The annual HOPE worldwide Global Summit projected a three dimensional view of the dawning of a new day. New focus, new partnerships, new milestones. Yet HOPE worldwide is not exempt from the global financial crisis.

Disciples of Jesus are committed to remembering the poor. Members of the International Churches of Christ are grateful for and proud of HOPE worldwide, the global charity God grew from our seeds of faith in 1991. Hundreds of thousands of hours of service to the poor and needy have been given joyfully and willingly. Millions of dollars have been donated. Tens of millions of lives have been touched extending to every habitable continent. Most important, HOPE worldwide has stoked the fire of the compassion of Jesus in our mission and message.

Highlights of the new HOPE worldwide Summit:

• Connection between the ICOC and HOPE worldwide - New open partnership with the International Churches of Christ churches. 22 more churches have committed to supporting HOPE worldwide this year. Pillars of HOPE for 2008 among ICOC churches were publicly recognized at the Summit.
• Sihanouk Hospital Center of HOPE, Phnom Penh, Cambodia - One million patients have been treated free of charge; it is now the busiest adult hospital in Cambodia and the largest teaching hospital in Cambodia.
• Partnerships with the American Red Cross, The Coca–Cola Africa Foundation, Rotarians For Fighting AIDS MTN and Walmart were recognized.
• Volunteer Opportunities -- for a growing population of empty nesters who would like to serve as well as long-standing youth service programs such as HOPE Youth Corps at home and around the world.
• North America - Establishing local chapters; listening for ideas for local service.
• USA: Faith-based initiatives - proven reliability leads to new opportunities to serve. Antonio Boyd (right), VP for U.S. Programs is bringing new life to those efforts.

Significant Speeches

As around 300 people from around the world gathered at the Hyatt Hotel in Reston, Virginia, classes, workshops and thousands of conversations focused on how to serve more people more effectively. The program was emceed by Andy Blocker (left), HOPE worldwide Chairman of the Board and Government Affairs Manager, for UBS. Here are some quotes:

Gary Jacques (left) , HOPE worldwide Vice-President of Global Programs said: “September 11, 2001 changed everything. People around the world know we need to understand people of faith and work with faith-based organizations.”

Randy Jordan (right), CEO HOPE worldwide, stated, “Those who serve must be willing to do it better. . . Our service can be the aroma of Christ to the world.”

Two of the key speakers at the conference confirmed that aroma:

Ralph F. Boyd, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Freddie Mac Foundation:

"HOPE worldwide is well-positioned to serve because you are built on the model of the ministry of Jesus . . . I want to help cultivate the seeds you are sowing in your ministry because I see the fruits of your labor to feed the hungry and clothe the poor."

Mara Vanderslice, White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships:

"President Obama appreciates President Bush's establishment of faith-based initiatives and wants to take them further. The President's priorities:
1) Engage faith-based groups in the economic recovery with new funds.
2) Improve and strengthen the role of fatherhood.
3) Reduce the number of teen pregnancies and abortions.
4) Encourage interreligious cooperation without changing theology.

HOPE worldwide is pioneering in partnering with government and private partnership. Please bring us new ideas that work."

Both speakers were visibly moved by the love, energy, warmth and spiritual focus of the crowd.

850 attended the Sunday worship hosted by the Northern Virginia and Potomac Valley Churches led by Randy and Kay McKean and Behzad and Candice Fathi. Dan Allison, Country Director for Afghanistan, preached an inspiring sermon. Those in attendance gave a total of $18,543 to support the Sihanouk Hospital Center of HOPE in Cambodia which is about to treat its one millionth patient.

HOPE worldwide needs our help.

Yet with all this good news, reality has to be faced. A couple of years ago my wife Marcia wrote a great article comparing HOPE worldwide to her hometown volunteer fire department. HOPE worldwide is struggling to fuel the engine that drives their incredibly effective fire hoses that are spreading compassion around the world. Here is a unique opportunity for the ICOC churches. Corporations and governments have more confidence in HOPE worldwide than ever. Their grants provide funds for programs around the world, but those grants do not include funds for fueling the engine. They are only for spraying the water. We built the engine. Now it needs us to not only survive, but to thrive.

How bad is it? Dr. Mark Ottenweller (left), hero in the faith who built HOPE worldwide clinics in Africa and served as an elder in Johannesburg, is an internationally known expert on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Tragically, his wonderful wife, Diane, died soon after they moved back to the U.S. in 2007. If Mark's support is not funded during the next few months, his position will be threatened. Other incredible servants may also have to be laid off in addition to $500,000 worth of cuts that have already been made.

Personal Note:

I have attended every one of HOPE worldwide’s Global Summits because I am amazed at how God is using them. This year's Summit was the most exciting and impacting for me. To me they are building on the firm foundation God established by Bob and Pat Gempel. They are committed to open, continued growth and a real two-way relationship so that the most people can be served as we all remember the poor.

Two Questions:

• Is my church supporting the core organization in addition to your local HOPE worldwide programs? If not, please be proactive and find a way to keep fueling this fire truck.
• Am I personally serving the poor? If not, start today.

Click here for more information and donation: www.hopeww.org