# @hopewdm on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DCo26Rxy8tB
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/24999143-hopewdm-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/legacy-do/43b334a6f55ccd52ae7458183af654a7edf23002c0a91f402dc49d8872d48cd9.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-11-21T15:26:56.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** HOPE (@HopeWDM) — https://gondola.cc/HopeWDM

## Caption

“Growing up, I learned early on that church wasn’t something we just did on the weekend. During the week we would fold bulletins, fill communion cups and visit those unable to leave their homes. According to my mom, helping during the week was not an option, it was something we did as part of our church family. Although I didn’t fully understand those acts of service at the time, I knew who Jesus was and understood he died for my life. I had faith.

That faith is what I would cling to in college while settling into West Des Moines as a young adult. Church was not a priority for me at that time, and I knew that needed to change. God did, too. Through a knock on our door on a Sunday afternoon in 1994, it did. Standing on the other side of that door was the pastor of a new church, Mike, along with his wife, Sally. They energetically shared their vision for this small church, prayed for us and asked if we would attend one service. We made a promise to attend, and we did.

The next week in the Chapel at Living History Farms we were warmly greeted, sang hymns I had known since childhood and took communion. As I sat among the 21 others in that sacred space, I experienced a full circle moment. It all made sense. I now wanted to fold the bulletins I had once rolled my eyes doing, fill communion cups I had just received forgiveness through, and visit those who could not leave their homes. I knew I had found my church home; the place I would help carry out the Hope's mission – to reach out to the world around us and share the everlasting love of Jesus Christ.

From that very small service at Living History Farms to the largest at Wells Fargo Arena, I’ve witnessed lives transformed through Hope over the past 30 years. My story has unfolded alongside the stories of others finding forgiveness, peace, unity and hope. This church is where I was married, where my boys were baptized and confirmed, where I met my closest friends, and where I said goodbye to both of my parents.

This church is family. I sincerely pray that others will experience their full circle moment here realizing that they, too, have found their church home at Hope.” 

Heather G.

#HopeStories

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## Credits

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## Tags

hopestories

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