God, but they are far from perfect. In fact, at conversion, God is actually just beginning the renewal process. Renewal is something Christians experience throughout the entirety of their lives. This is clearly seen in the epistles where the writers constantly exhort and encourage growth and renewal in the lives of the already converted.
Consequently, Hope provides programs, activities, and services to facilitate renewal in the lives of Christians both inside and outside our walls. They include worship, family groups, discipleship classes, Bible studies, counseling and referral services, home and hospital visitations, education and practical seminars, sporting events, fellowship activities, leadership training, prayer groups, and so on. As is typical of all our ministries, the Hope leadership is constantly devoting time and effort to creatively and diligently meeting the needs of growing Christians. We desire to “push the envelope” with passion and wisdom so that we can be a ministry that serves the community of believers faithfully and effectively.
Local Missions
Within the United States and the surrounding metropolitan area, Hope achieves its missional vision through outreach efforts including the building and repairing of homes, working with homeless ministries, serving at nursing homes, planting churches, going on humanitarian relief trips, and spreading the gospel on evangelistic mission trips. The leadership of Hope and the Outreach Ministry are always striving to expand these local efforts.
Currently we have long-term partnerships with the following organizations:
Hana Mission (www.hanamission.org) – This is an inner-city mission serving the residents of Paterson, NJ. We partner with them because we desire to help them achieve their mission, which is to install hope in the lives of homeless individuals, substance abusers, ex-felons and children from inner city areas by providing housing, case management, counseling, job training and children’s programs in the context of Christian beliefs.
Bowery Mission (www.bowery.org) – This is an urban mission serving the people of New York City. We desire to help them accomplish their mission and goal, which is to minister in New York City to men, women, and children caught in the cycles of poverty, hopelessness and dependencies of many kinds, and to see their lives transformed to hope, joy, lasting productivity and eternal life through the power of Jesus Christ. To be the most effective provider of compassionate care and life transformation for hurting people in New York City.
Brightside Manor (www.brightsidemanor.org) – This is an assisted living organization that strives to provide an excellent standard of living for all elderly individuals. Hope sends volunteers to spend time with and to encourage the residents of this home. We seek to improve their quality of life by providing relationship that are non-condescending, fun, down-to-earth, and based on the love of Jesus.
This year, Hope will also assist the youth ministry on their local missions effort.
Team Effort (www.teameffort.org) – From July 6th through July 12th, adult members from Hope will partner with the youth ministry as they join the Hurricane Disaster Relief Team. They will rebuild homes and participate in street evangelism.
In the past, Hope has partnered with the following organizations:
Calvin Center Mission Work Camp (www.calvincenter.org/mission.html) (July 9-16, 2005) – Along with the youth, Hope adults served the poverty stricken of Hampton, GA by renovating their broken, unsafe homes.
Habitat for Humanity (www.habitat.org) – Through Habitat for Humanity, Hope has helped build and renovated homes.
Regent Care Center (Hackensack, NJ) – Hope volunteers enjoyed their time talking with and running activities for the elder and disabled residents of this nursing home.