Camp Hope Closing

It is with mixed emotions that we announce that Camp Hope will be closing, effective December 1, 2007, after almost 2 ½ years of ministry in our community. I say “mixed” emotions, because although we are saddened at the transition away from a ministry that has deeply impacted so many lives, we are excited about the possibilities of beginning a new chapter in the life and focus of our church. This is not to lessen the sorrow that we will all experience at losing what has been a huge part of the life of not only our congregation but of the church at-large as well. There is no doubt but that closing Camp Hope will be difficult. Since its inception in the early weeks after the hurricane, it has given our congregation a purpose and a way to show the transforming love of Christ to others, a way to be different—and isn’t that the true meaning of the “holiness” to which God calls His people. I cannot remember how many times perplexed homeowners asked us the question, “Why are y’all doing this?” Few of them could understand why it was Christians who were doing all the work, even the foulest work too. Camp Hope gave us the opportunity to say both in word and in deed, “We love, because, in Christ, God first loved us” (1 John 4:19). It gave us the opportunity to show the compassion of Christ to those around us who were like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36).

But we knew this day had to come sooner or later. We knew at some point that we would not have the financial means or the volunteer support to continue this ministry. And, sadly, that day has arrived. We are thankful to the Lord for providing for us and for not leaving us nor forsaking us; and we are thankful to you for partnering with us for so long, for praying for us, and for encouraging us to press on after the most devastating natural disaster in our nation’s history. Many of you have become quite close to us, and we have grown to look forward to seeing you again on repeat visits. This, too, will be difficult, as we may never see one another again this side of glory. But, that too, is in our good Lord’s hands.

Please continue to pray for us. The work here is by no means finished. We have a long way to go both in the church and in our community. We are embarking upon a building campaign to replace the church facility that we lost in the storm. Please pray that God would provide the means for us to do this. Please pray also for the work of the gospel here on the Coast. We still have contact with many homeowners. Pray that God will open eyes, ears, hearts, and minds and that many will come to faith in Christ. Pray that we as a congregation will shift our focus on outreach and that new avenues for ministry and, with them, new leaders for those avenues, will arise, so that we can continue to strive to reach our community for Christ.

Please continue to support us financially, if you are able. Although Camp Hope is closing, we still have financial needs—chief of which is replacing our church facility. From the outset, we made a conscious decision as a church to put the needs of the people of our church and community ahead of our need for a building. This means that, with the increase in building costs and labor costs, we are still almost $3 million short of even being able to build a facility that is ½ the size of what we had before the storm.

Please continue to encourage us. Many here are tired; it has been 2 years, and there is still no end in sight. Pray that we will not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9). Plus, with yet another hurricane season upon us, folks here are understandably anxious. Pray that we will rest in Christ and be able to pass that on to our community.

Thank you again for your faithfulness to us! May the Lord bless you and keep you all until we can at last meet again.