HOPE… A word, but what does it really mean? What does it look like? What does it sound like? How can we tangibly describe “HOPE” to someone? Boy do I have a FIERCE example of what hope looks like!

I have been given an example of HOPE to share with you as this: Helping Other People Eternally

I have a new friend at my local church with a child with intellectual disabilities. Her son is about to graduate from high school. But what happens then? His future is bright, but imagine from her perspective. We are talking about long term care and options for her son’s life. She is like all the other parents that want their children to have a life of fullness, a life of faith, a life of friends and a safe and thriving independent life, a life of dignity and beauty. But, the reality of that is complicated to say the least. I have seen her challenges with awareness and care for her son and others with disabilities with even as something as simple as a Sunday school class that focuses on the spiritual needs of those with intellectual disabilities.

Now, take that scope and think about what it must be like for her to then consider her son’s future, his next step in education, or his future job, his housing needs, and long term happiness. I wonder how many times a day she must ask herself as his primary caretaker, what happens to him not only after graduation, but after I’m gone?

There are many families with fear and uncertainty about the future of their children. In fact, “Throughout the United States, a major crisis has arisen in the area of services for adults with intellectual disabilities. Nearly one million individuals live with parents/caregivers past the age of 60. In Colorado alone, the numbers exceed 9,000. Government funding for residential services is inadequate due to Medicaid cuts at the federal level and spending and revenue restrictions by statute at the state level. Current trends indicate that the situation will worsen with no apparent solution on the horizon. At a local level, Colorado ranks 47th in the nation on monies spent for services to the intellectually disabled. According to the Colorado Department of Developmental Disabilities, 2007, the number of those registered for residential services on the statewide waiting list is more than 5,000. There are another 7,000 names right behind this. Even more staggering is just the severe lack of facilities for adults with intellectual disabilities.” (http://www.glorycommunity.org/case.htm)

Well dear friends, let me show you what FIERCE HOPE looks like! Get ready to be inspired folks! Ever wonder what you were “called” to do? Ever wonder what God wants you to do with your life and how He wants you to leave this world a better place? Well, let me share with you about an amazing couple that have seen God call them to a precise ministry, and not only that, but actually relied on God to fulfill their calling, step by step! Mr. and Mrs. Hembd, James and Sandra, are co-founders of Glory Community. The mission of the Glory Community, a not for profit community, is to glorify God by meeting the special needs of adults with developmental disabilities and their families by providing a caring residential community in a safe, stable Christian environment. The Glory Community will foster a lifelong opportunity for vocational, social, emotional and spiritual growth; helping to maximize the resident’s full potential, self confidence, peer relationships and independence.

The other part of this FIERCE example of providing HOPE for others is their journey in being called and equipped to do Glory Community. The fruit of their mission is blossoming. But, the journey of the realization and struggles of being called to such a mighty mission has its challenges. I feel it’s important to also talk about their journey. So, I offer pieces of my interview with Mrs. Hembd:

Q. How did God reveal this vision and call on your life for Glory Community?

A. He revealed it piece by piece, but it was clear as a bell.

VERSE: Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you. (NLT) (Ah, notice it’s the plans “I” God have for you. Not the plans you have.)

FIERCE WHY? (my comments on God’s lesson through her) When we are called for a mission (no matter how small like making a neighbor a casserole and dessert, or large, like to start a Glory Community for individuals with disabilities) we must trust God to lead us step by step in the process. Don’t get ahead of him. Waiting is required, and for us type “A” personalities, timing must not be our timing to accomplish the goal, but to trust God’s timing. Don’t get ahead of God to complete the plan. Trust, trust some more, and trust some more!

Q. Sandy, think of a time when you were ready to give up. How did you get through?

A. There were so many times I wanted to quit and give up. We prayed a lot. But then God would provide these miracles to provide us with his everlasting hope to trust that He will not only call, but equip to bring Him glory. These miracles were perfectly timed gifts that could have only been orchestrated by God. We would have volunteers come forward. We had a nationally recognized architect offer to work on the community building and plans, for free no less. We had an angel donor show up at our door with a check that allowed us to buy the property and land for the site to build God’s Glory Community. We even had the perfect piece of land identified and given to us by God that is next to a 10 acre recreation park. Also, they have a new miracle.............a $250K challenge grant to be matched from now to December 31. Sandy asks anyone reading the article if they would like to help us match that grant? You can mail to Glory Community at 4195 Broadmoor Loop, Broomfield, CO 80023 and mark it “matching grant”. If they can get that completely matched – that will be l/2 million and that will let them finish the first home debt free. EXCITING!

VERSE: Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (NIV) (Ah, notice it says “when” not “if” troubles come) (NIV)

FIERCE WHY? (my comments) We will have obstacles and challenges, and we can lose faith in our abilities to do what we are called. We can get tired of the battle. We can question what He called us to do, “Maybe I didn’t hear him right?” But the beauty and grace of our God is that He will answer our prayers. He will provide confirmation. He will show us the path, step by step. Perhaps the obstacles are from the enemy, but perhaps they are from God so that we take a step back and realize we need to seek and wait for clear direction from Him.

Q. What has been the sweetest blessing from your ministry call?

A. I think the sweetest is that we get to witness miracles and feel the joy of God at work. The fact that our children will have a solid future is also true – but how many people get to see God really working in their lives and feel His Joy – it’s exceptional. This is God’s project. He is the leader and He will remain the leader of Glory Community. Another blessing is for all the families with members with disabilities and the relief Glory Community provides them about their loved ones and their future. Their future was bleak, unstable and lacking hope. Now, through God and Glory community, hope is given.

VERSE: Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (TNIV)

That my dear friends, is FIERCE living at its best. Be blessed in your quest to fulfill God’s plans for you.  Here is a link to GLORY COMMUNITY!