Dear HBIC Family,

A lifetime ago, in the summer of 2015, our wonderful little city hosted the Mennonite World Conference. This assembly was a global gathering of Anabaptists, and it was amazing. It still warms my heart to think and remember that just one mile from my house, and a few miles from our church…there were gathered members of our distinct group of Jesus followers from Asia and Africa, North and South America, and the world over. 

We were able to learn about how God is moving among us in different places, but also in so many unique ways. We were able to worship together, in many languages, through many cultures, and beautifully as a big multicultural and multiethnic family. Thinking back, MWC 2015 was a gift. It was a joy. It was a blessing. And we were greatly encouraged. Here at HBIC, we are very committed to our city and to our world. In 2015, we were blessed to see our city host our world, and it’s something many of us will never forget. 

This Sunday, we will again unite with our sisters and brothers the world over, as we celebrate Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday. Sadly, everyone won’t be coming to town again to meet with us at the Farm Show Complex. However, in our local congregations, our focus together will be on Jesus Christ: Our Hope. Mennonite World Conference has invited all of us as global member churches to come together to follow Jesus, who gives us hope, even during deep troubles. 

As you prepare for this week’s services, I would like to invite you to read and meditate on Luke 18:35-43. As you reflect, I would like to ask you to focus on the following questions:

• What is one thing you find yourself waiting on Jesus for?
• Where have you most recently experienced God’s mercy?
• Have you ever felt held back from experiencing God’s touch?
• How have you experienced hope in Christ? 
• Is there a place where God is calling you to trust more?

The story of Bartimaeus is a very famous one. It appears in nearly all the Gospels. It is a story of waiting, desperation, and hope. It is a story of God’s faithfulness and mercy. It is a story of the power of Jesus’ touch, the Spirit’s guiding, and God seeing our faith. It is a story of hope being experienced, joy being found, and love ruling supreme. 

I pray that this week, we are all finding hope in Christ, even in our hardest days and most desperate moments. I pray that God’s faithful mercy finds us. I pray that you know God’s presence, peace, and touch. 

God bless you all, and take care. 

Love in Christ,

Pastor Hank (Luke 18:38)