Like anyone reading this with a desk job, my days basically consist of meetings, answering e-mails, addressing my to-do list and trying to represent Hope into Action, and its values, to the best of my ability.  

I have days of stress, days of worry, days of excitement, days of struggle and difficulty. Often, it is days with all those emotions.  

Occasionally – I have moments of JOY and even pride. Last week I was struck by some numbers which represent the whole of the Hope into Action network: 

• Churches are running homes in 21 towns! 
• Bristol will shortly have its first church-run Hope into Action home  

• We have agreed terms on a house in Southampton.  
• We should be present in 23 towns by the end of the year. 

I hope, like me, we can all be proud of this because without every one of our church volunteers, donors and investors this would not have happened. 

On Saturday, Gleneagles Church in Wellingborough welcomed their  first tenant, which meant we hit 70 homes being run by churches!!!! This really is something to celebrate. I can barely believe it.  

So who are all these churches? 

We are in partnership with 64 churches of all different denominations: 

29 Anglican,  

10 Baptist 

1 Vineyard 

7 Elim,  

1 Salvation Army 

7 Non-denom  

5 New Frontiers 

2 Methodist 

1 Catholic.  

Churches are now making homes  with the combined capacity for over 200 people. Of those, we had 185 people sleeping safely last night (over 90% occupancy)….. run at a cost lower than many other providers and not dependent on Government money.    

These numbers would be nothing unless our outcomes ie how well our tenants are managing, were good. These should be out in a few weeks’ time….and they are looking, in early drafts, once again, very good. 

None of the above would be possible with every tiny step of effort and prayer made by so many. It’s a joy to work with and be supported by the generosity of people whose motivation comes for a desire to see God’s glory shine and spread across this land and through his church. Or, as Paul put it: 

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” 

Here’s to more of his power at work within all of us! 

 
Ed   

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