Last winter, when flood-impacted neighborhoods were looking a bit dreary and depressing, Matthew 25 started developing a program called Cultivate Hope. By the time spring arrived, we had volunteers from area churches signed up to decorate, fill and transport beautiful flower pots all over the west side of Cedar Rapids. As the flowers grew and bloomed during the spring and summer, many people commented on how they provided a sign of hope for flood-impacted neighborhoods.

Flower pots were just the beginning. As spring arrived, Matthew 25 worked tirelessly to empower hard working neighbors all around us. We pulled together the United Methodist Church and the Affordable Housing Network Inc, to develop Block by Block. By the end of the year, Block by Block will be nearing the finish line with eight blocks of homes or one-hundred and three houses. But that wasn't all we did. We also:

• Provided more than 1,000 free meals to neighborhood residents, ¹⁄₃ of which were children, this summer
• Ran a full-service Tool Library where more than 150 households rented tools for free to fix up theirre flooded homes
• Gave away three semi-loads of furniture to flood-impacted families
• Helped provide free tax assistance to more than 250 families through a partnership with the Community Corrections Improvement Association
• Hosted more than 40 youth in life-changing summer mission camps
• Provided fresh, local produce to six families during the summer
• Mentored more than 20 elementary students in reading and music

People sometimes hear the list of Matthew 25 accomplishments and ask whether facing rebuilding efforts gets overwhelming. Our response is generally that sitting and visiting with those who are rebuilding is what gives us hope. The stories we hear of how much people have sacrificed in the last year are truly inspiring. And so, in 2010, we won’t be letting up. Our goal is to continue growing programs and empowering the community around us. In 2010, we will:

• Finish rebuilding a total of 20 blocks through the Block by Block program
• Help 25 families plant gardens that will improve their health with fresh, local produce
• Continue to expand our reading and music mentoring program for elementary children
• Seek to create a small community gathering spot for youth and neighbors who are coming back into flooded neighborhoods

These are audacious, stepping-out-in-faith goals. Without significant giving from individuals, they won't happen. As you contemplate where you will give during this time of remembering Jesus’ birth, we hope you will consider making a contribution to Matthew 25. Or consider giving a Matthew 25 Tool Lending Library membership as a unique gift this year.

May your Christmas be filled with HOPE,

Clint Twedt-Ball and Courtney Ball
Co-Executive Directors, Matthew 25 Ministry Hub

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