HOPE Initiative
Two Years and Counting
After only two years in existence, the HOPE Initiative is seeing fast growth and significant steps towards its goal. Churches continue to grow in their involvement with the Hope Initiative and more congregations are joining in on the mission.
One exciting step in our growth is the upcoming extension into the city of Northport. There have been several meetings with Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon and his staff over the last three months. The most important projects within the region are being discussed and how to best adapt the program to the needs of the area. Extending HOPE into Northport will be a significant step for the community.
In the Alberta area, the Police Athletic League (P.A.L. program) is working with the churches to help provide athletic, recreational and educational opportunities that help build trust between police officers and the young people of the area. Positive relationships between young people and police officers reinforce responsible values and attitudes, which promotes a safer and more positive community.
On April 25, the churches involved in Zone 7 put on a Sports Field Day for the neighbors around Forrester Gardens apartments. The event was three full hours of successful and positive fun and was a valuable step towards continuing to build trusting relationships in the community. A couple of University of Alabama (UA) football players, along with other athletes from the campus, came to the event to play with the kids and encourage them in their sports interests. With students from UA and volunteers from the various churches involved, the fun rounded off with a hamburger and hotdog cookout meal and door prize drawings.
On each of the Saturdays in June, backyard Bible Clubs also took place in this zone. The first of these was held on June 5 and included games, crafts, music, snacks and Bible lessons; all centered on the power of God. Science experiments were also a part of the “Power Lab” activities to learn about the power of God through the power of His wonderful creation.
In October of 2009, a group of churches began an outreach ministry out of an apartment at Downing Place. In November and December, this new ministry, Angel’s Wings, hosted a Thanksgiving food drive, as well as a coat closet for all those needing a warm coat for the winter. A monthly food pantry began in February of 2010 at the outreach apartment, which assists the residents needing food. Since the Angel’s Wings outreach ministry began just seven months ago, the program has flourished, touching the lives of the people there every day. On May 15, the ministry hosted a family fun day for the people at Downing Place Apartments. The day began with a “clean up the neighborhood” drive in which everyone who came out to clean up was registered for a $100 cash prize. The Tuscaloosa Church of God praise band Amnezia provided live entertainment along with local hip-hop artist C.A.S.H. Hotdogs and refreshments were provided for everyone, as well as face painting, games and a moon bounce for the kids. The day was a huge success, filled with fun and great participation from the folks living in Downing Place.