Our annual Friends Dinner is an opportunity for our current friends to invite their friends to learn about the ministries of Beacon of Hope. We have a wonderful dinner at the Haworth Inn and Conference Center followed by ministry highlights and testimonies from people such as our Executive Director, interns, clients and volunteers. A challenge message is brought to us from our featured speaker. In the past we have been honored to have speakers such as Mr. Dan Seaborn, speaker and founder of Winning at Home; Mr. Jay Riemersma, former NFL tight-end; Dr. Doug Fagerstrom, then President of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary; Ms. Althea Taylor, Director of Compassionate Ministries for USA/Canada region of the Church of the Nazarene and in 2010, we were challenged by speaker Dr. Trygve Johnson, Dean of the Chapel at Hope College.
We would love to have you join us on October 6, 2011. Check here for more information as the date draws near. If you are unable to attend, but would like the opportunity to share your financial support of Beacon of Hope you may donate now by clicking on the "donate" button. Thank you for your support, prayers and friendship! Blessings!
Highlights of Past Friends Dinners
The evening of October 14, 2010, our 7th Annual New Friends Dinner, was encouraging, inspiring and a testimony of God's goodness! We enjoyed a wonderful meal with 124 of our friends and heard the word of God spoken through Dr. Trygve Johnson, Dean of the Chapel at Hope College. Dr. Johnson challenged us to follow Galatians 6:2 which says, "Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." as well as John 6, the story of the young boy with his five loaves and two fish who sacrifically gave them to Jesus to feed thousands. We were challenged to bear the burdens of those around us and to give ourselves generously to the use of God's Kingdom. Thank you Dr. Johnson!
We were blessed to have the New Friends Dinner completely underwritten thus allowing all gifts to go 100% to the ministries of Beacon of Hope. Currently we are $2,363 away from meeting our goal of $20,000. Praise God! If you would like to help us reach our goal, gifts are still being accepted.
A special thank you to Request Foods for being our Event Sponsor! And a big thank you to all of our Table Sponsors as well: Design One Salon Spa Friends of Beacon of Hope Grand Haven Church of the Nazarene Grand Rapids First Church Holland Church of the Nazarene Holland Sentinel Michigan District Church of the Nazarene Parkside Bible Church Steve & Angeline Hamberg Teddy's Transport Vruggink & Son Excavating
Thank you for your support of our 6th annual New Friends Dinner "And so we celebrated because the Lord had indeed worked MIRACLES for us." Psalm 126:3
On Thursday, October 15, 2009,at the Haworth Inn & Conference Center in Holland, we held our 6th annual New Friends Dinner. It was a wonderful evening with 110 Friends joining us. Thank you to all who joined us!
Executive Director, Kyle Thompson, shared testimonies and ways in which Beacon of Hope has been instrumental in the lives of those hurting in our community. Jeff Konfara, Master's level Intern from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, shared how he has been impacted through meeting with those in need of support, encouragement, HOPE.
Dr. Doug Fagerstrom, President of GRTS, challenged us in thinking about words. A simple idea - words - but such an important life lesson. Words are so very powerful in offering hope or in hurting others. Jesus used words to calm the sea, heal the afflicted, forgive sins. With just a few simple words - Jesus changed people! We must also consider our words - are they being used to offer hope? Are they helping draw others closer to their Savior? Thank you Dr. Fagerstrom for your insight and your powerful words.
We'd also like to thank your event sponsor, Request Foods, Inc. and all of our Table Sponsors (Carpet Bonanza, Design 1 Salon Spa, Dr. Steve & Angeline Hamberg, Express Employment Professionals, Friends of Beacon of Hope, Grand Haven Church of the Nazarene, Grand Rapids First Assembly of God, Holland Church of the Nazarene, Michigan District Church of the Nazarene, Parkside Bible Church, RidgePoint Community Church)! The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." Psalm 126:3
