The HOPE worldwide U.S. Chapter Model has officially rolled out across the United States, and might I say - at the perfect time for our country. Over the last year, a bold change has occurred in the way Americans serve, with a rekindled focus on unity. Putting the independent spirit of service aside, baby boomers, generation x, generation y and the spirited millennial generation have decided to come together in hopes to bring about true changes in the way of service. And who is a better model of this than the church!All races, all ages, all socio-economic backgrounds are non-issues as disciples for Christ. We as a church put barriers aside and serve together to bring glory to God. Maybe the nation has realized that God’s plan for unity and pure sacrificial love is the best way?
The time has come for citizens to truly unite to produce a new way of love, a culture where daily service and reaching out is the norm. Steps for change have already taken place in our great nation: President Obama signed the Kennedy Serve America Act expanding service opportunities for Americans, the U.S. “United We Serve” campaign is off to an enthusiastic start with a push for organizations and volunteers to collaborate instead of serving independently, and there is even a new national service holiday this year in America - September 11th, National Day of Service and Remembrance.
No longer are we simply encouraging disciples to spend a summer with us overseas to serve in our programs, we now see the pressing need for U.S. disciples to serve as a church in their own backyard. HOPE worldwide has clearly seen the need for change in our own U.S. structure. We are hopeful that the new U.S. Chapter Model will bring unity in service to our churches in an easier way, making a global impact as Christians more real. Setting the example of collaboration in service, 72 U.S. churches and counting have joined HOPE worldwide in the fight for our nation's poor through becoming a Chapter of HOPE worldwide. It’s a simple way for churches to join forces with HOPE worldwide with the power of service remaining in the hands of the disciple volunteers. We leave it up to your church to decide how you want to impact your community and in turn HOPE worldwide is here to support you in that cause.
So start a chapter, put on a t-shirt and volunteer. It’s that simple.
~ Jenni Clemens
HOPE worldwide, National Director of Chapter Relations
~Antonio B. Boyd
HOPE worldwide, Vice President of US Programs
Visit us at www.HOPEww.or g to learn more about all of HOPE worldwide's programs and see how you can be a part of global change to bring hope to some of the world's most needy.
To read more articles from HOPE worldwide on Disciples Today:
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SHCH Receives US Support Click here |
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Join us on the 2009 Compassion Tour Click here |