A Year to get Here

For many of you that have followed our story and lives over the past 5 years you know where we've been, what we've left, and how the journey has brought us to this point.

In July, 2013, as we were praying and waiting and trusting for His direction, God led us to be Directors of Ministry at Hope Center. You can read about that part of the journey here

When God affirmed our call to Aiken and Hope Center we thought the building would be ready for occupancy and ministry in September 2013. Little did we know that it would actually be September, 2014.

That doesn't mean we had nothing going on with life and ministry, Oh there has been plenty of that!  I have been blessed to be a part of a women's (and sometimes men) group that meets for Bible Study and most recently to do Jobs for Life classes.  God has knit together hearts and created friendships through this group.
Scott has continued to work on his classes towards his masters degree in Christian Ministry, has been teaching classes for Christ Central Institute, and is doing interim Children's work at Millbrook Baptist Church.
Add all of that to our chaotic home-life with kids in school and activities and you realize we have been busy!  To top it all, we welcomed our first Grandchild, Stella James Smith, to the world on July 5th and have been blessed to be close enough for trips and visits. (You can see all the baby pics you want here).

We have continued to spend a lot time in meetings and prayer as we worked toward the opening of Hope Center.  There have been grants to write, people and places to speak and share the vision.  There have been needs of people to be met... needing rides, and help, and someone to walk alongside them.  There has been a team to build (which is still in the process) and equip for mission ministry.  There have been details of contractors, and invoices, and building inspections but mostly, there has been a lot of work to be done inside our own hearts to be ready for such a time as this.

Although we had a grand-opening with Governor, Nikki Haley, in February we have not had permission to occupy the building until this past Thursday - September, 4th.

So today we mark a very historic day in our Journey.  The opening of Hope Center.  Today was the first full day of ministry. The morning began with transporting momma's and babies to class.

Trinity academy (Preschool Ministry) under the direction of Anita Stokes had class with 4 leaders and 9 littles.  What a blessing to watch God call people that love little ones and see the importance of reaching them with the love of Jesus even as an infant.  It's such a joy to watch preschoolers begin to learn routines and expectations from teachers, and to see teachers pour their passion into the future generation.

 Morning Worship time at Trinity Academy

 Learning to play together in Centers at Trinity Academy

 Mrs. Pam loving on the Babies of Trinity of Academy

 Mrs. Barbara (a jobs for life graduate) serving the babies of Trinity Academy

 Snack Time with Mrs. Stokes 3 and 4 year old class

Ty, a 4 year old, enjoying being in preschool

Jobs for Life class met in Hope Center with 11 students and 5 mentors and leaders.  A great group of men and women learning and growing as they seek jobs and a better for themselves and their children.  This is the heart-beat of what will happen in Hope Center as mentors are matched with people that are seeking to grow and learn and make positive changes in their lives.

This afternoon the doors opened once again to welcome our first kids to the after-school mentoring program.  Donna Paschal, after-school director, has worked a tireless number of hours organizing, planning and preparing for this day.  Although it seemed like a small start it was a God beginning and we had a great day.  Just last week we thought we had one mentor for these kids and could only have 2 kids in the program and before we finished today we have 6 kids matched with mentors and have 14 on a waiting list.

 Entering the After-School program for the first day of mentoring

 Mr. Scott led worship and Bible Study with the after-school children

 Mrs. Donna mentoring Keon

 Camilla Moyer mentoring AJ

 Mrs. Cindy Merritt mentoring Caleaf

The first mentors and students of Hope Center After-School Program

The verse Hope Center was birthed from is from Isaiah 58:12 ~
“Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; 
You will raise up the age-old foundations; 
And you will be called the repairer of the breach, 
The restorer of the streets in which to dwell."

Tonight we are grateful for those that have journeyed ahead of us with vision and direction from God. We praise Him for His faithfulness and for keeping His promises.  We praise Him for the faithfulness of His people who provided for the 'rebuilding'.  We give God all Glory for the great things He has done.

As Hope Center begins there are still many needs and we know He that began this work will see it through to completion.  We are asking for you to pray to see where God would have you be a part of what He is doing.  We are in need of preschool helpers on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  We are in need of adult mentors to be part of the adult classes and walk alongside students.  We are need of mentors for the after-school program - there are 14 children waiting for mentors.  We also need snacks coordinated and served, and a recreation leader.

If you feel God is calling you, or you might know of someone that would like to serve at Hope Center, please let us know.  We would love to sojourn with you.

Thanks again to all of you who pray for us, love us, support us financially, and encourage us on this journey of Faith!  We love you all!

~ Tonya