2020 has been quite a year of twists and turns for us at the HHK WMC. At the beginning of each year, we usually ask for the Lord to lay upon our hearts a word or theme that would summarize what He had in store for us for the year. For me, it was the word UNITY. At the time, I thought it was speaking to establishing stronger connections with my peers and family. But as weeks passed by, there was a sense that the Lord was going to work within the Riverside Tree (RT) ministry to build stronger relationships.

By late September, the RT students had been away from their studies for several months. We thought it would be a great time for them to take time to help in their homes and churches. But after a few meetings with the students, we felt in our spirits that this time apart from school had not been encouraging, but rather quite devastating for their spiritual walks. I have to confess that I was not very understanding at first. But the Scripture the Lord led me to was Hebrews 10:25: “Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

The RT ministry started in 2009 with a three-fold ministry focus to help high school graduates:
1. With scholarships so they may pursue the passion God has placed in their hearts
2. Who inspired to become pastors
3. To become leaders and deliverers of the Good News in their spheres of influence

Looking back over the years, all three of those areas are still a foundational part of this ministry. We have helped over 22 men and women graduate and enter professional careers. We are being used to raise up and encourage several men and women to become mighty spiritual leaders in their churches. And we are seeing graduates bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to their coworkers and neighbors. We are completing what the Lord has tasked us with.

During the past year, the shift to Zoom meetings have provided a platform where RT students can become united and build relationships as they meet together for a time of praise, fellowship, study, and prayer. In between these meetings they can also meet with their sponsors and the staff here in Denver, Colorado. 2020 has been such a blessed adventure with new changes and even though we let go of so much because of the circumstances, the new experiences and deepened fellowships that have enriched the ministry 100-fold. For this we are truly grateful.

At the start of 2021, two new students have been added to the RT ministry and they are in need of caring sponsors who can help support and encourage them as they start their college journey. If you are moved to help one of these two upcoming students, please call our office, support online here, or email us at sponsor@coj.org!