Septmeber 2013, “Do I make a difference in anyone’s life?”

“Does anyone care?”
“Do I matter at all?”
“Do I make a difference in anyone’s life?”

These were the halting words of Haley—a late-night caller on our Hope line—shared with me by the Hope Care Representative who answered Haley’s call. It was an unforgettable voice of despair—the voice of someone who had lost all expectation of a better tomorrow. Then the voice became quiet … wondering if anyone really heard her, let alone understood her.

Now, pause for a moment…. Imagine that you received Haley’s call. You realize instantly that while this is only one of a hundred calls on any given day, here is the person God placed in your path at this very moment … the one person who needs hope right now.

You listen tenderly and pray silently for God to guide your conversation. After gently prompting her, Haley starts telling her story. “I know God has disowned me. I feel it because I’ve lost my faith.” She shares the many twists and turns surrounding her difficult life … her painful depression … and how far she’s strayed from God . . . the God she thought she knew.

In a matter of seconds, you access biblical hope and practical help on topics ranging from Self-Worth and Loneliness to Depression and Hopelessness using Hope’s digital Biblical Counseling Library … all available on your computer.

You remind Haley that she is forever the precious daughter of her heavenly Father and that our trials are part of the Christian journey, used by the Lord to refine our character and draw us closer to His compassionate heart. Meaningful Scripture begins ministering to Haley’s thirsty soul … regarding:

Her low self-worth:

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3).

Her loneliness:

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Her depression:

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:5).

Her hopelessness:

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).

You then ask Haley, “Do you have a church home?” She doesn’t. You say, “Then I really encourage you to connect with a local church family. I’d be happy to recommend some churches in your area if you’re unsure of where to start.”

“I want to encourage you to join a Bible study too, Haley. One of the most important things you can do is to learn more about who God is, His plan for your life, and how much He loves and cares about you. That way, whenever you feel discouraged, His truth will come to your mind.”

Before ending the call, you and Haley pray together. Then you surprise her with the news that you’ll be sending her our powerful 31-day devotional, Seeing Yourself Through God’s Eyes . . . as our free gift to encourage her in her walk with Christ. “Thank you so very much,” she finally says through quiet tears. “I know now that nothing can end my relationship with the Lord. I am His . . . always!”

Last year alone, our Hope Care Team received more than 15,000 calls—calls with questions seeking information about our biblical resources and face-to-face counseling services .. calls with cries for help like Haley’s . . . and calls with desperate pleas from those contemplating suicide.

For the past year, 18 hours a day, 5 days a week, we responded to those calls:

• Giving God’s Truth for Today’s Problems to over 7,000 callers in need of counsel
• Praying with over 8,000 people in need of God’s guidance, power, and peace
• Answering letters and e-mails to over 400 strugglers in need of support
• Sharing the gospel with approximately 100 seekers who accepted Christ as their Savior

As encouraging as these ministry results may be, my heart remains burdened to do even more—we want to expand our Hope Care Center’s availability to 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. Why? Because we know that every single caller … every question … every cry for help is important to God. And for that reason, every single caller is important to us!

To ensure that a biblically-trained Hope Care Team is standing by ready to receive these critical calls, we need to raise $200,000. This will enable us to add the staff and equipment needed for an 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. work shift . . . for not just one year, but for two years!

On September 19, 2013, gifts made through our website at www.HopeForTheHeart.org/GivingDay from 7:00 a.m. to midnight will be matched! I sincerely ask you to pray . . . seeking the Lord’s guidance as to whether He is leading you to give to this life-changing (and, yes, life-saving!) work.

As you support Hope For The Heart through your gifts and prayers, please know how very grateful I am for your heart to help us help others—those who need true healing, help, and hope. And if there is any way we can serve you, please allow us that great privilege.

Yours in the Lord’s hope,

June Hunt

P.S. Please mark September 19 on your calendar and plan to help us reach our $200,000 goal by giving your best gift between 7:00 a.m. and midnight. Tune in to our live webcast from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. that day at www.HopeForTheHeart.org/GivingDay for exciting updates throughout the day and to hear how your gift is changing lives around the world.

If you’re on Facebook, I invite you to connect with me at www.Facebook.com/June.Hunt.Hope. And if you’re not, take it from me: You’re never too old to start! See you there!

For your convenience, you can donate to this ministry via our website, www.HopeForTheHeart.org.