Our "Remember The Poor Sunday" was a great success!  Here are stories from the many projects that took place across the city (pictures coming soon!):

The Aurora City Central Bible Talk had the privilege of feeding the homeless on April 26th.  We met up near the Samaritan House in downtown Denver and distributed sack lunches to the homeless people that hang out in that area.  Some were friendly and grateful and others were quiet, but accepting of our offer.  Our time of service has brought to our attention other opportunities to serve the homeless.  For me personally, it has made me more aware of the needs of a particular homeless person we encounter in our neighborhood from time to time.  

The most impacting thing about our experience was the attitude that our children had during and after the event.  They were not only eager to help, but asked when we could do it again.  Their hearts to help the poor and needy are both encouraging and convicting.

- Della Acevedo

On Sunday, April 26, 2009, the members of Christian Student Association had the great privilege of volunteering our time to the kids of the Willow Green community.  We got to organize a field day that included activities like the shoe toss, Red Rover, wiffle ball and many others.  We enjoyed being with the children and learned that giving to those that may never be able to give in return has great rewards that reach further than we’ll know.  

Opportunities like these help us to be outward focused and teach us how to give to others what has already been given to us. There is a definite need for young adult role models in these children’s lives.  We have been more than happy to contribute.  [Our] thanks to HOPE for organizing excellent opportunities for us to volunteer consistently.  

- Brian Campbell

Our family group chose to meet with the Eft's group downtown to serve homeless teens with Stand Up For Kids.  We rallied the troops and arrived bright and early Saturday morning to provide breakfast for up to 75 kids.  We were escorted downstairs in the safe house/church building to the cafeteria to find two teens fast asleep under a folding table set up with coffee and hot cocoa.  We were advised that there were only about 6 other teens upstairs sleeping and that they did not expect many more for the meal.  Our spirits were dampened but the delicious quiche was prepared in faith and the fruit set out.  As is typical with teens, they slept long past breakfast time.  

We left the food and were heading out, somewhat deflated, when the director of Stand Up For Kids came running out to catch up with us.  She explained how there was a "turf dispute" and the reason many teens did not come was because of one boy that spent the night at the safe house who was involved in the fight.  He had a fractured skull and was badly beaten.  He had made plans, with the volunteers’ assistance, to spend some time with family away from Denver.  The director was completely astonished by the number of HOPE volunteers that showed up with so much food to serve these teens and assured us that whatever they did not need would provide much needed nutrition to the men's shelter just next door!  God works in mysterious ways.  "Be strong, take heart and wait for the Lord."  Ps.27:14

- Scott and Susie Conner

On Wednesday, April 29th our family joined a group of about 15 soft-hearted disciples from the Southeast Region and together served a chicken and rice dinner to about 150 of Denver's homeless.  My hat goes off to Kristi Wilcox and Bret Wickstrom for spear-heading this day on a monthly basis.  Their family group collects funds to serve a generous hot meal to those eager to greet them each month and have developed friendships, many on a first name basis, with a handful of the regulars.  God's face surely shines upon those who serve in such a manner, sacrificing personally to feed and clothe those who have nothing more than the clothes on their back.  

This evening of service was particularly gratifying because it was the first time that our children personally engaged the homeless men and women who filed through the line.  They insisted that they greet each person and hand them a bag of chips or a drink.  I pray that this evening, short as it was, not only met the needs of Denver's homeless, but sparked a conviction and desire inside the hearts of our children to extend a hand and their hearts to those less fortunate, just as Jesus himself would do.  

Thanks to all of those who prepared the evening and shared this enriching time with us.

- Dawn Ferry

I love it when at these events the volunteers outnumber the hosts and recipients of our ministry!  Several groups rallied to provide food, fellowship and services to homeless teens at Stand Up for Kids in downtown Denver.  Among other things there was a barber, free business advice, and more food than everyone could possibly eat.  The disciples really rolled up their sleeves and gave it their all.  CBS4 even showed up... that story can be viewed at http://cbs4denver.com/video/?id=56282. 

It is heartbreaking to hear the stories these young folks tell of life on the streets and also somewhat amusing to find out that many of these very normal teens still have cell phones and their own MySpace pages!  Truly God is at work showing His love to this city.

- Todd Gilmore

On April 24th and 26th the Denver Church of Christ campus ministries worked with the Willow Green community for HOPE's "Remember the Poor Day". We worked with children who come from low income families. The campus students participated in making tie-dyed T-shirts and other activities on Friday night and having a sports day on Sunday. Working with the children softened so many of our hearts. We saw how grateful they were for the little bit of entertainment that we provided and it gave us all a new perspective of what true gratitude really looks like. 

We are truly blessed to have worked with these kids and I am personally grateful for how God moved in me to grow to care for others by serving these children.

- Josh Newsom

I am excited to write about our efforts to "remember the poor".  Due to the Hanson’s family situation we needed to find a different opportunity than [the one] offered by Ray Roske.  The idea of focusing our efforts on one person instead of many seemed more risky but the pay off to me might be worth it. I also have had the opportunity to help on the HOPE board where the Best Work Exchange program (bestworkexchange.org) is administered and supported. 

From the website: "[The Best Work Exchange program] was designed to create an opportunity for those less fortunate, to learn a valuable skill and perhaps a life-long career in CAD drafting and design, by providing simple CAD services to partnering companies used as paid training." Since I support this program doing the IT for them, it has been a pleasure to work with many of the people training there.  One man has been a joy to work with. His name is Tom. 

Tom Crickenberger is a student who has completed the training of the program and showed himself worthy and very willing to help others into, through, and out of the work program onto successful work opportunities.  His personal responsibility has become evident to the point where he started getting paid to be the on-site trainer.  He is definitely on the way out of the hole he dug for himself but the opportunities are still less than what we might expect.  He admits that he got himself into this position but he has made all efforts possible to recover.  His story is sad, heartbreaking and surreal.  I’ve included his story in his own words.

One, instead of many.  If we could just give one guy who is showing real repentance a nudge up.  He might see the hope, the bright new start of the next day.  I asked him what he needed and his list was simple: pillow, blanket, a pan big enough for two pieces of bread... and he said most of all he wanted all of us to write to the mayor in support of the Best Work Exchange program.  Our group went way beyond his expectations and his gratitude overflowed. Due to an error in his address, he didn’t join our house church group but he wants to personally thank us all soon.

Tom Crickenberger

To God be the glory.

- Ed Partch

We normally get up on Sunday morning and attend a church service.  But on one particular Sunday, rather than attending a service, we performed a service.  We did volunteer work with a non-profit organization called "Stand Up For Kids".  They provide services and resources for homeless teens.  

On this particluar Sunday, we provided breakfast for a handful of homeless teens in a church basement near downtown Denver.  Though the number of homeless teens was [fewer than we anticipated], we were still greatly inspired by everyone's hearts to get up early and serve the needy.  We also felt more bonded with each other by serving together.  

We sent the extra food items to a men's shelter a few blocks away.  We were able to impact many more than planned because of all the additional food that was brought by volunteers.  Finally, some volunteers helped clean out and organize a storage facility that Stand Up For Kids uses to provide clothes and toiletries to teens on the street.

- Andre Pearson

Our family group [Littleton Corridor Family Group] made sack lunches to pass out to the homeless on Sunday.  From the gathering the night before to prepare the lunches, to passing them out to people who were very much in need and very grateful, the experience was great for all.  The kids were especially eager to help out.  

After passing out the lunches and having some talks with the homeless, we met together to have a devotional and communion.  A tourist was walking around the area and came closer to us while we were talking about caring for the poor.  She then asked if she could join us and participated in the rest of the service.  She was in Denver for a conference [for] Child Advocates and was very grateful for an opportunity to worship with us and grateful for our service to the poor and heart for others.  The group has been energized to serve the poor and are identifying other projects and service we can get involved in.

- Walt Thompson

Our group met at the Life Care Center of Aurora nursing home.  We were met in the warmly decorated lobby by the coordinator who was happy to be hosting us for the afternoon.  After some thoughtful instruction, we dispersed into smaller groups and went from room to room throughout the facility.  We offered ice cream to the residents who wanted it, but what many desired most was our company and to visit with our children.  Some reminisced about what they used to do, what they used to be.  One lady said she used to be an artist, and even though she could barely move, drew a nice little sketch of one of the children.  Another lady remembered when she used to be a dancer and she hoped to soon be well enough to return to her apartment.  

One of our friends, who has been studying the Bible, brought part of her family and you could see their hearts soften as they served and talked to the residents.  One person in her family was so eager to meet more people that he ventured up ahead by himself.  

God encouraged our hearts as we encouraged others.  This day of service inspired our group to want to serve again.

- Vince Vogel