Thirty-one years ago, Hope Center Co-Founding Executive Director Pastor Hubert Nolen embarked on what would be the first of many life-changing experiences in Brazil. "I saw the need for establishing a strong community of faith. We started small, buying plots of land to build the first church in 1993. We mixed concrete on the ground, laid the foundations, and gradually expanded the ministry by planning additional churches and buildings." Earlier this month, Pastor Hubert, his wife Tonia, and Paul and Joyce Helfers, a married couple who are members of the Hope Center staff, went on a mission trip to this church plant in Brazil.
Hope Center Indy's mission has blossomed throughout the years from these early seeds of faith and outreach. "We started the Hope Center with a simple desire to help the least of these," explained Pastor Nolen. "Our initial efforts led us to more comprehensive research and ultimately to focusing on the crisis of human trafficking."
Recognized globally as a problem of monumental scale, the complexities of human trafficking impact lives far beyond the borders of Indiana. "In Brazil, they now feed about 500 kids a day through the Living Stones program. Most of these kids are at risk for trafficking and other exploitations. To give them an opportunity to find hope and to have people investing in their lives is huge," Pastor Nolen emphasized.
A significant part of the trip was dedicated to empowering local ministry leaders with effective administrative and organizational strategies. Pastor Nolen facilitated sessions on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a set of simple concepts and practical tools used by thousands of entrepreneurs to clarify, simplify, and achieve their vision. “It really encouraged them...these are ways in which they can steward their ministry as it continues to grow,” Pastor Nolen reflected on the enthusiasm these sessions generated among local leaders. These tools are not only strengthening the organizational backbone of these ministries but also paving the way for efficient and sustainable growth.
Reflecting on over three decades of mission work, Pastor Nolen emphasized the importance of nurturing relationships and building strong partnerships. "Being a pastor for all these years, I've built some great friendships and great partners of the Gospel. It is important to cultivate those relationships, keep them growing, and keep them up-to-date because many of those relationships also come back to the Hope Center and help us do what we do" he noted. What's valuable about mission trips like this is they're about creating a community that sustains and supports each other across nations and cultures, creating a global network of hope. Moreover, Hope Center Indy is excited about integrating mission trip opportunities into staff development programs. "It's something we encourage and want to extend to our staff. This is ministry; we'll let you do this," he added.
Pastor Nolen also preached at four different churches. His sermons were on Ephesians 3:20 - “And he will do immeasurably more than you could ever ask or imagine,” and Zechariah 4:10 - “Do not despise small beginnings,” He encountered ministries at vastly different stages of their development - from one year old to 21 years old. “It was kind of fun to speak at different locations and see them at different stages of their churches,” Pastor Nolen shared.
This trip also opened up conversations about possible future Hope Centers in Brazil and other countries, which could serve as sanctuaries for adults and children, providing numerous resources, including housing, and more. "We have the facilities and the vision. The next step is to create a Hope Center right there for all these different kids and people that will be ministered to."
He also added a message of gratitude to Hope Center donors and supporters:
"I can't thank you enough. It is through your faith and generosity that we are empowered to dream big and reach far. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a global network of hope and healing. I'm starting to see that God's vision for the Hope Center is much larger than 11850 Brookville Road. It's going to be international. I truly believe it will be. And it won't be long—I think in the next 10 years, we'll see International Hope Centers flourishing globally, and how God is going to move in those areas to accomplish many great things."
As Hope Center Indy continues to spread its reach internationally, the future is bright with potential for more transformative ministries like the ones in Brazil, and remains open to embracing every opportunity to expand its mission and impact more lives for Christ, both locally and globally.
Stay tuned to www.hopecenterindy.org for more ministry updates and stories as we continue to bring hope, healing, and change to communities around the world. Please consider signing up to receive regular updates here or to support our mission financially, visit here.
Comments