Tools of Hope
Tools of Hope Taking Applications to Help Others

Tools of Hope, a ministry of First Baptist Church in New Hampton, is now taking
applications.  Tools of Hope coordinator, Rod Reicks, explained, " The mission of
Tools of Hope is to express our love for Jesus in a practical way by assisting
individuals and families in our community with home maintenance, modifications,
and repair."

Tools of Hope is a need based ministry designed for those who are low-income or
have a family member who is disabled or elderly.  Those receiving assistance must
own the residence and live in the home that receives maintenance, modifications or
repair.  According to Pastor Rod Ankrom, "We believe that this ministry is a
reflection of our commitment to Jesus Christ and our love for those in our
community.  Therefore, all the work that is done will be without cost to the home
owners.  We will donate our time, talents, and resources to help others do what they
are not able to do for themselves.  We want to build a bridge of hope to others by
using our abilities for the glory of God."

The genesis of the idea came from the television program Extreme Home
Makeover, where a large group of people gather together and in one week, build a
new home.  Here, while the projects are much smaller in scope (anything from a
wheelchair ramp to improving safety in the bathroom to painting the exterior of the
house), the idea of having several people working side-by-side on a projects in a
compressed period of time is how Tools of Hope intends to operate.  Reicks
commented, "Ultimately, we are not just making living conditions better; we are
giving part of ourselves to those who need a helping hand."  For more information
about Tools of Hope or to apply, call the church at 394-4380 or click below to
print the application form.
First Baptist Church
New Hampton, Iowa
Joyfully Pointing People To Jesus