WHAT'S NEW?
By Jonni Hepler
The second half of 2007 was full of exciting things for Hope Street, both in our ministry and personally. Probably the most exciting of all being John and Darlene’s retirement from teaching! After 21 (John) and 23 years (Darlene) of service in the same high school, many of you know this was an event they had been looking forward to for a long time. As a present to celebrate retirement and their 40th wedding anniversary, their two children surprised them with their first cruise! In November they set sail on a 5 day “Singing At Sea” cruise where they enjoyed great singing, great food, and a total departure from the ordinary.
Not long after arriving home they were off once again when Hope Street departed for Pigeon Forge, TN, and the annual Eddie Crook Company “Christmas in the Smokies” sing. This year’s event was at the Music Road Inn and Convention Center, and what a lovely place it was. We were privileged and honored to greet friends from several different localities, who came to be with us and get the Christmas season off to a festive start. Thanks to all who made the journey, we appreciate each one of you so much!
Upon arriving home we jingled the sleigh bells and took off for our first of 14 Christmas concerts. This year’s concert schedule took us from Melbourne, Florida to Moultrie, Georgia with many stops in between. They went so fast and once again we enjoyed seeing old friends as well as making many new ones.
After ministering the gift of Christ’s birth to so many in the Christmas concerts, Hope Street was given a Christmas present from the Lord Himself on Christmas eve day. This was the day we participated in the two Christmas Eve services at Putnam Correctional Institution. We were the guests of Higher Ground Ministries, a prison ministry based in Deland, Florida that Jonni’s husband Larry is a part of. We sang only two songs in each service, but words will never express the blessing those men gave to us in return. It was a gift that will be hidden in our hearts forever, and truly the best Christmas eve any of us have ever experienced!
In closing we pray 2008 will be a Blessed and Prosperous year for you all. Prosperity includes many things besides money. The past year has proven our God to be ever loving and faithful… He has loved us, preserved us, taught us and drawn us closer to Him, shown us favor, healed our bodies, enlarged both us and our ministries, given us wisdom beyond our experience, brought new friends to us and allowed us the joy of reuniting with old ones. As we continue to diligently seek Him and serve Him in all that we say and do, the coming year will surpass the last in seeing His hand at work both in us and through us. We love you and thank our Heavenly Father for each one of you!
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