# @hopewdm on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/B3cNB2hgC30
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/16338945-hopewdm-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/c1d456a89c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2019-10-10T14:15:30.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** HOPE (@HopeWDM) — https://gondola.cc/HopeWDM

## Caption

In December 1993, we relocated from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, to West Des Moines. Our boys, Andrew and Kevin, were 6 and 1. Once we settled in our new home, we decided to find a church. We saw church as a place to meet people, learn about the community – the good doctors and dentists, the good restaurants, fun family activities and most importantly, find teenagers who babysit.⁣
⁣
Since we were Lutherans, we looked in the Yellow Pages of the phone book (this was long before smartphones) to find a Lutheran church. We saw there was one on Ashworth Road in West Des Moines, not far from our home. We piled in the car and drove to the address only to find a construction site with a large sign reading, “Future Home of Lutheran Church of Hope –⁣
Now worshiping at Living History Farms.” Once home, we called the number listed and spoke to ⁣
the secretary (Pastor Mike), who warmly welcomed us to join them for worship.⁣
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The next Sunday, we arrived at Living History Farms. We were met by a Hope member who offered us a ride in his minivan from the parking lot to the church building. Once inside, we met more members who wanted to know our story while also sharing their stories with us. Wow, we mattered to them.⁣
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About 50 people (counting the children) gathered for worship. It was the world premiere of the adult choir that would later be known as PRAISE! A young, tall pastor led the service and preached God’s Word in a way we could relate to. The Holy Spirit was present. We left the service feeling this could be our new church home.⁣
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Over the past 26 years, we have watched Lutheran Church of Hope grow, but more importantly, we as a family have seen our faith and love for God grow. Our knowledge of Scripture has increased. Our prayer life is totally different. We’ve developed servant hearts. Life is no longer about our needs and us; it’s one of loving and caring for others.⁣
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Church has become this place to worship and serve our Lord and Savior and “reach out to the ⁣
world around us and share the everlasting love of Jesus Christ.”⁣
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#PiecesFromHope⁣
#BirthdayPieces⁣
#Hope25⁣
⁣
Jack & Gail

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## Tags

birthdaypieces, hope25, piecesfromhope

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