Throughout the year, it is very important that we take into account those who are less fortunate than ourselves. The Bible exhorts us that it is more blessed to give than to receive. We become more and more like the Master when we give of our time, our resources and our love to those who are in such great need.
Sis. Karen Westbrooks, New Hope’s Minister of Music, has initiated ways in which we can place extra emphasis on reaching out to others. The 2010 Gospel Music Workshop, for example, had a very unique and special focus. According to Sis. Westbrooks, the theme of the 2010 workshop and concert was “Love Your Neighbor As Yourself”, based from Matthew 22:37-39. In 2010, we came together to bless Mercy Ministries of America. Since 1983 Mercy Ministries has provided hope and healing to generations of desperate young women who are seeking freedom from life-controlling issues. Mercy not only ministers to the physical, emotional and psychological needs of these young women but also to the spiritual need by providing opportunities for them to experience God’s unconditional love, forgiveness and life-transforming power. They provide this assistance and ministry free of charge. During the month of October we held a product drive and collected new clothing and toiletry items for the Blessing Closet of Mercy Ministries. There is a link to Mercy Ministries on the homepage of our website.
The emphasis on reaching out continued through the Christmas season and the special Christmas musical on the 19th of December. For Christmas, we placed a special focus on the Sacramento Children’s Home. Early in 2011, we focused our attention on St. John's Shelter. The 2011 Gospel Workshop will emphasize Breast Cancer Awareness. Everyone is urged to use the links included on our website’s homepage to discover more about this charity and investigate how they can help to make a difference.
