Living Hope Fellowship Church

THE VISION OF LIVING HOPE FELLOWSHIP

September 6, 2011

by Pastor Kevin Badgley

          “Momma, why doesn’t God do miracles anymore?” was the question of a little boy whispered to his mother as they sat in the church service.  “I don’t know, son.  He just doesn’t, I guess,” was her awkward reply.  The seven year old turned from his mother’s face to the stained glass windows of the old building. 

          Four generations of his family were attending that church with much of the same things going on year after year.  God and His ways were spoken of as a history lesson, but never demonstrated.  The strengths and miracles of the Christian life were taught as intangibles that were symbolically thought of rather than acted upon and enjoyed. 

          As he gazed at the beautiful windows, the boy thought how cold and lonely they were - they didn’t reflect to the outside, and they blocked the view to the inside.  As a youngster it seemed to box him in rather than open the door to God.  Where, then, was the hope to one’s dreams?  Where was the assurance that someone big enough to help was watching over this life?  It seemed that God was therefore no bigger than Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny, and the boy drifted........

          “Oh, God!  If you don’t help me and my family, we will come to pieces,” cried a 29 year old man on the last leg of his wits.  His marriage on the rocks, and children in danger of being outcasts, this poor man cried, and the Lord heard him.  Living hope Fellowship was being birthed out of anguish of soul and impossibilities of life.   

          Today, we at LHF know the hardships of bad decisions, foolhardiness, and just plain sin.  There’s a penalty for these, but a living hope in Christ Jesus.  Doctor proven miracle after miracle has been recorded at the heart and hands of this ministry.  God has given His ordination and approval of the work, but much more is to be done.

          As a church body in one of the poorest counties in the country, we face big challenges, especially since we have a BIG vision.  Many families here do not eat properly or even regularly, so we currently provide food, clothing, and some necessary items to 40 households on a monthly basis.  We have a shop to maintain and repair vehicles for folks to be able to come to church, work, school, etc.  Our park grounds are excellent for family, school, and church activities.  We are in our 13th school year with plans to expand to a new building with better classrooms, a gymnasium, and a cafeteria.

          Our plans include that our facilities be multipurpose as a “house of refuge” for disaster victims of fire, flood, earthquake, ice storms, or domestic troubles.  All of these works minister to the whole person - spiritually, physically, financially, and socially. 

          “God can do anything but fail” is our motto to them that will believe and act on that truth.  We are an independent, full gospel church that is also a not for profit corporation that is state and federally recognized.  Our vision is to give anyone, any race, any status, an opportunity to recover completely from their past troubles and become productive members in God’s kingdom and our society.

          Rehab ministry, an elderly home, and a half way house are also in the plans, as well as expanding the school.

          God has big plans for LHF church!  From our website we are being called from around the world to minister in many countries.  It is our desire to have a strong, working base of operations here before venturing too far from home, even though we have traveled abroad some.

          It was over fifty years ago that the little boy put forth his question, and twenty-eight years of seeing it answered, that, “YES, GOD STILL DOES THE MIRACULOUS IF SOMEONE WILL GO IN HIS NAME!

          Founding pastors, Kevin and Collette Badgley, will tell you, as others who have tasted the good gift of God through this ministry, that you can put your prayers, talent, and funds to no better work than here at Living Hope Fellowship.  Jesus said the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.  Join us in successfully doing the impossible - one person at a time. 

          Currently, we have our Family Center “shelled up” and ready for the floor and the interior walls.  In this first phase, we will have a gym / disaster center, school, and small lunchroom.  In phase two we will expand the school and build a cafeteria / soup kitchen. Offices will be built in the front entry area.  Phase three will be the addition of a rehab / family restoration home and an elderly home.  This building will be a hub of activity for us as well as other churches in the area to help enhance their ministries as well.  A complete security system will be utilized with constant supervision of each phase of building and permanent operations. 

          We’re ready to work.  We’ve all said that somebody needs to do something.  We sit on eight acres of the greatest potential we know of.  We’re willing to do that SOMETHING that will make a difference.  Isaiah told God, “Here am I, Lord, send me.”

          Someone said, “If you’ll supply the rope, we’ll go into the pit.”  We’re going in!  Please consider this work. 

God bless you,

Pastor Kevin Badgley

CONTACT INFORMATION:

PASTOR KEVIN BADGLEY

LIVING HOPE FELLOWSHIP, P. O. BOX 111, GRAND CHAIN, IL  62941

CHURCH / FAX (618) 634-2541

E-mail  livinghopefellowship@lazernetwireless.net

These condensed Bible studies have been published to help new Christians in their new walk with the Lord.  Kevin Badgley, the author, is the pastor of Living Hope Fellowship Church.

This is a Living Hope Fellowship publication.

© Living Hope Fellowship, Inc.