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.