“At Hope College, Campus Ministries offers immersion trips for students to go and serve God in a whole new way. I signed up to go to East Palo Alto, California, with a group of other college students and we met together over the past few months. We excitedly prepared to help with a retreat at Bayshore Christian Ministries, and we were absolutely crushed when we heard that our trip got cancelled because of the coronavirus, and even more so when we heard that the retreat got cancelled altogether for the students. My heart went out to them; I understood the disappointment they must have been facing. So I wanted to reach out to them, and writing letters came to mind, to let them know I was thinking and praying for them.” Student, Hope College Immersion Trip 2020

Hope students at StreetWorkz Retreat 2019
Here’s one of the letters received by a BCM middle school student from a member of the 2020 Hope Spring Break Immersion team:
Hi —,
I’m a Hope College student from Holland, Michigan, and I was going to come help with the retreat this past weekend, and we were all so devasted when we heard that our trip was cancelled, and then that you guys had to cancel the retreat as well. We know how you feel, and you are all in our thoughts. So I just wanted to write a letter to you, to let you know I’m thinking and praying for you, and to tell you a little bit about me!
I’m currently a sophomore at Hope College, and I’m majoring in elementary education, with a focus in English. I have four younger brothers, and one younger sister. Technically, one of my brothers is my twin, but I’m still two minutes older than him! So I think it counts I also like to read a lot, and just hang out with my friends and family. My family is quite the wacky bunch, so it’s never a dull moment in our house! Along with the seven of us, we also have a dog named Gus, a cat named Salem, and a new addition- a bunny! Who never really got a name, so his name is now Bunny, thanks to my brother.
I hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy, and that you are able to still enjoy the little things in life. Something that always helps me is to think of three things that I’m grateful for. Today, I’m grateful for listening to Hannah Montana with my little sister, snuggling up with my cat and reading a book, and listening to my insane brothers argue about who’s better at hockey (as I said, never a dull moment…). Hopefully this letter made you smile, or even just to laugh at me, but I’m wishing you well and praying for you. Keep going strong and look for the little things in life that make you happy Sending lots of good thoughts, A Hope College Student!
Comments