HOPE Packs Renews Perspectives

Every month here at the HOPE Packs program, we strive to invite volunteers to come alongside our adults and work with them to assemble HOPE Packs.  Because the experience of working with adults with disabilities is new, some volunteers come in nervous and hesitant.   
 
One day, John came to volunteer and specifically requested to work on the side, probably a little nervous to work with an adult with disabilities.  We politely encouraged him to work with Ken, an Elim adult.  As the morning progressed, John quickly became more comfortable with Ken and by the end of the day even gave Ken a hug and said “See ya later, buddy!”  
 
 As our adults develop friendships with our volunteers, they do so much more than just work alongside a new visitor; they melt the fears away from their hearts and show them unconditional love.   
 
All the volunteers for the HOPE Packs program walk away with a newfound appreciation for God’s children with disabilities, truly seeing their impact on the Kingdom of God.  That’s the impact of HOPE! 

HOPE Packs - A Tool for Spreading the Gospel!

Elim’s adults with disabilities love to serve.  It is a joy for them to make you happy and bring a smile to your face.  As God’s children, Elim’s adults make an impact every day in the lives of thousands of children around the world through HOPE Packs. Yet, the impact of their work of assembling HOPE Packs became clearer in a recent discussion with a faithful ministry partner.   
 
According the HOPE Partner Global Aid Network, sending HOPE Packs to developing countries is so much more than providing simple school supplies for children.  The impact is an eternal one. 
 
Many communities throughout the world will not allow Christians to enter and preach the Gospel of Christ.  But, when Christians can bring gifts and offerings, like HOPE Packs, those obstacles are broken and Christians are allowed to enter into the community.   
 
These missionaries are granted passage because of the calling that God has placed upon His children with disabilities to provide a gift offering of school supplies.  Christian missionaries are given the opportunity to share the Gospel of Christ and bring more into the Kingdom of God.  I guess that makes Elim’s adults international missionaries too! That’s the impact of HOPE!