What Clergy Are Saying About Family Promise
I can't begin to put into words what IHN [now Family Promise] has meant to us. It has become the focal point for renewal in the life of our church. It has generated a whole new spirit of cooperation and generosity among our parishioners. It's given us new vision for what the Church is.
Rev. David Evans, Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church, Austin, TX
There is such diversity in the spiritual gifts of individuals. IHN [now Family Promise] gives occasion for people to use their abilities and skills. Driving a van, preparing a meal, listening to a parent, playing with a child, washing linens, and arranging living quarters are all ministries that bring the gospel of Christ to life. Relationships are formed and fellowship is shared... all to the glory of God for the good of those who need a blessing.
Dr. Ken Altom, New Hope Baptist Church, Raleigh, NC
In 24 years of pastoral ministry, no human care ministry has so touched the hearts of the people I serve. Of all the outreach ministries of our church, IHN [now Family Promise] has been easiest to "sell" and the one that fills up soonest with volunteers. After all, it's Biblical. The spiritual gift of hospitality means nothing less than, literally, "a love of strangers." It's real love in action, broadening perspectives on poverty and homelessness, and allowing singles and whole family units an opportunity to be servants and to make new friends at the same time.
Rev. Dean Nadasdy, Cross View Lutheran Church, Edina, MN
Our numerous volunteers at the IHN [now Family Promise] continue to enjoy this task month after month and year after year. As much as we are able to provide loving kindness to those guests that we host, we receive even more for ourselves in the sense of purpose, mission, and fulfillment that we find in this religious endeavor.
Rabbi Lewis H. Kamrass, Isaac M. Wise Temple, Cincinnati, OH
Being an affluent suburban community, many of our members have little or no direct, personal contact with homeless families; this opportunity has given us a chance to get to know folks and to learn about their situations, opening our eyes to what are the root causes of homelessness. Our guests have become real people who are not really different from us. We are humbled by the opportunity to help give folks a step up while they are seeking jobs and housing. We see this opportunity as our response to Christ's call to be a hospitable neighbor.
Rev. Anne D. Kear, Christ Church, The United Church of Christ, Fort Thomas, KY
The IHN program [now Family Promise] has allowed us to give names to so many more church community members. New people have volunteered to help our guests, and made us more united. Together, we witness Jesus' loving service.
Fr. Cassian Lewinski, St. Catherine's Newman Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Rev. David Evans, Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church, Austin, TX
There is such diversity in the spiritual gifts of individuals. IHN [now Family Promise] gives occasion for people to use their abilities and skills. Driving a van, preparing a meal, listening to a parent, playing with a child, washing linens, and arranging living quarters are all ministries that bring the gospel of Christ to life. Relationships are formed and fellowship is shared... all to the glory of God for the good of those who need a blessing.
Dr. Ken Altom, New Hope Baptist Church, Raleigh, NC
In 24 years of pastoral ministry, no human care ministry has so touched the hearts of the people I serve. Of all the outreach ministries of our church, IHN [now Family Promise] has been easiest to "sell" and the one that fills up soonest with volunteers. After all, it's Biblical. The spiritual gift of hospitality means nothing less than, literally, "a love of strangers." It's real love in action, broadening perspectives on poverty and homelessness, and allowing singles and whole family units an opportunity to be servants and to make new friends at the same time.
Rev. Dean Nadasdy, Cross View Lutheran Church, Edina, MN
Our numerous volunteers at the IHN [now Family Promise] continue to enjoy this task month after month and year after year. As much as we are able to provide loving kindness to those guests that we host, we receive even more for ourselves in the sense of purpose, mission, and fulfillment that we find in this religious endeavor.
Rabbi Lewis H. Kamrass, Isaac M. Wise Temple, Cincinnati, OH
Being an affluent suburban community, many of our members have little or no direct, personal contact with homeless families; this opportunity has given us a chance to get to know folks and to learn about their situations, opening our eyes to what are the root causes of homelessness. Our guests have become real people who are not really different from us. We are humbled by the opportunity to help give folks a step up while they are seeking jobs and housing. We see this opportunity as our response to Christ's call to be a hospitable neighbor.
Rev. Anne D. Kear, Christ Church, The United Church of Christ, Fort Thomas, KY
The IHN program [now Family Promise] has allowed us to give names to so many more church community members. New people have volunteered to help our guests, and made us more united. Together, we witness Jesus' loving service.
Fr. Cassian Lewinski, St. Catherine's Newman Center, Salt Lake City, UT
