Community (Hope College)

Romans 12:9-13
The Real You (Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.)
meets Real Needs (Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;)
For the Right Reasons (Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;)
In the Right Way (Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.)

I have always liked Chip Ingram's definition of community, "The Real you, meeting real needs, for the right reasons and in the right way." This past week we were blessed by a team from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. They stay at a hotel in Montego Bay and so we have more time in the evenings. This was also a team that we had last year and some of the kids were the same. One of the distinguishing characteristics of the team is their focus on building community. While the group works hard, their focus goes beyond the work. The work groups are switched daily so that everyone gets to work together. They have daily conversation questions. The team is fun and have a real heart for the kids. Thanks to the Hope College team.