It has been a very busy summer and fall season with Hands of Hope. We are so grateful for all the willing and able workers that have blessed us with their gifts and talents. Just since July, the following groups have been able to join us in ministry.

Pleasant Hill Baptist – Bogue Chitto, MS

Easthaven Baptist – Brookhaven, MS

Huntington Court UMC – Roanoke, VA

Virginia Beach UMC – Virginia Beach, VA

Varnell UMC – Varnell, GA

Brookfield Baptist – Tifton, GA

Trinity Praise Center – Monticello, GA

White Oak Community Church – Maysville, NC

Hope Church – Dallas, GA

Mt. Bethel UMC – Marietta, GA

Great Bridge UMC – Chesapeake, VA

Eastminster Presbyterian – Marietta, GA

Oaklette UMC – Chesapeake, VA

Nimmo UMC – Virginia Beach, VA

Solid Rock Baptist – Covington, GA

Meadowview Baptist – Starkville, MS

Swain Memorial UMC – Tangier, VA

Ellisville Baptist – Ellisville, MS

Several teams participated in the Pathway of Hope weekends where they were able to minister to ladies at Ladies Night Out meetings, teach children about Jesus at Son Shine Saturday, work on HOH projects and visit families in the community. Many hands and strong backs worked in the warehouse, sorted clothes, rearranged clothing racks, and enjoyed meeting people in The Hope Chests. HOH building repairs included floor repair, new showers installed, electrical rewiring, roof repair, doors installed, basements cleaned, and porches added.

Groups were able to hold activities to support the communities of Iaeger and Welch such as Church in the Park, Veterinary Clinics, Bicycles For Summer Reading Programs, Bible Schools, and Dinner For Welch City Workers. Construction teams were able to work on homes in the area and completed several projects that included repairing roofs, floors, windows, porches and spending time with the families in these homes. A lot of work was accomplished, but most importantly a lot of relationships were formed, providing a pathway for sharing God’s precious love.

Christmas Memories

Last week we honored the birth of Jesus with a celebration featuring a special program by the ladies followed by a meal and gifts for everyone that attended. We welcomed over 400 friends with loving hugs and caring conversations. It was a wonderful experience thanks to all of you that generously supported this endeavor with your prayers, your time, many donations, and very hard work. This year we thought you might like to hear what others had to say so we asked some of the team members from Mt. Bethel UMC, Hope UMC and Easthaven Baptist Church to reflect on the events and share a few words about their experience.

I was impressed with seeing the people enjoying themselves at the singing and the play. Many had smiles and were joining in the singing and the festive atmosphere.   Kay

I was talking to one young mother with three small children waiting in line to get their gifts.  I was asking her about the play and she said: “The play was great! I’ve heard the story so many times in my life, my dad was a preacher, but when they brought out the baby Jesus it was so emotional to me this time. I cried.”     Becky

I have been coming to W VA for about eight years working with Hands of Hope. I was amazed at the women who in the beginning would not look you in the eye and now get up before a room full of people and perform in a Christmas Play. God is Amazing!!!!      Ann

One of our team devotions centered on blessings given and blessings received. Part of it read, “We can see God in the face of Jesus, and we can see the face of Jesus in all those who need our care.” I saw blessings flowing both ways during our Christmas party for the people we served and that will warm me throughout the Christmas season.     Larry

My best memory was helping the people to their cars with their gifts and seeing the joy on their faces.  One young lady was waiting for some time at the street to be picked up by her family.  While waiting, I talked to her and could tell she was quite excited about her gifts.  As she got into the car and rode away, I waved and she waved back and smiled and said, “Merry Christmas!” I don’t know her situation or if I’ll ever see her again, but that single encounter was worth the whole trip.    Kurt

Best Wishes to Rick and Jenny

Most of you already know that Rick and Jenny Campbell recently moved back home to North Carolina. Although we will sincerely miss Rick and Jenny, we send our love and support as they pursue God’s calling to begin a new phase in their walk with Christ. We appreciate the time they spent with Hands of Hope and look forward to seeing what blessings God sends their way.

Donated Electronics – No Thank You

Please do not send any televisions, computers, game players, or any other electronic equipment. Unfortunately we are unable to use these. We have no place in McDowell County that will allow disposal and the disposal fee in Georgia is outrageous – $25 per piece. We cannot afford to accept ANY donated electronic equipment.

Other Donations

We have been blessed with donations this year and we are grateful to God for all the work that our supporters are doing to keep donations coming. Many of you ask what we need the most. We always need household items such as linens, cookware, decorative items, etc. We also need children’s clothing, especially toddler sizes. Currently we do not need any more winter clothing for adults.

Reservations for 2012

Many weeks have already been reserved in 2012. Please note that the charge per night has increased to $20 per person per night effective January 2012. This increase is due to the increases in utilities over the last 5 years. Group reservations are limited to the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th weeks of each month with the 2^nd and 4^th weekends reserved for groups participating in Pathway of Hope activities. The calendar can be accessed on the hohm.org website. We are also booking small groups of up to 6 people to come work in The Hope Chests or on HOH building maintenance. These groups would also come on 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th weeks and the same fees would apply. All reservations must be confirmed through Jody.

“Go and make disciples …”

Are you feeling called to fulfill this commission? All that we do with Hands of Hope comes around to this commission. We are looking for others to come assist in building God’s kingdom. We have opportunities for individuals that are interested in leading mission teams or assisting with administrative duties.

This is a message from Hands of Hope Ministries …

Many people in our network hear this almost every week as this year we have implemented a new computerized calling post system to announce upcoming events. Several hundred people have signed up to receive news this way. We are very pleased with the response from the community using this communication system.

Mailing List Updated

Due to the rising cost of postage and printing, we will be revising our newsletter mailing list, which has grown to over 600 names. We ask that anyone wanting to continue to receive a newsletter in the mail, please send an email to mary@hohm.org .  If we do not hear from you, your name will be deleted from the newsletter mailing list. If you prefer to receive the newsletter electronically, it is posted on the website at www.hohm.org.

News From Diane . . .

Dear Friends,

This is a special time of year when we remember past Christmases and hold memories dear to our hearts. For some it is a lonely time. It is meant to be a joyous time for celebrating the birth of Jesus who came to bring us true joy and life everlasting. His name shall be called Immanuel, “God with us”. I do sincerely wish you a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with much Love, Faith and Hope.

I am thankful for the many lives that have been touched this year by your dedication, sacrifice and kindness as you have come along beside us to bring help and hope to the people we serve here in WV. We have had plays, concerts, retreats, makeovers, craft classes, a fashion show, and other activities that brought happiness to others. The Ladies Night Out meetings are growing, and the ladies are amazed at the many ideas and activities you bring to share with them.

I continue to cut hair at various activities. I help at the SAFE House, the Holler Day events, and Son Shine Saturdays. I also deliver bag lunches to the children. In all the years I have been helping others, I have realized that the most important thing I may have given them is a word of kindness spoken with God’s voice of love. A kind spirit will sometimes bring some cheerfulness and encouragement to one who is downhearted and full of despair. I realize now that our lives may touch others only once on this road of life and bring a ray of joy and sunshine to those who have a sad heart. Mother Teresa has stated: “Kind words may be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless.”

A special poem for your new year:         (copied)

We cannot know the grief that men may borrow;

We cannot see the souls storm-swept by sorrow;

But love can shine upon the way today, tomorrow; Let us be kind,

Upon the wheel of pain so many weary lives are broken;

So may our love with tender words be spoken; Let us be kind.

• Teams from several churches have been busy getting donations in, out and in order at Warehouse in Canton, GA
• The Bridge UMC mission team assisted with Common Ground Youth and held an Ice Cream Social for parents
• KAIROS Prison Ministry was housed in Iaeger Mission Center
• Mt. Bethel UMC and Eastminster Presbyterian sent teams in April, May and June for Pathway of Hope Weekends
• A Spring Fling was held for SAFE residents
• Holler Day Celebrations were held in Mile Branch and in Hemphill
• Welch City Workers Appreciation Dinner and Fun Night was held in Welch Outreach Center
• First Baptist Woodstock Ladies put on a Fashion Show and Women’s Conference
• Great Bridge UMC sent teams to do home repair, HOH facilities repair, painting and more
• Virginia Beach UMC team participated in Pathway of Hope Weekend and brought Scott Memorial UMC with them
• Galilean Outreach Center mission team helped clean out HOH facilities
• YouthWorks teams are staying in Iaeger and doing several projects in the area
• Ladies Night Out continues to meet in Iaeger, War and Welch with inspirational messages, play practice, crafts, and more
• Rainhill Wesleyan sent a team for a Vision Trip
• Varnell UMC held Vacation Bible Schools in Premier, Davy and Welch
• Southview UMC did some home repair, mission center repairs and hosted the Youth in Roanoke
• Common Ground Youth participated in two work projects and had a great mission trip to Roanoke
• Hope UMC participated in Pathway of Hope weekend and Hope UMC Youth cleaned and painted church in Anawalt
• A three night Revival was held in the Welch Outreach Center
• Several volunteers drove loaded trucks and trailers to WV to help move donations

Every team has been a tremendous help loading and unloading trucks and trailers and working in the warehouse and presort.

Blessings

Thank you to everyone for each gift, each prayer, and all your support. God has blessed the ministry beyond measure with all types of donations, including food, clothing, household items, and more. We recently received two greatly appreciated and much needed vehicles. The donation of a Ford F-550 truck is a tremendous help moving trailers as well as transporting furniture and appliances. We also received a Mercury Villager minivan, which was donated by Marc and Rachel Gatlin. This van will be used by Ruth Cooper.

News from Diane

Dear Friends, While reading a devotional from one of my favorite writers, Max Lucado, I came across these two paragraphs which were inspiring to me:

“Our God is not aloof – He’s not so far above us that He can’t see and understand our problems.

Jesus isn’t a God who stayed on the mountaintop – He’s a Savior who came down and lived and

walked with the people. Everywhere He went, the crowds followed, drawn together by the magnet

that was – and is – The Savior. THE LIFE OF CHRIST IS A MESSAGE OF HOPE,

A MESSAGE OF MERCY, A MESSAGE OF LIFE IN A DARK WORLD.”

He left us a pattern to follow and tho’ the trails may get rocky and steep, He goes before us. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.” I can say that there are many well-traveled trails here in WV.

This spring we had a Fashion Show and Women’s Conference for the ladies here and as usual the visiting team for this project from First Baptist Church of Woodstock, GA did a wonderful job. They and another team from Galilean Outreach Worship Center in Waverly, TN worked in my yard and planted flowers and shrubs. Thank you all so much. The roses are “blooming where they were planted”.

There have been lots of teams over the last few months that have helped with the Ladies’ Ministry here. They worked behind the scenes with the play “Mountain Music and Memories”. The play was very well received and we are presenting it again on July 15. Our work would not be possible without the great work teams who partner with us. Some of the ladies are working on “Coal Mining Quilts” to sell. A picture of our play shows this quilt. If you would like information on how to purchase one of these quilts, please call me at 304-938-2738.

Our Bag Lunch deliveries continue weekly and the one dark spot I share is that many of the children are so much hungrier while school is out. Two of our other programs, Son Shine Saturday and Holler Days bring some relief by sharing food, games, crafts, and entertainment at these events.

Thank you so much for your prayers, donations and faithful service to God, which enables us to provide the needed support for all of these activities. I send my Love and Prayers and hope to see you soon.

Christmas is Coming

In celebration of the Birth of Christ, we will share our gifts with others at our annual Christmas Celebration on December 10. Each adult attending will receive a food box and each child will receive a toy. Everyone will also receive fruit bags and enjoy a meal after joining us for a special Christmas play performed by Ladies Night Out members. We are asking your help in gathering food and gifts for this event. Below is a list of the items needed. Please let us know if you would like to donate to this celebration. All items need to be delivered to WV or the Canton GA warehouse before November 15. Cost of toy or gift should be approximately $10.

500 Canned Hams – 1 lb

500 Sweet Potatoes – 29 oz can

1000 Corn – 15 oz can

1000 Green Beans – 15 oz can

500 Jiffy Corn Bread Mix – 8 oz box

500 Rice – 1 lb bag

1000 Pinto Beans – 1 lb bag

500 Christmas Little Debbie Cakes – box of 6

500 Yellow Cake Mix – 18 oz box

500 Cake Frosting – 16 oz can

500 Self Rising Flour – 5 lb bag

500 Hot Chocolate Mix – 10 pk box

75 Baby Dolls

25 Barbie Dolls

75 Board Games for ages 5-7

75 Board Games for ages 8-12

75 Large Tonka Trucks

50 Basketballs

50 Footballs

50 Children’s Craft Kits – like jewelry making, etc

25 Bath and Beauty Gift Baskets for Teens

25 Flashlights for Teens

25 Boy or Girl Watches for Teens

News from Rick and Jenny

Hello Friends…Summer has arrived and things are wide open for us here with Hands of Hope.  We are very thankful to be a part of all the wonderful things that are taking place in McDowell County this summer.

The Common Ground Youth is continuing to grow.  We are building stronger relationships with the youth and they are growing closer to one another.  We had a fundraising car wash in June for the Roanoke Mission Trip and we raised $239.00.  We thank God for Blessing the efforts in such a mighty way. The Common Ground Youth also participated in a workday down at War, cleaning out the building where the Hope Chest used to be.  Each youth had to participate in at least one of the two projects to be eligible to go on the trip.

We cannot even start to count the many Blessings that we experienced while on The Roanoke Virginia Mission Trip.  While in Roanoke, we were able to help with Vacation Bible School for three nights at Southview United Methodist Church, we pulled weeds from the Church playground, we got to serve lunch twice to the homeless at the RAM House, and we were also able to prepare lunch bags and hand them out to the homeless in the downtown area.  Each of the twelve youth worked very hard serving others.  Not only were we able to serve others, but we also grew closer to Christ and closer to one another.  This was a great experience that we will never forget and we Pray that the youth will never forget it either.  On Saturday before returning to McDowell County, we took the youth to the Natural Bridge Safari Park.  We all had a great time there as well.  Several of the youth had never left McDowell County and it was truly a Blessing to be able to share this experience with each of them.  We are very thankful to everyone who took part in making this Mission Trip possible.

None of the activities here in West Virginia would be possible without the help of all of you! We thank you for your help, for the support, and for all of the Prayers!  We look forward to serving with you in the months ahead.  Until next time…KEEP BELIEVING…

Supporting Education

This year Hands of Hope was able to award four scholarships to graduating seniors in McDowell County. River View High School seniors Marla Addair and Amber Wiseman and Mount View seniors Joanna Bailey and Tiffany Clemins each received $250 to assist them in pursuing a college education. Rick and Jenny presented these scholarships at awards day at each school.

Supporting Education – part 2

Notes from Jody:

Even though we have had a hard winter we have made a lot of progress as we prepare to start again with all our activities. I look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones as the mission teams begin to arrive.  God is still pouring out His many blessings on HOHM, and I want to share those with you. I am excited about our new partnership with YouthWorks. You can read more about YouthWorks on page 3. It will bring hundreds more people to the area and give us an opportunity to help even more in the Iaeger area.

We resumed our regular activities in March with a successful concert. Approximately 200 came to the concert and enjoyed the bluegrass and gospel music. Several groups performing in the concert and other talented musicians who have worked with HOHM this past year have produced a CD called “In the Hollow”.  This CD is available to you for a contribution of $10.00 with the proceeds being used to help fund our new scholarship program. HOHM will award scholarships to two graduating seniors in McDowell County this year.

Special thanks to Austin Whelan, Robert Holmes, and Hunter Astin from Hope UMC for helping us create our HOHM 2010 Photo Review.  These DVDs are now available for those of you who will use them to share with others interested in joining the ministry.

When we were blessed with our new Outreach Center in Welch last year I admit I wondered what we could do to make use of this gift.  Well it is amazing how God can work things out.  This facility is now used every day. Just last month the Christian school from the Welch Nazarene Church moved into the facility and began using the classrooms. I really do enjoy seeing the children there each day.  We have several other groups like Weight Watchers that also meet in the building. The Son Shine Saturdays have gotten off to a great start with over 20 children attending the first week and over 30 attending the second week. We just trust God that we will be able to meet the needs of the children as we continue to grow in the fruits of the Spirit – beginning of course with love.

Members from the Advisory Board and Board of Directors were able to join our annual review and planning session in WV in March. Thank you to all of these dedicated supporters for taking time out of busy schedules to come together for this inspirational and motivational meeting.

The Hope Chests in Iaeger and Welch continue to grow. Many customers have become dear friends. Very often we hear how thankful they are to be able to purchase clothing, furniture and more at such reduced prices. Many would not be able to afford furniture and appliances any other way. We would like to pass this gratitude on to our supporters for their many donations.

All of the staff members have been traveling in January and February as they speak to other churches about HOHM. With God’s blessing, several new churches will be making vision trips in 2011.

The Welch Outreach Center has become a well-used facility. We asked God to give us direction on how to use this building. The Center has been blessed to be filled with children, church members, ladies groups, concerts, weddings, youth meetings, mission teams and more… Mission teams are being housed there so more showers were installed and the Fellowship Hall recently received a new coat of paint. The Food Box assembly has been moved there as we have outgrown the Iaeger facility.

News From Diane . . .

It has been a long hard winter but spring has finally arrived and all of the Mission programs of HOHM have resumed with great intensity. We have had many work teams come already this year and much has been accomplished. We have had a Bluegrass-Gospel Concert, A Valentine Party for the Ladies Night Out groups, and Son Shine Saturdays for the children. Along with the regular meetings for the women, we had the first combined program (Iaeger, Welch, War) meeting with MANY things going on at once, including play practice, crochet lessons, rug making demonstration, a class on making fleece blankets, and the exercise program Zumba.  Of course we always have a meal and an inspiring devotion.  Thanks SO much to all of the groups who so valiantly go along with my “out of the box” thinking and the methods I use to help these ladies in so many areas of their lives. Without your support it would be impossible to accomplish so many of the special projects we have.

Many have helped us with our weekly bag lunch program and it helps them see the need in the homes when we visit each family. The children are waiting for the lunches. One little boy ran and grabbed his bag out of the worker’s hand and said “You’ve brought my food-You’ve brought my food.” He then asked him to help open it as he sat down on the ground to eat. Lives are being changed and smiles are on hundreds of faces as we continue to carry the Love of Christ to them.

We plan to have the first showing of the play “A Woman’s Heart-Mountain Music and Memories” the last weekend in May. The women in our Ladies Night Out groups will be presenting this play. A Women’s Conference and Fashion Show will be held the weekend before the play and your prayers are needed for our two helpers, Vanessa and April, who will be coordinating these events from here and also the visiting team from Woodstock, GA, who will be doing the Conference and Fashion Show. If you would like to have a special event for these women please contact me. Our regular meetings are held on the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th Fridays each month, and you may also participate in those.

Those of you who have been here know there is little to do here in the mountain “hollows”.  We pray for a successful and rewarding experience for all who join us here in “Almost Heaven”, WV. Thank you so much for your prayers.

Coordination, Cooperation and Contents

Some of you might have heard the old expression, “Trying to stuff five pounds of apples into a two pound sack.” Sometimes we feel like that is what we are doing at the warehouse in Canton GA. As the ministry continues to be blessed with donations, there is a growing need for assistance at this warehouse in loading, sorting and cleaning. Currently we have a few very dedicated workers that are doing a great job, but they need your help. Narvel Lassiter has volunteered to supervise this growing segment of the ministry. If you can spare a few hours on a Saturday, or if you can drive a truck and trailer to WV, we need your help. We meet in Canton on the first and third Saturdays each month. Please contact Narvel through email – narvell@aol.com if you can help. In order to keep things in motion we need your cooperation so we can coordinate truck and trailers to move these contents to West Virginia.

News From Rick and Jenny . . .

Hello Friends…Spring has finally sprung and things are starting to bloom and turn green in McDowell County, WV. The sunshine and warm weather are bringing people out and about after a long cold winter. We are looking forward to a wonderful 2011 here at Hands of Hope. It was great to see many of our friends at the Advisory Board meeting in March and to discuss and plan many projects and events for 2011.

We had our first Common Ground Youth gathering on March 18th. We had 15 youth there from McDowell County and 2 from Mississippi. We could tell from all the hugs and chitchat that the youth were happy to see one another. One of the youth from Mississippi brought the devotion and he did a great job. His devotion was on temptations. During the devotion the youth had to sit and look at a chocolate brownie covered with whipped cream and could not touch it until the devotion time was over. The youth shared what some of their biggest temptations are. We had a great discussion and most everybody chimed in. Rick and I are excited to see what all 2011 is going to bring for the youth. Many doors are opening and we are looking forward to sharing with you throughout the year.

The bag lunch program is going great. The families on our route have been out in their yards enjoying the warm weather. They are also talking and visiting more than they have in the past few months. The sunshine and warm weather has put a smile on all of our faces. Thank you all for you support and for your prayers. Please continue praying for Rick and me, and that we will be ready for the opportunities that lie ahead. Until next time…KEEP BELIEVING…

In regard to our upcoming partnership with YouthWorks this summer, the following article has been prepared to appear in the Iaeger newspaper this month:

YOUTHWORKS PARTNERING WITH HANDS OF HOPE MINISTRIES

For eight weeks this summer, approximately 450 individuals representing church and family groups from all over the United States and Canada will participate in week-long mission trips here in McDowell County. These groups will be volunteering with service opportunities coordinated by the nonprofit multi-denominational mission organization, YouthWorks, based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. YouthWorks currently recruits 36,000 volunteers and mobilizes them to serve in 76 communities in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

While working in McDowell County, YouthWorks and Hands of Hope Ministries will be partnering together to mutually support the efforts of each organization. Over the summer months, Hands of Hope Ministries will be providing facilities in Iaeger for the YouthWorks staff to stay. The staff will also use this location as a hub from which they host the mission teams and coordinate their volunteer efforts.

The groups will engage in a variety of mission opportunities which are organized with the abilities and interests of multiple generations and skill levels in mind. Those opportunities will consist of scraping, painting and providing minor home repair, assisting local community minded organizations, visiting the elderly and coordinating a YouthWorks Kids Club. Kids Club will be a hands-on, high-energy afternoon program offering games, crafts, skits, songs and interactive lessons all designed to help kids learn about Jesus.

For more information regarding YouthWorks! and Hands of Hope Ministries, visit www.youthworks.com and www.hohm.org.  If you have a project or social service program and would like volunteer assistance please contact David Potter at davidp@youthworks.com.

• Advisory Board met in Ellijay in March – 35 were able to attend
• Over 50 mission teams with 540 participants stayed with HOH in 2011 – many others made short trips to deliver loaded trucks and trailers
• Rick and Jenny remodeled and moved in apartment in Iaeger Mission Center
• Jody and Mary moved to apartment in Welch
• Rear apartment in Welch was completely renovated and now hosts small mission teams

• Ladies Night Out continues in Iaeger, Welch and War with several special events like a Spring Fling, Fashion Show, Jelly Making Class, Makeover Madness, and Christmas Party
• The building next door to Welch Hope Chest was purchased and remodeled – this included a new roof, new electric service, new lights, new ceiling and new floor

• The Hope Chests are doing very well and are now open five days a week
• The Hope Chest in Welch was remodeled – including expanding space, adding racks and new paint

• Holler Day Celebrations were held in Hemphill, Gary, War, Iaeger and Panther
• Vacation Bible Schools were held in Davy, Welch, Iaeger and Yukon
• Two large trailers of cabinets were donated
• Bag lunch deliveries continue every Saturday thanks to Diane, Jenny, Rick, Isabelle, Linda and Ray
• Presentations about the ministry were made to several churches in GA, MS, NC, TN, VA
• Common Ground Youth program is meeting every month with 10-15 youth in attendance
• Common Ground hosted a county-wide Youth Rally in October
• Mission team donated eight bikes for Summer Reading Programs at Welch and Iaeger Libraries
• Donations of school supplies were distributed to three schools
• Pathway of Hope mission teams are leading Son Shine Saturday and Hope Fellowship and supporting Ladies Night Out and Common Ground
• Men’s Conferences were held in March and in October
• Mission teams cleaned, painted, and repaired roofs, porches and floors on several homes in the area
• Hope Fellowship had special music presented by talented mission teams and also by Kenny Williamson, The Arringtons, The Daniels, Annette Herndon, Dan Pruitt, The Dash Family and others.
• The Welch Outreach Center housed the Kairos Prison Ministry team
• The members of the First Presbyterian Church of Welch donated the church facilities, the education building and the manse to Hands of Hope
• Ladies Night Out groups presented a very special Christmas play with special music and a Christmas Nativity was presented by the Common Ground Youth
• The 2011 Christmas Celebration was held at the Welch Outreach Center with over 400 attending and receiving gifts
• Christmas gifts were delivered to McDowell County Headstart and Christmas Fruit Bags were delivered to all students and teachers at Welch Elementary and Iaeger Elementary

News From Diane . . .

It has been a special two months with many people helping to bring happy smiles to hundreds here in WV. We have been busy decorating the Hope Chests and Mission Center, hosting the Christmas Party, planning the Christmas Program and attending our regular meetings. The hauling of all of the food, toys, and other supplies took a major effort and determined workers. Thank you ALL for your help.

I have been planning some projects for the coming year for the Women’s Ministry.  I would like to have a Women’s Retreat, a Women’s Conference, and all of the other special programs we had last year like the Spring Fling, Fashion Show, Cooking Class, and Makeover Madness. In addition to the three regular meetings, we hope to have another monthly meeting that will be an Activity Night with special craft projects and other entertainment for the ladies. I need volunteers to help with these special meetings and would like to hear from you if you would like to participate in any of these projects.

We had such support and sheer delight shown for our Christmas Play “Coal Mountain Christmas” that we are planning at this time to have a program about the Music and Memories of Mountain Women.  It can be done at any time and the Ladies are beside themselves with anticipation of being able to perform again. People here have even asked for some of the ladies’ autographs. The Common Ground Youth Group led by Rick and Jenny were also in the play and loved every minute they had of their 15 minutes of fame – as did the audience!

My son Daniel, his wife Pam, and son Hunter visited here after Christmas and helped me with many activities and helped me deliver some things on my Bag Lunch route. They were amazed that many of the children slept on the floor and had so few blankets, if any at all. The children were delighted with the lunches and the extra fruit and things we brought them.  “Little is much, when God is in it” is so true, especially here in Appalachia. One of the projects for Ladies Night Out groups will be to make some fleece blankets for others here in their own area.

I pray that the Christmas Spirit of Love and a Giving Heart be with us all in this coming year of 2011. I copied this for you because I thought it was so beautiful:

Work of Christmas Begins

When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with the flocks, then the work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost, to heal those broken in spirit, to feed the hungry, to release the oppressed, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among all peoples, to make a little music with the heart…

And to radiate the Light of Christ, every day, in every way, in all that we do and in all that we say,

then the work of Christmas begins.

News From Rick and Jenny . . .

Greetings Friends…Another wonderful year has come and gone. Hands of Hope has changed so much in the past year and it is continuing to change. We are looking forward to the New Year and to finding out all the wonderful things that God has in store for us and for Hands of Hope.

We are so proud of the Common Ground Youth and their performance in the Christmas Play at the Celebration.  Each of them put their heart into their part and it really showed.  It was such a blessing to Rick and me, as it was to others, as they stood up on that stage with huge smiles on their faces!  We are so thankful and blessed to be able to be a part of these youth’s lives!  We are looking for many opportunities for these youth in the upcoming year!

One of the young men in the youth group (whom we will call “Alex”) was not able to be a part of the play and hasn’t been able to come to any meetings lately. Alex got injured playing football back in September. Through many tests and doctor visits, Alex found out that he had a fractured spine, and they also discovered that he had a heart murmur that is causing him serious problems. His doctor took him out of school so he is currently being home schooled. Alex also has to use a cane to help him walk. At the age of 13, you can imagine the negative thoughts and the bitterness that he must have. He and his parents started questioning God and more than that, Alex started to doubt God. We got a phone call from his mom one evening, giving us an update on Alex. She began telling us that finally, after two months since the accident, she wasn’t questioning God anymore. She was thankful to God for the accident because if Alex had not been through all of these tests, they would not know about the heart problem, and he could have died of a sudden heart attack. I can’t explain the emotions that were being shared during this phone call; all I can say is that we could feel God’s presence in a mighty way! On the other hand, we still had Alex doubting and questioning God. We told her that we would continue to pray and ask others to pray also. Then one day Diane Brown felt led to go and visit this family. As she and Alex were standing and talking she reached and touched his face, told him we love him and that Jesus also loves him and that we were all praying for him, and then she left. Alex went straight in to tell his mom that something just happened that when “that lady” touched his face, then he felt a warm feeling all over his body and it was a good feeling and he couldn’t explain it. It was then that his mom shared with him that was Jesus and “that lady” was just the messenger. He then shared with his mom that he wanted to start going to church with “that lady” or somewhere where he could feel that again! Thank You, Jesus!  Please keep Alex and his family in your prayers as he still has a hard road ahead of him.

When God tells us to go, it is important for us to go, because you might be the messenger!

Until Next Time…Keep Believing…

Looking Forward

ðFacilities are filling up in Iaeger and in Welch. Twenty-one teams have already reserved their space for 2011. Please refer to the calendar on the website for available dates. No reservations are accepted without the group application form.

ðThe newsletter can be viewed on the hohm.org website. The mailing list is growing so if you would like to save a stamp and view the news on the website, please send us an email to remove your name.

ðDonations of food, household items and children’s clothing are always needed. Call us if you need help organizing a drive for donations. The website has a list of specific items.

Show me Your ways, O Lord;

Teach me Your paths.

Lead me in Your truth and teach me,

For You are the God of my salvation;

On You I will wait all the day.

Psalm 25:4-

Since our last newsletter we have had 14 Mission Teams and 2 Vision Teams come to WV to work in McDowell County. We are honored to be able to serve in this area and give God the glory for the great work that is being accomplished.

Teams have implemented the Son Shine Saturday School with enthusiasm. They have welcomed all to enjoy music and fellowship in a casual setting at Hope Fellowship. Special celebrations like Holler Days and Bible Schools have reached out to communities in Hemphill, Welch, and Panther. Many teams have participated in Ladies Night Out, Common Ground and the Men’s Conference. Donations of school supplies, food, clothing and household items have been collected and delivered by the trailer loads. The remodeling of the Welch apartment has been finished with bunks for 12, new bath facilities, a new kitchen and a living room with a view. New friends established special relationships when teams repaired roofs, added steps and fixed floors. Many churches and individuals have shared their experiences by presenting programs about Hands of Hope. The Hope Chests continue to thrive with the hard work and dedication of all those that make the stores a place to share our faith as well as a place to shop.

God has placed so many wonderful people in our path with diverse talents that we cannot list all the good things that are happening. We are just grateful for all who continue to energize Hands of Hope with support in so many ways. Thank you and bless you for joining Hands of Hope in reaching out to others in Christian love.

News From Diane . . .

These words were taken from one of my favorite books by Max Lucado  – God Thinks You’re Wonderful -

“Promise me that you’ll never forget that you aren’t an accident…you are a gift to the world, a divine work of art signed by God. You weren’t massed produced, you aren’t an assembly line product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on this earth by the Master Craftsman. Turn to the sidelines–;that’s God cheering your run—Look past the finish line;–that’s God applauding your steps—GOD IS FOR YOU!”

I have also been applauding your work for Him this summer as hundreds have received HIS LOVE and HOPE through the work you have accomplished. Although some of you may not have been able to come here, your feet have been in the “trenches”, your hands have touched the weary, your eyes have caught the vision, your lips have breathed a prayer, and you have helped the work go on by your donations to provide us with the necessary tools to work in the Harvest Fields. Through your donations of clothing, shoes and household items, etc., you have given help to those who couldn’t afford these things. In other words, you have been the hands and feet of Jesus. You will be blessed for you have given to Him.. (“Insomuch as you have given unto one of these, the least of my brethren, you have done it unto me!”)

This summer some homes have been repaired, hearts mended, and happiness shared as many talented teams accomplished a long list of work projects. Through your work with Bible Schools, Holler Days, The Bag Lunch Program, Hope Fellowship weekends, Son-Shine Saturdays, visitation, and many special events, you have brought tears of joy to hundreds. Thanks so much for sharing your TIME, TALENTS, and HEARTS with us. It was especially good to travel to the Great Smokey Mountains of NC and see the many friends who have known of my vision here for years still come together for a fund raiser for WV. Thanks for your confidence in me, HOHM, and for your support as the work of “healing the broken hearted and binding up their wounds goes on”.  It has been said  “Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but LOOK what they can do when they stick together.” You are ALL loved and appreciated—May God’s Love and Peace be with you!

News From Rick and Jenny . . .

Summer has come and gone, and we can sure feel fall in the air. The leaves are changing fast and already starting to fall off the trees.  We have had a blessed and productive summer, and we have enjoyed serving with some wonderful people that we now call friends.
The Common Ground Youth meetings are growing both spiritually and in number.  We are averaging 13 youth at the meetings, and we are very thankful for each of them. For our September meet, we had a back to school pizza party, and the youth enjoyed every bite of pizza they ate. We want to say a big “thank you” to Pleasant Hill Baptist Women in Bogue Chitto, MS for their donation for the pizza!  We were also able to surprise the youth by opening up the Hope Chest and allowing them to do some back to school shopping. All of the youth were so excited!  We had one young lady who had quit the eleventh grade last year and told us she wasn’t going back this year because she didn’t have clothes to wear. My how God works in mysterious ways… This young lady got to choose clothes that evening from the Hope Chest, and she is currently in the eleventh grade!  Thank you God!
During our October meeting, we noticed the youth are starting to connect with Jason, Rick, and myself, and they are starting to connect with one another. This has been a struggle and a prayer since our first meeting.  We witnessed youth hugging one another and crying together, some of who had not spoken a word to one another since our first meeting. Thank You God!  And then… toward the end of the meeting two of the young ladies came to Rick and I wanting to ask Jesus into their hearts.  Rick and I explained the plan of Salvation to them and asked them a few questions. The two young ladies both prayed to Jesus and invited Him into their hearts.  Once again, thank You God! We are very honored to be able to work with these youth.  Please continue to pray for these youth and for Jason, Rick, and myself, as we continue working with them!
Also we have been busy with construction projects in the community.
We replaced a roof on a porch for a man on our bag lunch route who is raising his grandkids in Ritter Hollow.
We repaired a leaky roof and chimney and did some deep cleaning for a lady in Lick Branch Hollow.
We constructed a new roof for a lady in Mohegan.
We helped a family in Panther build on an addition.
We did some plumbing and cleaning for a family in Sandy Huff.
We repaired a floor for a family in Panther.

We want to say “Thank You” to everyone who helped make these projects possible!
God Bless each of you and until next time…Keep Believing!

Christmas Countdown

Please remember to have all Christmas items delivered to WV before November 12 so we will have time to inventory items, purchase any shortages, and make food boxes. All the toy items have been reserved except the craft kits. Although we have commitments for all of the Christmas food box items, we always have additional last minute requests so please let us know if you would like to assist with these. Thank you to many of you that have already sent donations that will be used to purchase any shortages as well as food and supplies for special Christmas events for Ladies Night Out, the Common Ground Youth, the Christmas Play, and the Christmas Celebration. Bless you all for allowing us to share the joy of Christ’s birth.

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To provide a pathway of hope
by building relationships
and reaching out to others
with the love of Jesus Christ.

If you want to see God, walk among
the broken and the beaten,
the unattractive and forgotten -
there you will see Him.

Poverty in the Appalachian Mountains of southern West Virginia is devastating. Due to lives of extreme hardship, many people suffer from low self-esteem and feel there is no hope for the future.

Daily there are children in this country going hungry, elderly people making a choice between buying food, paying utilities, or purchasing much needed medication.

A Major Focus of Hands of Hope Ministries is to provide inspiration and direction to those suffering hardships as well as individuals, groups, and churches looking to become more involved in the mission field. Here you can witness the hands and feet of God working in the hills and hollows of southern West Virginia.

]]> http://www.hohm.org/our_mission/our-mission/feed/ 0 http://www.hohm.org/featured/welcome-to-hands-of-hope-2/ http://www.hohm.org/featured/welcome-to-hands-of-hope-2/#comments Sat, 21 Aug 2010 23:14:59 +0000 admin http://www.hohm.org/?p=124 http://www.hohm.org/featured/welcome-to-hands-of-hope-2/feed/ 0