Introductions are always a little weird and funny aren’t they? It seems like whenever we’re asked to share things about ourselves, we suddenly have no memory, as if we never existed! Good news for you: I won’t ask you to share your life story on the spot. I might as well share a little about myself, however! My name is Andy and I’m just starting my new role as the Director of NextGen at the Hope Center. My wife, Jessica, and I are so incredibly excited to be following God’s lead in our lives, and we’re thrilled that He has led us to the Hope Center.
I’ve spent the last decade of my professional life serving in the church in many different capacities; and church-life is the only life I’ve known as an adult. I’ve known since I was just a child that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping people; most importantly helping people to get to know Jesus. I’ll give you a free peak behind the curtain of my brain and heart for a moment… transitioning into the para-church/non-profit world has been an incredibly humbling and honestly terrifying journey. Following God’s call isn’t always the easiest option!
Following God's call isn't always the easy option.
Through this journey I’ve been reminded of a couple of stories in the New Testament. In Luke chapter 18 we see someone approaching Jesus asking Him a question about how to live his life. We know this person as the “rich young ruler.” We learn that this man is a good person, someone who follows the commandments. Jesus ends up telling him what it takes to live the life he has been called to live, and what’s his response? Matthew records that he “went away sad.” He saw what it took to follow Jesus and decided it was too hard.
Fast forward just a few verses to Luke chapter 19 and Jesus meets another man named Zaccheus. We know him for being a short, not easy to like guy. But he is met with the same sort of decision to make: “do I think that following Jesus’ call for my life is worth the effort and sacrifice?” Unlike the rich young ruler, Zaccheus was not objectively a good person. He was despised, yet he made a decision. He decided that Jesus’ call was too good to pass up. Jesus responded this way: “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Let this be encouragement for you today: no matter your past, no matter your circumstances, Jesus’ call for your life is to follow him. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it. He is too good to pass up.
So what's next?
I'll tell you something: I am in awe of the things God is already doing in and through The Hope Center. His faithfulness is evident here, and I am honored to get to call this place "home".
I can’t wait to see what God has in store for the Hope Center in this next season. Expect to see life change, new and improved services and programs, and most importantly, a ministry that is following Jesus. Talk to you soon!
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