For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.
-Romans 8:24-25
Last night, I was honored and blessed to serve as a volunteer at a fundraising event at City of Refuge in Vine City. Much of the surrounding community is in a state of decline - rotting houses, graffiti-covered store fronts, crumbling sidewalks - one of the toughest neighborhoods in the city. But at the center of the decay, the mission and ministry of City of Refuge offers light, hope, and transformation to Atlanta's last, lost, and least.
The guest of honor for the evening was Keshia Knight Pulliam, best known for her role as precocious Rudy Huxtable on The Cosby Show to the 50+ crowd, and for her work with Tyler Perry to the younger generation. During her presentation, Keshia spoke about her non-profit, the Kamp Kizzy Foundation, a free mentorship camp for youth ages 11-16 in Atlanta. She founded Kamp Kizzy, Keshia said, to offer hope to young people who cannot envision success for themselves because they don't even know what that picture looks like.
As believers, we are saved by faith, not hope, but hope accompanies salvation. Though we may not have a clear picture of what lies ahead, hope sustains us in times of suffering. The certainty of Christian hope is a cause for joy! Our God is a God of hope, and it is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to persevere and endure, to wait eagerly for what we do not yet see.
Scripture passages adorn the walls of City of Refuge, but the verse most commonly displayed is from the gospel of Matthew: "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." City of Refuge, where GOOD WORKS and hope transforms lives!
http://www.cityofrefugeatl.org/
Prayer for Today
Lord, we give thanks for the ministry of many faithful servants offering hope to those who are hopeless. May they feel the presence of your Holy Spirit at work in their lives and hold on in faith that you journey with them. Amen.
