by Pastor Ken Jackson
10/1/2009
Big events that change the status quo and break up monotony often send breaths of fresh air into our beings. The energy required is measurably taxing; or at least you feel the strain and experience the weariness. When it is over, the stress and labor is forgotten; replaced with ongoing rehearsals of joy and exhilaration. Such was the case with Hope Fest 2009 held at Camp Edge and hosted by Ranch Hope on June 13th.
Over 120 people enjoyed a cookout and concert of music and exhortations. GodSong opened the event with a praise and worship service led by Ranch Houseparent Fred Ruggiano. Under a sweltering heat, the boys of Ranch Hope and the girls of Victory House gathered and began to fold into the moment. Emcee Imogene Albert conducted a rousing celebration by introducing Christian rap performers Focus and Blessing.
Sharing testimonies of God’s deliverance and strength in times of temptation not only sowed seeds for the future success for these young people but also pricked their hearts, causing them to move to a closer walk with God. We think Satan felt the blows of an army of God’s warriors in worship and praise, proclamation and prayer.
Kevin Hayes and AIM for Christ joined the slate of performers who glorified God through “gospel flow” and Christian rock. Unity in Christ ran like water on a thirsty day as AIM for Christ lent the use of their sound tech and equipment for the whole day. Musical groups demonstrated patience and grace as they waited for their opportunity to minister.
By the end of the day, after lunch and dinner had been served and Sunday-School-picnic-style games were played, special prayer was offered for our H’olympic athletes leaving the next morning to compete in Texas. A loud and rowdy celebration of “I Am Free” led by AIM FC involved 15 to 20 of our students on stage singing and shouting, “I am free…I am free”. God gave us a vision of the hope that makes this ministry great.
Setting wounded children free from the bondage of the world, the flesh and the devil will take more than a one-day event. Leading kids in crisis to better choices requires more than an exciting concert and great picnic food and fun. Introducing troubled adolescents to Jesus Christ will provide them with the inner strength to live in faith, hope and love in this present world; and in the world to come, everlasting life. That is refreshing!
Rejoice with us as we combine our efforts through education, therapy, surrogate parenting, and spiritual life ministry to build citizens prepared to make a meaningful difference in society. It may be measurably taxing; its expense and labors wearisome. But its reward is measured in those moments when you see the freedom to smile in innocence, to laugh without fear, and to celebrate with a fullness of joy in our Lord Jesus Christ.
We who live in hope labor in faith and learn to love people who need it the most. Thanks for your part in helping make this happen.
