In the Bible, Jacob labored for 20 years for Laban. And that’s how long the Israelites were oppressed before Samson came on the scene to be their deliverer. And it’s how long it took Solomon to build his temple.
Tom Wille, co-director of Rebuilding Hope, shared those biblical references with those gathered Thursday to celebrate 20 years of the local non-profit.
“Twenty years is a significant number in scripture in terms of what God wrote down for us in his book,” Wille said.
And so the question is, he said, What now?
“What’s the continued call of this ministry? We’re going to keep on…is there more there? I don’t know,” he continued.
The first 20 years of the ministry began in a little office in Warrenton, where Randolph and Gail Wilson and a few other volunteers started out.
They worked the first 10 years operating out of donated space in Henderson before purchasing their current home – the former Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
And now, looking back at the first 20 years, Wille looks ahead to the future, and said the volunteers – brothers and sisters in Christ – will continue the mission of faith through acts.T
“Twenty years have flown by in the Rebuilding Hope land,” Wille said. In the 13 or so years he’s been involved, the building has changed and the circumstances have changed and the equipment has changed, he said. People have come and gone, but the mission has remained the same and the organization’s name says it all: Rebuilding Hope.
The audience gave a round of applause when Wille thanked the Wilsons for the work they’ve done and continue to do. “They took a huge leap (of faith) when they were called to do so,” he said.
Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony began, Wilson told WIZS that he is thankful for everyone who has been a part of this ministry. Starting Rebuilding Hope was simply something “I couldn’t not do,” he said. “I had to.”
Henderson-Vance Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson said Rebuilding Hope defines perfectly the term non-profit.
“We are so grateful to help you celebrate 20 years,” Wilkerson said in remarks before the ribbon-cutting – you really show what a non-profit is all about and we thank you. Rebuilding Hope does exactly what its name says, said Chamber Board member Kevin Wade. “You give encouragement to people, you give love – that’s what we need more of today.”
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