This advent season, we explored the idea of hope. In a weary world, it can seem incomprehensible and, at times, even out-of-touch to have hope. However, deciphering between a secular and biblical understanding of the word reminds us to orient our present life around future expectations.
Secular understanding of hope: a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
Biblical understanding of hope: a confidence in God whose goodness and mercy are to be relied on and whose promises cannot fail.
While the watching world may view hope as incompatible with our present circumstances, it is this very paradox that causes us to stand out as children of God. We rejoice in knowing that our hope is in a God whose promises cannot fail us, even when the world around us does.
As believers, we have received and rejoice in this gift of hope! Yet, it is not a gift solely for us but is meant to be shared with others. One of the ways we share this gift is by blessing our Circles of Accountability (COA = a designated geographical area around all of our campuses that we have determined to take ownership of). Each year, we partner with local schools to provide Christmas gifts for families in need.
It began the first Sunday of Advent, when weekend service attendees at each campus took ornaments with descriptions of what was needed on them, purchased the gifts and gift cards, and brought them back to their campus. The gifts were then given to the families who needed them through Deacons at our Gateway and Naples campuses and at a comeback event at our University campus.
our 2023 impact
Over $25,000 in gifts and gift cards were distributed to over 100 families.
Our participation in purchasing gifts was more than meeting a physical need but rather a tangible expression of the gift we’ve received — God’s love for us demonstrated and proven by the work of the cross. In providing physical gifts for these families, we are able to form relationships and point them to the greatest gift of all — hope found in the gospel!
God showed up in countless ways during this year’s outreach. Some we know, others we don’t. Yet, we trust that the stories below will offer encouragement and stir in you an even greater affection for Christ and the hope only He can provide.
So, while the season of advent may be behind us, may we continue to marvel, not only in the gift we have received in Christ but in the ways He has called us to share that gift with others. Might the Lord continue to allow us to meet the needs of those around us and in doing so, represent the gospel to every man, woman, and child.
“Caitlin and Cayla (Summit staff) met the Tucker family when they picked up their gifts yesterday. They shared that they had an awesome conversation with the family and even got to pray with the mother. I love when God gives us opportunities to show His love through prayer and relationships. They invited the family to Christmas Eve service and they said they will try to come.”
“I met with our assigned family and got to meet and talk with Lewis, the father, and Dillon, his son. I shared about Christmas and gave them their gifts. My plan is to give Dillon another gift. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to be homeless and caring for a 12-year-old son. Catie and I are praying for them and I’ve asked Lewis to let me know any other ways we can help.”
“My husband David and I made contact with our assigned family. The gentleman has a daughter, has taken in his two elementary-aged nephews, and also cares for his father. The home that they are living in is being sold, and they have two months to find a new place to live. Sadly, the gentleman recently went through a divorce.
We were able to bring a meal and deliver $400 worth of gift cards, but more importantly, my husband was able to share that we love and care for others not because we are trying to earn anything or be do-good-ers, but because Jesus loved us first (I John 4:19).
David explained the good news of what Jesus has done for us to this man and we invited him to come to church with us. We explained that God never intended for us to do life alone, but with community who are there to remind us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. The man seemed open and we prayed with him. We plan to stay in touch for any needs they may have and hopefully continue sharing Christ with them.”
“We had a great visit with Elizabeth and her two boys. Soon after we began our conversation, Elizabeth very openly shared with us about the difficulties that she has faced as a single mom, coming out of an abusive marriage, and raising two ‘tween boys. She was blown away by the church’s generosity (both the gift cards and an 18-pound turkey!). After a long tear-filled hug, she looked us straight in the eyes and said with a choked voice, “No one has ever done anything like this for us. After the year we’ve had, this is overwhelming!” We spoke with her of the love of Jesus expressed to us in the gospel as the motive of our love expressed to her and the boys. She texted me later that night, “You have no idea how thankful we are. The boys cried when I told them what your church did for us.” According to mom, new bikes are in store for the boys!”