Living Hope by Guest Blogger: Jim Hollandsworth

Yesterday, we had the privelege of welcoming Pastor John Thomas from Cape Town, South Africa to speak at Graystone. John is the Pastor of Fish Hoek Baptist Church and he is also the Chairperson of the Living Hope Community Centre. Living Hope is an organization that John founded that is having a huge impact among people in the poorest neighborhoods in Cape Town - specifically children and people suffering from HIV/AIDS. John spoke on Philippians 2:1-11. He challenged us to be servants - to be united, humble, unselfish and caring. He challenged us to have the same attitude as Jesus and to be willing to be used by God for anything.

Here at Graystone, we have had the incredible opportunity to partner with Living Hope and what God is doing in South Africa through this ministry. Since 2007, we've sent two short term mission teams to Cape Town and we're planning to send our next short term team in April 2011. We also support Living Hope financially as a church, so if you give to Graystone, then part of what you give goes to help fund what Living Hope is doing in Africa.

But there's more that needs to be done. Much more. Yesterday, John shared with us that later this year, the US Government is cutting off its funding of Living Hope's Life Skills Education program that currently reaches about 7,500 kids per week through after school programs. So, that means, that beginning in October, there are no more funds to pay the staff members' salaries (over 100 staff members) or buy food and other materials for the program. This is a crisis for Living Hope, but it's also a huge opportunity for the Church around the world to step up and provide the funds needed for Living Hope to continue its Life Skills Education program. The truth is, it's not the government's responsibility, but the responsibility of all Christians to care for these children. Living Hope has established the DAD (Dollar A Day) program to raise the funds to continue the Life Skills Education program and change the lives of the children in Cape Town.

There is a need for our help in Cape Town. God has called us to help. It's that simple. With that, I've got three challenges for you today:

1. Will you become a DAD? Will you give a Dollar A Day?
2. Will you go with us to Cape Town in April 2011? (It's 18 months away, so that's plenty of time to save up or raise the money! And, just to help persuade you, check out where we'll be staying. Trust me, it's incredible! The most beautiful place I've ever been! You can email me (jim@graystonechurch.com) if you're interested in going with us.)
3. If you're a blogger or on facebook, will you post this link on your blog or your status update - www.livinghope.co.za?

Join us as we partner with Living Hope and participate in what God is doing in Cape Town. Will you be used by God?

Serving together,
Jim