Arms of Hope News
September 2011
Together Program offers Lighthouse
homes
MEDINA - On August 13, 160 people
gathered to celebrate the ribbon cutting and dedication of the Lighthouse and
Pat and Pete Schenkel Family Living Homes on the Arms of Hope - Medina Campus.
The new Family Living Homes will be occupied by
single-mother families who are active in the Arms of Hope Together Program. The
eight apartment units will serve the families in this program, many of whom are
fleeing homelessness, poverty, hunger and abuse.
The Together Program helps motivated single mothers and
their children transition into successful, independent futures. The outreach
provides parenting skills, career training and a home in a peaceful and safe
environment.
The new structures were funded by special friends of Arms of
Hope, Bruce and Julia Barnard, Bruce and Rhonda Lee, and Pat and Pete Schenkel.
In addition to significant gifts came from the Ed Rachal Foundation and Arms of
Hope donors who participated in the "Double Your Difference Matching
Campaign".
For those who wish to help furnish these apartments, Ricks
Furniture of Kerrville will offer a discounted rate of $3300 for each
individual unit.
Arms of Hope is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that
was formed as a result of the consolidation of Boles Children's
Home (est. 1924) and Medina Children's Home
(est. 1958).
February 2011
Loveladys retire after 16 years at AOH
KERRVILLE -- Sixteen years ago, Tom and Judy Lovelady came to Medina to serve as house parents for Arms of Hope - Medina Campus. After all these years of loving children, they recently retired as house parents.
“Working with committed individuals who put their faith into action everyday like Tom and Judy is a blessing for us all. The authenticity of their faith and service is something we all benefit from observing and is readily apparent from the way they do their jobs so well while avoiding any recognition,” said Kevin McDonald, CEO and President of Arms of Hope.
The Loveladys' initial commitment was for two years. But two turned to five, and five turned to a lifetime of ministry. They loved and shared the gospel of Christ with every child that came through.
Serving children between the ages of 4-17 years old, the Loveladys parented more than 200 different students over their sixteen years of service. They had the joy of watching these children participate in sports, graduate from high school and the ultimate blessing: watching precious souls accept Christ in baptism.
Former residents and family members attended the campus banquet in held on Jan. 22 in their honor. There was also a formal reception commemorating their years of service on Jan. 30 at the Kerrville Church of Christ.
The couple will live in Kerrville and will continue to find ways to love and minister to the most disadvantaged and needy children in this community.
AOH Announces Stumbo as CFO
MEDINA - Kevin McDonald, President & Chief Executive Officer of Arms of Hope (AOH) recently announced the appointment of Scott Stumbo to the position of Chief Financial Officer.
"Julie and I have been exiled to Tennessee, Oklahoma and Florida for 19 of our 23 years together and look forward to our repatriation to the great state of Texas. We are excited for the opportunity to serve the young families and children that Arms of Hope have taken the responsibility, through Christ's love, to assist," stated Stumbo.
"Accomplishing our mission of transforming the lives of disadvantaged children and families requires a strong team of talented individuals. Arms of Hope is fortunate to add someone with Scott's skill, talent and heart for our mission," stated McDonald.
Scott's passion for the mission of AOH dates back to being reared as a child around Lubbock Children's Home, a ministry his parents served for over 50 years. He is a CPA and graduated from Abilene Christian University with a BBA in Accounting and Management.
He brings 20 years of financial and senior management experience in health care. Most recently, he served for eleven years as Vice President and Division CFO for Health Management Associates, Inc. (NYSE:HMA).
His responsibilities there included financial oversight of a division of the company's hospitals. Scott demonstrates a commitment to helping those in need by serving through organizations like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and taking a leadership role in the church in Naples, Fla.
He and his wife, Julie, are raising two children. Their daughter, Katie, is currently attending Abilene Christian University while eighth-grader Sean is an avid athlete.
January 2011
AOH Sports Ministry
SAN ANTONIO -- Over 100 youth football players, cheerleaders and coaches enjoyed a special Christmas blessing thanks to Arms of Hope. A Christmas party was held in their honor at the Davis-Scott YMCA in East San Antonio and the guests were treated to pizza, drinks, cookies and special gift bags.
The gift bags contained much needed clothing, donated toys and the best present of all - brand new Bibles! The Bibles were purchased by Arms of Hope. Then McArthur Park, Northside and Kerrville churches of Christ prayed over each Bible and the names of the students.
The Arms of Hope Outreach Ministry Program strives to be the hands and feet of Jesus by reaching disadvantaged kids in their own neighborhoods. Staff and volunteers attend sporting events, organize character camps and lead devotionals with these precious children.
Please pray for this inner-city ministry in San Antonio and if you interested in knowing more or helping out, please contact Troy Robertson at (830) 522-2200.
November 2010
AOH launches Renov8
MEDINA -- Arms of Hope- Medina Campus recently initiated a program called Renov8! Each Wednesday night, the entire campus meets for dinner, singing and a devotional.
"This program needs additional volunteers," reports Troy Robertson. "It is a great opportunity for a church’s youth group to volunteer and serve."
During the midweek gathering, the residents break off into classes that teach life skills and the biblical pattern for living. The purpose of the lessons is to build community and provide a sense of renewal for all of the women and children by providing instruction, mentoring and support as well as to offer service opportunities for the community.
Volunteers from the Kerrville Church of Christ as well as Schreiner University help lead the program. Service schedules are flexible and even one volunteer makes a huge difference.
Added Robertson, "We need help in food preparation and cleanup as well as working with children."
If you would like more information or like to help serve as a volunteer, please call Robertson at (512) 644-5502.
October 2010
AOH sports outreach reaches 100 kids
MEDINA -- Arms of Hope Outreach Ministry Program provides assistance to underprivileged youth in their own neighborhoods. Programs for at-risk children include youth events featuring inspirational speakers and the sponsorship of Christian based youth sports teams.
In inner-city San Antonio, AOH sponsors four YMCA football teams (the Raiders) and their cheerleaders. Because of sponsorship, the AOH staff and volunteers are allowed to attend practices and games and lead devotionals for over 100 boys and girls each week, including parents and coaches.
AOH is making a difference with this ministry and needs your help! This is a great opportunity for a congregation to reach out locally and be the hands and feet of Jesus.
If you or your church would like to volunteer or learn more about our outreach ministry program, please call Troy Robertson at (830) 522-2200 ext.221.
AOH-Medina: Laura and Lisa's big day
MEDINA -- Laura Zechariah is a senior at Medina High School where her GPA has put her at the top of her class. She is lives in the Arms of Hope-Medina Campus Residential Care.
When she had her first Bible study on campus, she made it very clear that she was an atheist and didn’t want anything to do with Jesus. God had other plans.
So many people have “emotional” baptisms where they are cut to the heart (Acts 2). Those baptisms are great.
Others are baptized when they “analytically” conclude that baptism is right for them (Acts 8-Philip and the Ethiopian). Those baptisms, too, are great.
Every now and then, you get both. When that happens, watch out! It is, and Laura’s was, truly amazing to see.
Lisa Cmerke is a single mom in the Arms of Hope-Medina Campus Together Program. After a group Wednesday afternoon Bible study on campus, she came up with tears in her eyes wanting to talk about how to have the joy that she sees in others on the Arms of Hope-Medina Campus.
Easy explanation. She relates that on the morning of her baptism, her daughter, Trinity, said, "Today is a big day."
Lisa asked if it was because of Trinity's being registered for school that day. Trinity said, “No Mommy, it’s a big day because today you get to start your life completely over.”
Champions bring seaside to AOH-Medina
MEDINA -- The Champions Church of Christ from Houston blessed Arms of Hope's Medina Campus with a weeklong visit in June. Eighteen volunteers came and ministered to the residents with a Vacation Bible School and campus-wide dinner/devotional.
"Special thanks to Champions for their service and heart for the residents of Arms of Hope!" says Troy Robertson, campus ministries director. The theme of the VBS was “Seaside with the Savior.” Over 30 elementary school kids attended.
The Champions champs also cooked dinner for over 150 people and enjoyed singing and a message of God’s love. Larry Keele serves the church as pulpit minister.