“It’s been like this revival inside of me!” This was part of one participant’s testimony as we celebrated our Fall 2024 graduates. Over the course of twelve weeks last fall, about 50 participants and volunteers gathered to learn together and build community together. These evenings are a fantastic example of how we live out our mission – to mobilize local churches. Each evening has at least a dozen churches supporting it – providing the host site (thanks, First Presbyterian of Waukegan!), cooking and serving the meal, facilitating classes and discussions, and all the behind the scenes work to make things happen.

What else did Lucia have to say about her New Hope Ministry experience?

“Hello, everyone. I will say sorry in advance because speaking out loud is my biggest phobia, so I had to write (my speech) down. I appreciate the Affirming Potential class a lot. I have come to learn that I don’t need to conquer or overcome my phobia of speaking out loud, but just to accept it and work with it because it is a blessing that God gave me and just to bring glory and praise to him.

I want to thank New Hope Ministry and Love INC. I have loved and enjoyed this entire experience since day one. It’s been like this revival inside of me and in my entire life. Not only do I have a blood family, a church family, but now I have a New Hope family. That’s what I call it, my New Hope family. I look forward to coming in every Thursday, connecting with everybody, and participating – I’m a huge nerd! I have learned to focus on my big rocks – that was one of our lessons – like my family, God, and other things like that. I have learned to be mindful of being “response-able”, not just responsible. And I have learned to change my mindset from ‘I have to do these things’ or ‘I have to get up’ to ‘I get to do these things’ because they are a blessing.

Thanks to everybody in the class – it’s been great! I’ve made new friends again this year. The verse that has stuck with me this entire 12 weeks is from Isaiah 40:31, ‘But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.’ Thank you.”

Are you or someone you know interested in joining our New Hope Ministry community?

Our Spring semester begins on Thursday February 27th. Review the class descriptions and other information on our website, then let us know you are interested! We have lots of room for those who want to learn and those who want to serve. www.loveinclakecounty.org/new-hope-ministry

We are thankful for all the church partners who are part of our New Hope Ministry community!

These churches provide meals, cover the program in prayer, collect paper goods, provide financial support, and more. New Hope Ministry and Love INC don’t exist without the Church in Lake County!

• Christ Church
• Christian Neighbors Church
• First Baptist Lake Forest
• First Corinthians Missionary Baptist
• First Presbyterian of Waukegan
• Grace Anglican Fellowship
• Gracepointe Church
• Gurnee Community Church
• Heritage Church of Round Lake Beach
• Journey Church – Beach Park
• Journey Church – Waukegan
• Joy! Lutheran Church
• New Greater Faith Baptist
• Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist
• Shalem SDA Church – Waukegan
• St. Marks Lutheran Church
• The Chapel – Grayslake
• Trinity Christian Center
• Trinity Community Church
• Village Church of Gurnee
• Willow South Lake