Initiatives of Hope offers transformations

The Initiatives of Hope (IOH) partnerships are some of the most transformative ministry we do together in the Virginia Conference. It only takes one journey to Mozambique, Brazil, or Russia to see the fruitfulness of our sustained efforts over a number of years. United Methodists in these parts of our connection know and love the Virginia Conference. We have been engaged in feeding, healing, educational, evangelizing, training, and resourcing ministries.

One of the strengths of our partnerships is the relational aspects that flourish. I have direct contact with each bishop in the respective areas. We listen carefully to their assessment of needs and priorities. Leadership teams from each area manage the ongoing projects. We learn from each other, pray for each other and our people, and encourage each other.

When we go back and forth to spend time together, we can see changes in communities, churches, families. We can see the fruits of labor being lived out in lives of people who love Jesus and want to share their joy in faith with us.

I always gravitate toward the children. Children by the hundreds are everywhere we go. Children are hungering for attention. Children are hungry in their bellies. Children need beds at night covered by mosquito netting. Children should be able to go to school. Children need basic medical and dental care. Children want to be in families where they are loved. Children come to love God easily and profoundly. Children sing and dance. Children love to play and play. Children cry when they are sad or they are hurt. Children’s smiles can light up even the most difficult circumstances in life. Children are being saved and nurtured to become future leaders in their families, their churches, their communities.

Jesus always loved the children. He bid the children come to him. He instructed us that we needed to become like little children to best understand him.

Initiatives of Hope is all about sustaining ministries and partnerships. When we make a long-term commitment to our brothers and sisters in Christ, we can be assured that God will bless all our efforts and multiply them beyond our wildest dreams. It is a deep joy to be involved in our IOH ministries in the Virginia Conference.

 

                                In Christian love,

                                Charlene Kammerer