HOPE is going to be in all
the YMCAs locally, and then nationally if that is God's will. It is
beginning to appear to be His will just by the BIG doors that keep opening.
The whole concept started simply as a request from me to have a support
group for people like me who wanted to change their life from the inside
out, not just a diet. That's how the dream was born. Now we already
serve hundreds of people and are getting ready to take it to all the
Y's in this region once we have the "model" written up and
in reproducible form.
My recent report in class
came after I was given the "Sole Mate Award" from Girls on
the Run, Intl. (GOTR), a program in every city in the US and in Canada
that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles
through running. GOTR address all aspects of girls' development -- their
physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual well-being. That program
is supported by New Balance Sports (shoe) company and by Active.com
company. Once I received the award I had to speak for about a half hour.
The corporate sponsors were in the audience as well as all the directors
of GOTR from each city in America. After my speech, both representatives
from these companies said they were extremely touched by my story, were
surprised and impressed by my boldness of faith (I wasn't real shy about
it!) and that they were interested in financially supporting the HOPE
group. New Balance asked if they could "pick me up" as a person
the company represents -- meaning they will give me New Balance tennis
shoes, clothing, sporting stuff so that others see that I like and use
New Balance. Duh, that's a no brainer! Of course I'll wear their stuff
if they GIVE it to me!! But it’s the ministry I want God to bring support
for. So I have already spoken once to the rep in CA and we are going
to iron out how much HOPE will be supported by them. My ministry was
also offered the services of a reconstructive plastic surgeon from NY
who will help remove skin from those who are successful with big weight
loss but cannot afford plastic surgery. That is HUGE too!!
God is really opening some
big doors for the HOPE group as we also came out in Bob Greene's new
book where my story is told and the HOPE group at the Y is talked about.
I'm just holding on for the ride and hoping at some point it turns into
a full-time job with a paycheck!! Until then, God continues to provide
in miraculous ways.
