There is something to be said for an early morning jog. I appreciate the quiet of the morning and the peace of hearing my own footsteps. I love those quiet moments just to pray and chit chat with God. Still on this one particular morning I was running later than usual. I felt like exploring a new route and headed from Military Drive towards 151 and that is when it happen. I started to pray and just lay out my hearts request. I asked the Lord for a place to worship...a place to just "be" in His presence.

In my morning devotional I read a passage of scripture that melted my heart as I realize the courage and the amount of faith that was expressed in Luke chapter one verses 26-38. I thought to myself how many time, like Mary, we say to God "How can it be" like she said in verse 34. She was being told something that was impossible to imagine... She was debating with an angel of God...a messenger of God... she was not willing to go outside her comfort zone...all that she knew... all that she was. she was about to be married...she was about to start a new chapter in life and here is God saying "No...I have a plan for you...that is different than your plan... TRUST ME." How many times do owe find ourselves in that very dialogue with God. Well, I can honestly admit I have had my debates with God. He always wins...but I always seem to delay His progress in my life with my own fears and doubts.

I love how the angel states to Mary in the midst of her uncertainty-- "Nothing is impossible for God" in verse 37. Oh how many times has someone mentioned that obvious to me in the middle of my spiritual crisis. Still....I pause in the stillness of those moments and recall how good God has been...How good He is...and that I can trust Him for he is the same yesterday today and forever. As the story goes on we see that Mary has her spiritual epiphany... and in verse 38 her "How can it BE" turns into a "Let it BE to me..." WOW.... what a transformation in a little girl who had everything to lose and she chose God will over her fears and doubts. So there I was...with God's word in my face and so I reflected and then I went for a run.

So, as was running I asked God to solidify my season of peace and restoration. I asked Him if he could lead me to a place where I could heal from my spiritual battle wounds...from the memories of harsh and difficult deployments... a place that would feel like coming home each time we came together in fellowship- in worship. I asked the Lord for a place that I didn't have to be Pastor or Leader that I could be follower and parishner. A place that I could find spiritual rest and healing. I saw this small sign sticking out of the grown on the side of the road it read "Hope Community Church" . I walked into the lobby and asked the person at the desk to explain. he said it was a church that was starting and they meet on Sunday. As I walked out into the parking lot I said to myself "How could it be?". As I finished my jog my "How can it BE" turned into a "Let it Be to me..."

As I walked into service that first day the warmth of community embraced me immediately. I felt that each hug...each greeting was God's embrace...God's healing touch... God's answer to me. Hope Community Church is a place to be reminded that as God changes our "How can it BE" to "Let it Be done to me.." you are not alone. Whether you come for one visit or decide to become a member of this Community your face...your spirit...your presence will not be forgotten. You will be remembered in prayer. This is a community that reminds you that you are not forgotten...that God has a plan for you...that whatever season you may be in there is a reason you walked into this community... I believe that Hope Community Church is a place that God's fingers stirs the healing pools and will meet my needs-your needs. I am thankful for the powerful ministry of Danny and Michelle Price and I am thankful that God heard my prayer and led me here. Amen!

Blessings, Eusebia D. Rios Ch, Capt, USAF