We live in a time of hopelessness.  You can’t live without hope.  Many people that we minister to each week need hope.  One of the reasons for the despair that experienced by many even to the point of suicide is the absence of hope.  The root of hope is Christ in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).  Faith in Christ produces a lively hope.  Unbelief produces despair.  The Ark is a place of hope not only in supplying food and clothes, but spiritual help through prayer and counseling.  We reap what we sow and there are many opportunities to sow hope in other through receiving hope ourselves.  Hope is a matter of choice and not circumstances.

            The Ark will sponsor a special series of services titled Celebration of Hope on May 24 – 27, 2007.  Services will begin at 7 pm on Thursday – Saturday and at 10 am on Sunday.  John Killian will be the guest speaker.  John was on track to be a career soldier.  He was part of the unit assigned to stand guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Unfortunately, John became addicted to drugs during this time and was dismissed from military service.  John began to lose hope as his drug addiction led to a series of failed jobs. 

            John’s life continued to drift in a hopeless direction.  He sought professional help for his addiction problem but to no avail.  Eventually, John spent time in jail and was confined to an institution for mental illness.  John was at the bottom and hope was far away.

            However, God touched John’s life and delivered him from drugs.  John began to walk with the Lord and even entered ministry training at Faith Training Center in Walhalla, South Carolina .  It was there that John sensed a call to the ministry and center personnel began to give him opportunities to minister.  After Faith Training Center , John and his wife, Marshalle, spent time as missionaries in India and England .  Since returning from the mission field, John and Marshalle have been touring the country in ministry to local churches and have seen God restore hope in the lives of people. 

            John will be sharing every service.  He will not only be sharing to help those who have problems with drugs, but also how the family and friends can receive help.  Every service will also feature the testimony of someone who experienced the transforming power of God years ago and are still walking in victory.  Collen Beasley will provide special music for the meeting on Thursday night

            I want to thank all of you who are part of the ministry at The Ark.  We are always in need of quality items in our thrift store.  We are grateful for every financial gift.  Please continue to pray for us.  Volunteers are needed.  For more information contact The Ark at 334-794-7223.      

The Ark is located at 475 W. Main St. , Dothan , AL , 36301

Pastor Robert E. Grice, Director

As Printed in the Dothan Eagle