One-Day Event Becomes Lifetime of Change
By Reverend Gene Warren
Convoy of Hope attendees stop at community service tents. |
Children enjoy the "kids zone." |
Every year for the past 5 years, Church on the R.O.C. (Reclaiming Our City) has partnered with area churches, agencies, and businesses to plan what has become one of the largest and most effective 1-day events in the City of Flint, MI.
This event, Convoy of Hope/Hope for Greater Flint, provides entertainment such as music, drama, and dance, as well as community information and services. Together with Flint Eastside Weed and Seed, we plan, coordinate, and present this annual event; this year we received $9,500 from Weed and Seed. Several faith- and community-based agencies volunteered staff and services, and fundraising and donations brought in additional support.
The Convoy of Hope trains churches to move beyond their traditional ways of thinking to meet the needs of the city's people by collaborating with area agencies to provide services. We want churches to become contact points for people because we believe that the spiritual side of life affects us more than anything else. Guests' names are given to faith-based groups so that they can become a pipeline for assistance year-round. We feel churches can bring hope back to those who feel they have none and can influence their communities in positive ways.
Last fall's Convoy of Hope was the most successful yet, with more than 2,800 guests and 35 agencies and organizations, 15 churches, and 150 volunteers helping out. A highlight was the “Kids Zone,” sponsored by Weed and Seed, where children found many activities and treats, such as large inflatable games, the “smoke house” (a safety house provided by the Flint Fire Department), snow cones, cotton candy, hot dogs, pop, prizes, and educational materials on safety and stopping violence. Community service tents provided free services to all who attended, such as health information and services, job services, family services, and much more. A free haircut tent, a food giveaway area, and a prayer tent also provided some much needed services. A number of the guests requested further prayer and support from the local faith groups and community organizations.
Church on the R.O.C., which began its work in the 1960s, offers positive alternative programming for all ages. Its programs include a youth club, neighborhood rehabilitation, a planned community center, a food bank, and more. We are a “come as you are” community-based nontraditional ministry, and Convoy of Hope fits our mission. The event encourages people to begin and to continue acts of kindness throughout the year, bringing continual hope to the city.
The concept has proved successful—we have received several testimonials from those involved.
One volunteer said, “This is the greatest experience I have ever had in helping others.”
Another woman, who went on to become a member and volunteer of her local church, said, “It changed my life.”
But perhaps the best success story is that of the woman who came to the Convoy of Hope drunk, and the impact the event had on her life that year led her to become the executive administrator at Church on the R.O.C.; she now coordinates the event every year.
For more information, contact:
Reverend Gene Warren
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