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HYC Hawaii 2013: Ev Richmond

Hope Worldwide • October 1, 2015

"I grew up in the church and had never doubted there was a God. I knew that to be saved, I had to become a disciple and be baptized. I studied the Bible for about a year when I was 14, but decided I'd rather "experience the world" before making such a huge commitment. I wanted to have a good story to tell.

I went on a HOPE Youth Corps in Hawaii in 2013 with my brother, and had a lot of fun, so I decided to apply again the next year(that was all God). After applying, my life went into a downward spiral. I got into a worldly relationship at school that my parents didn't know about. I was constantly lying to my parents and sneaking around. My boyfriend was not a good influence on me and I started doing a lot of things I had never done before. I had a lot of secrets that I felt like I couldn't tell anyone because I felt so ashamed of the things I'd done. I put all of my security into that relationship.

I hated my family and hated being around them so I spent as little time with them as possible. I started to become bitter towards all of the friends at church I'd grown up with, resenting them for choosing to love God. My parents found out I was lying to them and I lost their trust, but I didn't care. By the time I was supposed to go to HYC Dallas I did not want to go at all. When I got there, I was surprised to hear how vulnerable all of the other girls were. They shared about things that I was going through then, and how God helped them overcome it. It made me start to feel that if they could get through it I could too.

On the last night, Leigh Anne Vett told a story about a girl who had felt insecure about not having a good enough testimony. Her friend told her she shouldn't feel bad that she didn't have to leave God to know she loved him. That hit me very hard,and I realized I had done just that. I left God because I wanted my own story, and I felt so ashamed. The next day, I broke up with my boyfriend on my way back home, and I set up my first study. I was baptized 18 days later on August 8, 2014."

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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.