“I also pray for those who will believe in Me through [the disciples’] message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so the world may believe You have sent Me.” The prayer of Jesus in John 17
Jesus longs for true community among His disciples and followers. True community happens when we love our neighbor and walk together on the same mission.
Early Christians sold their possessions and gave them to those in need (Acts 4:32-37). They believed this act of faith was pivotal in authentic community and in spreading hope to others who needed help. They witnessed people lost and hurting come to know Community centred on love for each other and faith in the person of Jesus, whose teaching they followed. What does the power of Community mean to Building Hope? What does opening our doors in Beverly and the surrounding communities mean? What does it mean to have an open invitation to those who need help and hope?
This story from 2016, as told by a previous director of Building Hope, speaks of the power of community, even when we come from diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
One afternoon we had a barbeque, serving over 200 burgers. It was busy. But as the day came close to the end, two people came in and sat down. I was tired and there was still so much to do, but I sat down, talked for an hour, and prayed together. I will never know the full impact of that time together. But I am sure there was True Community in those sacred moments.
We have many dreams for Building Hope and how we can be used to make a difference in the lives of people in the community where God has placed us. One of them is that we will live as True Community that does life together, encourages one another to take more significant steps of faith and healing, prays together, and believes that lives can be changed for the better when we love actively.
We already know that Building Hope is closer to this vision than many communities in North America. Many share what they have, even if it isn't much. Many pray over this place and the people. Many give valuable time without holding back in hopes they can help in a way that transforms the life of another.
Building Hope is a community with a foundational Mission Statement:
“In the Name of Jesus, we will love.”
Our teachings come from Jesus, our strength comes from Jesus, we pray in the Name of Jesus, and we hope more will come to know the love of Jesus. Please consider supporting our vision for a deeper community level at Building Hope.