Hello New Hope Family,

Please take a look at a note I received recently from a new member here at New Hope. May it strengthen your heart as it did mine...

                ___________________________________________

It continually amazes me how clever, purposeful and bold the Holy Spirit is!

I see this play out right here at New Hope Church all the time. A recent request from a friend brings this thought to life personally

Christine, a former co-worker and fave friend of five years, needed a little help in reengaging with Our Savior. She's been a believer for many years, but since moving to Florida nine years ago, that journey sort of went sideways.

All she wanted now was to connect with a local church in her east Fort Myers neighborhood, to re-energize her. It was like she was longing for the good wine at the wedding at Cana!

Just One Week After Baptism Sunday!

Astonishingly, for me, just one week after being baptized right here at New Hope, I got the call. Christine asked for a bit of hand-holding to get her back on track with her relationship with God.

What an honor, and what a calling from the Holy Spirit, right?

But why me? Of all the people in all the churches in all the world, she cast her net out to me.

We met at the church in her neighborhood on a beautiful Sunday morning, literally five minutes from her home.

So close for her physically. Yet so far spiritually.

I am so glad the Holy Spirit worked through both of us – not surprised, just giddy with joy and love – giving me the opportunity for some serious discipleship.

“It was truly life-changing ... I'm going to let God lead the way from this point on,” she told me later that day. (Tear drop races down my face.)

 Here’s the Deal …

As Pastor David might say; "here's the deal": Keep your eyes, ears, hearts and minds open for these moments, for these calls, for these speculator opportunities the Holy Spirit shouts out to us. They're right in front of us my friends.

Recognize them. Obey. Act accordingly.  Be bold. He is.

 In the meantime, I await the next call. What about you?

 In Matthew 4:19 we read; “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.”

 ~JoeG
New Hope Member and Serve Teams Participant Since 2022
Belong Track Class of April 2022!