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HOPEww Detroit Chapter Partners with Blight Busters to Beautify Detroit

Otoma Edje • November 30, 2018

…the Son of Man did not come to be serve, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

-Matthew 20:28

On Saturday, September 15th , about 30 members of HOPE worldwide Detroit chapter (and our friends) partnered with Detroit Blight Busters, Inc. to renovate a home and beautify the surrounding community.

Detroit Blight Busters partners with organizations like HOPE worldwide Detroit chapter to implement projects involving renovation in the community. Our assignment centered on boarding up the open walls of a home that had been destroyed by fire and would have been torn down. Fortunately, Google stepped in and provided a donation to prevent this from happening. After explaining our objective for the day, we measured, cut and installed plywood boards on the house. This will serve to protect the building from the winter; this will also prevent vandals from further destroying the property.

Along with boarding up the house, we also assisted by removing weeds from a stretch of sidewalk, mowed a community garden, and picked up trash and debris.

After the winter, the work will continue with another group of volunteers. And, when done, this house will be converted into a community center for the neighborhood. It will provide a safe place for kids to come and do their homework. The garden will provide fresh produce for those in need. Below are some pictures of what the house looked like before we started and how it looked at the end of our assignment.

Although, our efforts represent a small ‘ripple’, with more ripples over many years, we can continue to make our communities beautiful! All the volunteers worked hard and with a good spirit. And, our work helped create an asset in a challenging community.

After we finished, Malcolm Davis, the Executive Director of HOPE worldwide Detroit chapter, treated us to some hot dogs and hamburgers. Food and great fellowship are always a winning recipe.

To close out the day, John J. George (Executive Director of Detroit Blight Busters) reminded us of the importance of volunteers and thanked us for our participation.

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We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and brother, Dave Tomlinson. Dave was a beloved part of the HOPE worldwide family who served in many capacities throughout his time with us, most recently as Chief Operating Officer before his retirement. He also played an important role in our Global Disaster Response and Community Service Brigades teams, serving alongside his wife, Angela. More than the roles he held, Dave was a cherished friend whose warmth, kindness, and genuine spirit touched so many people. His care for others was evident in the way he served, led, and built relationships with people around the world. Dave had a remarkable ability to encourage, uplift, and connect with people, reflecting God's love in both his leadership and his friendships. We will miss Dave deeply and are grateful for the many ways he gave of himself to HOPE worldwide and to the amazing people we get to serve. We’re holding Angela and their family close in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Dave’s presence will be deeply missed, but his faith, love, and example will remain in our hearts forever and his legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.