Sunday, September 5, 2010

About

Name - The Hope Network (THN)

Organizational Status – Charity, Charitable no. ~ 86959-2162

Parent Organization – The Seven Doves Ministry

Our Mission – We give our best to those who need it most

Our Vision - We are a global community outreach organization with a threefold vision:

1. To provide direct street level interaction with those in need. Entails the provision of food, shelter services, clothing and the essentials of life.

2. To provide operational supports for front line agencies. Gathering and distributing donations, supplying and supporting programs and services.

3. To create collaborative networks of inter-organizational cooperation. Advocacy, eliminating waste and duplication, improving supportive systems that impact the lives of those in need.

Faith, Hope & Charity – Faith Hope and Charity are called the three theological virtues. Theological virtues are those traits associated with personal salvation. “Right now three things remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

FAITH – By Faith we believe. As Abraham’s example shows us that “Faith apart from works is dead” (James 2:26). An abiding Faith is one that is demonstrated through action. As we act in ways that demonstrate our belief, we must also share that faith with others. “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father” and “Whoever denies me before men, I will deny before my Father” (Mathew 10:43-33).

HOPE - Distinct from Faith and Charity both of these virtues exist in the present. Hope is based in a future possible. The Greeks called it ELPIS, which refers to an ambiguous expectation based in the future. Our Hope is the opposite of ELPIS. Our Ultimate Hope is very specific and refers to a single event. Our Hope rests in the return of the living Messiah, who will bring judgment and restoration. Yet this Ultimate Hope is preceded by Hope within our daily lives, our present, intermediate and long term Hopes. As in a hope to end homelessness in Toronto, reduce global poverty, and enough supplies for The Hope Network to continue to serve those who need it most.

When Hopes such as these are realized they cease to be Hopes strived for, as they like possessions have been attained. In this way our Hopes are like goals, set in the context of Faith. In the beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10), we see the Hope of those who suffer travails on earth, are destined for blessings in Heaven. “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:5).

CHARITY – What is Charity? Charity is love. A Love poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit comes with the condition that it must be shared. Therefore, we are each called into charitable service through Christ, our example. We are called to love each other. To act charitably with each and everyone, irrespective of whom they are, what they have done, what they believe or where they come from. Charity does not judge, it enables us to Love your Enemies, Strangers and the Poor. “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:9, 12). “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love” (John 15:9-10). “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” (Col 3:14).

1 Corinthians 13 (New International Version)

Love

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

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