HopePlace Warren held its first banquet in two years, celebrating its 10th anniversary with an event at the First Baptist Church Activities Center.
The Rev. Ricky Rauls gave the opening prayer. Board member Fran Vanderzwalm gave the welcome.
Josie Hargis sang several songs accompanied by guitarist David Mann.
Kristy Ward and Sandy Doss were presented with the Amazing Grace Award.
Top photo: Director Wendy Curry gave an overview of HopePlace’s activities in the past and plans for the future. Photo by Tim Kessler
A presentation discussed the overturning of the Roe v. Wade decision. It noted that there were 3,154 abortions in Arkansas in 2020 and 3,133 abortions in 2021. In 2019, Act 180 was approved by the General Assembly as a “trigger law,” outlawing most abortions in the state once Roe v. Wade was overturned. The law now only allows abortions in order to save a mother’s life.
Director Wendy Curry said, “He (God) reminded us who is in control. It’s his banquet. Each song was hand-picked by God.” She cited some of the songs said, “Are You Listening?,” “What Are You Waiting For,” “Are You Trusting That Jesus Is Truly Alive?”
“He is telling you where he wants you to serve. What we really need to focus on is internally. If more people truly served with their energy and God-given heart, this world wouldn’t be in the shape it is today. Sometimes we use money as the easy way out. None of us are untouchable. Do you have a brick wall?”
Curry referred to the use of asphalt and noted, “If you don’t build a road correctly, it cracks. So does your life with Christ.” She urged everyone to make a goals list. “Where’s the joy in your life if you’re in a rut? God has a purpose for your life. It’s not about you – it’s about where you will spend eternity. A good person is one bad decision away from being a bad person.”
She said she had estimated that the center had worked with clients for at least 3,000 hours over the past 10 years. Nine babies were saved from abortion, families were reunited after Department of Human Services interventions, three clients graduated from college while many others got GEDs, owned homes and got jobs. Two adoptions were arranged for clients.
Curry said girls from 7-18 now have classes on such subjects as budgeting while other classes are planned for boys, ages 8-12. A homeless ministry offers showers, clothes washing and lifestyles classes.
A video was shown with testimonials. Lisa Kellum sang “I Want My Stage To Be An Altar.”
T.J. Files, worship pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church, spoke about his trials about adopting a daughter and in changing occupations. “God brought me to a place where I found I needed nothing else but to trust in him,” he said. He and his daughter, Kynlee West, sang “Make Room.”
The Rev. Tim Saunders of Saline Baptist Church commented, “These babies still need a home to go into. The most powerful house on this planet is not the White House. It’s God’s house.”
Curry ended the banquet with a request for volunteers to help in the parenting classes. “Pray over HopePlace every time you go by,” she said.
