These words from Isaiah are reassuring and are promises to each of us, as they are from God, our Father. As Star of Hope prepares inner-city children to experience one week at a residential Christian summer camp this July, Isaiah 55:11 guides our conversations with families, and convicts us as we work with churches to transform communities.

As Christian parents, we use our faith, through God’s grace, to disciple our children and navigate through difficult situations and circumstances. How do unsaved parents rear their children? What is it that they are trusting in to grow and develop their children? Is it the school system, or the numerous clubs and programs? Another familiar Bible passage is Proverbs 22:6 - “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Children in the city are dying. You’ve read the newspapers. Children are prostitutes. You’ve heard it on the television. Children are having babies. Children are addicts. Many of these children come from homes where there aren’t any Bibles, no talk of God or Jesus. Where is that Godly training? What is being taught in the home is a mantle of self reliance and the mantra of independence; survival of the fittest. Parents are concerned about “making it in this world,” getting out of poverty, getting out of the city! And for what you may ask? To stop the hurt. To dull the pain of simply being poor, insignificant and invaluable. For many children, there is no concept beyond what one can see, touch and feel; their perception is their reality. Star of Hope Member Network churches are working in the truth and power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to change this perception that is so pervasive among our children. Until our children understand who they are in Christ, life has little to no value - yours or theirs.

An opportunity to experience love in action, an opportunity to be taught in word and deed what real abundant living is; what it looks and feels like; an opportunity to remove the armor of survival and to become a child again - protected and loved - is what Star of Hope Ministries is offering again this summer through scholarships to a Christian summer camp. Many parents of our neighborhood are allowing us to share the promises of God, like Isaiah 55:11, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, are having their hearts, minds and spirits prepared to surrender their lives to Christ and to have God-honoring families.

We have always needed your help to win souls for Christ and this appeal for our children continues our belief that God is glorified when the body of Christ advances His kingdom by using the gifts He has given to us for His purposes. The work of the Church can be challenging and exhausting, but when we think of Isaiah 55:11, we are buoyed with encouragement. Your gift is a demonstration of Christ’s love for all children.

In His Grace,

Wanda M. Tugman
Executive Director