While the Tradename of Hope & A Future was registered on November 15, 2004, the seeds of the organization were planted years before in 1999. So, as Paul Harvey would say, “Here’s the rest of the story…..”
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Now, I’m not saying I fully grasp the magnitude of what this verse says, but it’s pretty clear that God’s at work in “all things” which includes both the good and the bad stuff that goes on.
So 25 years ago, I’m sitting in church at East Valley Bible Church (Redemption Church Gilbert today) listening to Tom Shrader’s sermon. It was called “Lesson from Littleton” as the Columbine school shootings had occurred earlier in the week. The shock of this terrible shooting really impacted the nation. Tom gave a very poignant and gospel driven message.
Tom used to wrap up his sermons with 3 questions: “What did he say?” “Is it true?” and “So what?” As he finished his sermon that day with those three questions, I left church knowing that all of us needed to be working a lot harder in the lives of kids and providing them the gospel message. Paying attention, pouring into them, and encouraging them. Essentially, help direct their paths.
I had no idea what that looked like for me. What could I do? A week or so later a friend tells me about a camp for foster kids through Scottsdale Bible Church, which is called Royal Family Kids Camp(For The Children today). My friend encouraged me to volunteer. This was stepping out of my comfort zone for sure. But I took that step and volunteered. This was now the summer of 2000 and this started the journey which would eventually become Hope & A Future 4 years later, a “good thing” that has literally impacted thousands of lives – volunteers and kids alike.
So, out of a horrible tragedy called Columbine, the lives of so many Arizona foster children have been positively impacted.
I don’t know what good might come out of the tragedies we witness everyday, but God does. Perhaps by showing compassion, love and encouragement to those around us – in our own spheres of influence – would be a good start. Because you never know how your actions just might positively change the life of another. But from my own experience, I think it’s exactly what God would like us to do. And be ready – you just never know what good He might do with it all through you.
Michael Brewer
President, Hope & A Future