On November 19, I had the privilege of attending a 10-year celebration of Sowing Seeds of Hope, a CBF partnering ministry in Alabama. What an amazing night! Sowing Seeds of Hope is a rural poverty ministry in Perry County, Ala., that helped launch Together for Hope, CBF’s rural poverty initiative. The ministry of Sowing Seeds of Hope continues to provide a living example of a community working with local partners and other organizations to achieve the change they want to see in their community.

I have been to Perry County many times to see Sowing Seeds of Hope ministry in action. Though Perry County is one of the nation’s poorest communities, the local residents love their community and want to ensure the future is bright. Whether it’s through building houses, offering free healthcare services or helping children succeed, Sowing Seeds of Hope is the presence of Christ in relevant ways. Ten years ago, the founders of this powerful ministry could not have known all God would do through this ministry. But today there are people whose lives are different because of this ministry.  

During the course of the anniversary celebration, it became more and more evident that the deep roots that gave birth to Sowing Seeds of Hope continue to provide it nourishment. I think it is appropriate that CBF’s ministry of Together for Hope comes from the same root stock. It is this root stock that works with and not for people; it is one that is rooted in our commitment to loving our neighbors for the long term, knowing that change does not occur overnight.

This ministry is truly a journey for each and every person involved. We don’t know how we will be changed by the relationships that develop with communities or with individuals along the way. We really don’t know what the outcomes of our work will be. However we do know that God has been and continues to work in all of our lives as we learn from each other and continue to discover what following Christ means.

Are you interested in rural poverty ministry? If so, Sowing Seeds of Hope may have a place for you. Learn more at: http://sshope.servicelearningsite.com/sshope/index.cfm?pageID=39.