Never Lose Hope!!
Sometimes circumstances are so overwhelming that people feel hopeless. Many turn to alcohol, drugs, sexual immorality, gambling, or other things. They are looking for a place of hope to find meaning in life. They will never find it in those things.
Where do you find hope? Let me tell you about a church that is helping people who are desperate. Twenty-five years ago, they developed a ministry for alcoholics, addicts, gamblers, etc. and they have had remarkable success. The church is Landmark Church of Christ, and the ministry is known as RSVP. They invited me to speak at their 25th anniversary reunion. What an experience! They had about 200 people there. It was amazing to hear the testimonies of people who have experienced a life-changing experience because of the healing power of Jesus Christ and a ministry that gives them hope.
The pastor, Buddy Bell, also spoke and gave a little of the history. Twenty-five years ago, there were some people who he met who had severe addictions. When he invited them to church, they said the church didn’t want people like them. Buddy went to bat for them and approached the leadership of the church and said this is what we need to do because this is what Jesus is always doing.
Some people suggested that the group not meet on Wednesday night because the “church people” were there for a prayer meeting and didn’t know how that mix would work. Buddy insisted they do it on Wednesday night and they would all be a part of the church. He even started inviting people in the RSVP ministry to give testimonies in worship.
God was at work in a mighty way. People found real hope because they found it in Jesus Christ and a church that welcomed them. People were introduced who had been sober for many years and several of them were leaders in different churches in town. They found hope at Landmark.
I have spoken at RSVP several times. I have heard many pastors say that if their church started inviting “those kind of people,” it would hurt the church. Other people wouldn’t want to come and be around them. Guess what—Landmark is one of the largest, most respected churches in the City of Montgomery—and I expect it’s the largest Church of Christ anywhere in the area! They don’t exist to be the largest—they are just reaching out to people in need and seeing lives changed.
Landmark is a Hospital of Hope! Dr. Luke said that the people that are well don’t need a doctor. The doctor comes to help those who are sick. (Luke 5:31) Each of us is sick with sin—and sin is sin whether we are able to hide it or not and whether or not our sin is very visible. There are people of all educational and social strata in the RSVP program. Addiction is no respecter of persons. People who are willing to face it, confess it, and trust God will find deliverance and hope!
Buddy is a great friend in my ministry. I have spoken in his church in many different settings. He jokingly told the people at the celebration that he always wanted his church to be open to alcoholics, drug addicts, gamblers, and even Methodists!
Every person carries a wooden coin, “Never Lose Hope.” If you are losing hope or have lost it, you can find real hope in Jesus Christ and in a group of people like RSVP at Landmark Church of Christ.
What is your hope quotient?
