A Story of Hope

What is your full name?
     Elnora Baker

Where do you usually sit in the sanctuary on Sunday mornings?
     On the left side in the middle

What is your favorite color?
     Purple

Do you prefer going barefoot or wearing shoes?
     Wearing shoes


I have just moved into this neighborhood and I guess just about a month later, some members of Hope Community Church came around and invited me and my family to unite with their family and friends, to come have a meal with them while seeing the church. I went and when I was there, I was really impressed that I was treated like I was part of their family, not part of a church where people are looking at you, while talking behind your back and looking at how you were dressed. I went to the Mothers' Day Service and I felt out of place because I was somewhat over-dressed because every church I have attended, the mothers were all dressed up trying to show off their new clothes. I could just get upset when the "unfortunate" were disapproved by ones we called sisters and brothers. But here at Hope, people were dressed to be comfortable and not there to impress anyone but the Almighty God. So then I realized this is the place of worship for me and my family, where we can learn the Word of God and be accepted for who we are, because I will still be a great and powerful woman, whether or not I'm wearing $400 shoes.

I feel that I have not been learning the Word of God by going to other types of churches because I felt they were not believers. Ever since I have been here at Hope, I am beginning to believe in the word of God, believing there is a God, and being able to see the real picture of what the Word is telling me in detail. I had rarely picked up my Bible. I didn't understand what I was learning because I felt I was not taught the correct way. Since I have been going to Hope Community Church, I have been reading my Bible more often and faifthfully. Due to the fact that I am learning the Word, I can actually say that I'm becoming less skeptical.

My brother thinks that I am going to Hope Community Church because of the ramp that Hope built for me. He said if I would stop going, the church will come and tear it down. I told him if they had not built the ramp, I would still come because I have finally found a church home that I feel has helped me find that missing piece to my heart. I will tell anyone that the ramp was just a taste of what God has in store for me. By the grace of God and the unity of Hope Community Church, I can say that I'm not going anywhere.

I have taken my sons to different churches right along. 
I would have to make them get up to get ready to go to church.  They always wanted to give me excuses, but since we have been going to Hope, they enjoy getting ready and being on time every Sunday morning -- even Thursday -- which is strange! My kids say they enjoy Hope and they are getting to know and understand the true meaning of the Word. I thought they were going just because it was a place for them to play, because I would see them running around.  They told me, "It is easier to learn and play at the same time."  It was God who called my family to move from Westside to the Eastside so we can be part of Hope Community Church -- so we can be believers.

 Do you have a story about being part of our community of faith
at Hope that will bless and encourage someone else?
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