Sometimes our service work takes a turn for the “even better” and if we are not careful we can miss it. Reverend Adam’s Holy Ground Baptist Church in the Lower Ninth Ward is one such story.
Over the past eighteen months, Global Hope has placed much emphasis on plans to help rebuild the Holy Ground Baptist Church in the Lower Ninth Ward. As many of you may recall, Reverend Adams withstood the pain of not only watching his church be significantly damaged by Hurricane Katrina but also by becoming the victim of a miscommunication of the City of New Orleans, resulting in the total demolition of his beloved church. Though our compassion for Reverend Adams and his loss still runs deeply through our hearts here at Global Hope, we’ve found it necessary to change direction. Due to the housing market decline, the construction companies have had to withdraw their support and coupled with Reverend Adams failing health and his inability to participate in such a project, we have respectfully shifted our efforts to where we feel we can best be of service.
It must be said that we are different people after having spent time with the Reverend and his wife. Knowing them has renewed our faith in that brilliant flame burning within all of us. Despite adversity, Reverend Adams continues to walk the streets surrounding his congregation looking over his “flock”. He has shown us that it isn’t about the walls – it’s about the spirit. It is our intention that his example remind us of the unwavering sense of community that keeps us listening, keeps us caring – and holds the desire to serve firmly in our hearts.
Global Hope heartfully thanks each and every one of you who joined us in this cause. We have appreciated the multitude of ways in which you have joined us in our efforts to be a service organization that truly puts “Goodwill into Motion”.
In the light of our continuing desire to support education, and to uphold our commitment to the Ninth Ward, we intend to transfer donations initially directed to the rebuilding of Holy Ground Baptist Church to the Charles Drew Elementary School and Douglass High School in the Ninth Ward. These schools serve the families of those hit hardest by Katrina – losing homes, belongings, and in too many cases, family members as well. The funding to help these schools and families falls desperately short of ever hoping to meet the rising needs of both school and community.
We are excited about this new focus and proceed in honor of Reverend and Mrs. Adams, who share in our commitment to support education and the families of the Ninth Ward.
