USA (MNN) — The upcoming Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer in the United States. Brad Hutchcraft of Ron Hutchcraft Ministries says they’re pressing forward with plans for a much-needed Summer of Hope. “There are still many virus-related issues to consider, but we’re going forward in confidence that the Lord is paving the way for a resurgence of hope this summer,” Hutchcraft says.
Last year, the onset of a pandemic forced RHM’s On Eagles’ Wings team to move its annual summer outreach online. While a virtual Warrior Leadership Summit was better than nothing, Hutchcraft says it couldn’t replace in-person fellowship.
“I’m very excited to say that in a few short weeks, we will be kicking off On Eagles’ Wings Summer of Hope in person, face to face – Lord willing – with a lot of Native young people.”
Native communities faced extra hardships during the pandemic, making hope a valuable commodity. “The lockdowns and isolation have fueled a feeling of being trapped, and there’s been a loss of hope,” Hutchcraft says.
An On Eagles Wings team member shares his hope story during Summer of Hope 2019.
(Photo courtesy of On Eagles Wings)
“One of our On Eagles’ Wings team members said, ‘I think COVID has made my community depressed and fearful.’” During the Summer of Hope, Native believers share their hope stories on reservations throughout the U.S.
“We start at the beginning of July with our Warrior Leadership Summit conference, and we take the team out from there,” Hutchcraft says. “People can be praying for [the] team because these are Native young men and women from across North America who also need the encouragement and spiritual lift that comes from sharing their hope stories with their peers.”
Tribal lines may be different, but these Native believers share much in common – including a deep desire for their people to know Christ.
“When these Native young people stand on basketball courts around the country and share the hope they found in Jesus, countless others find freedom.”
As the OEW team finalizes summer plans, ask the Lord to prepare hearts on reservations. “If people want to be part of helping send these young Native warriors to reach their own people at such a crucial time when hope is needed now more than ever, they could go check out Hope4NativeAmerica.[org].”
Summer of Hope 2021 kicks off with the Warrior Leadership Summit starting July 1. (Graphic courtesy of On Eagles’ Wings)
