Students from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Charlotte recently visited Hoskins Park Ministries. Their comments are below.
Dear Tom, Johnny, Loretta, and Edwin,
Last Monday was such a rich visit for me and our students. I’ve appreciated watching the ministry grow from its earliest moments. There’s so much to celebrate and you’ve only just begun! Here are a few of the comments of appreciation from our students. They were obviously blessed. Thank you so much for taking the time to open your hearts to them.
Thank you so much for giving us the chance to come visit Hoskins Park Ministries. I was very impressed and humbled by the ministry God has built up there. I admired the spirit you lead with, your willingness to give so much grace, over and over again, to the men and women in your care. I was struck by the perspective you shared about putting ourselves in their place, and family, that if they were your family you wouldn’t put them off no matter what they did… and they are family, so why would we do any less? And has God done any less for those of us who are so quick to set ourselves up as judges? It is a lesson, a lifestyle, I want to learn better. And you modeled it very well. Thank you again for the time you shared with us. It really blessed me, and gave me a lot to ponder. Preston
Hoskins Ministries,
Amber and I loved the visit. It was such a blessing to meet Tom, Johnny, Loretta, and Edwin to see how God can work in peoples lives if we surrender to His will. I pray that God will continue to bless your Ministries and all that you do.
God Bless, Grant and Amber
Tom, Johnny, Loretta and Edwin,
Thanks so much for enlightening me on the incredible works of Hoskins Park and Blessings in the Storm. The lives that are forever changed because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and your love shown to them were awesome testimonies. May God continue to meet your every need and desire as you continue to serve his children.
Valerie M. Williams
Thank you for that opportunity to visit Hoskins Park on Monday night. I had been there before to help out, but I had never heard how it started or the spirit behind it. God has done some amazing things in the lives of the leaders and I appreciate the opportunity to have heard about them.
Bethany Nelson
Thank you all for sharing the Hoskins Park Ministries vision, mission, and testimony with us. It’s really unfortunate that most of us were stunned to silence as we reflected on the genuine faith and trust that you all have in our God. We’ve visited so many sites that have “programs” in the name of God. Though many of them are indeed flourishing, your ministry is the first that I’ve visited that’s mission is true discipleship and haven’t put God in a box. I’m sure that there are alot of silent and somewhat scary times when you make the decision to depend solely on God… but wow…. just look at the results! I could go on and on… but just… thank you for letting us be apart of the work that God is doing in that neighborhood. I can honestly say that your family (current & future) will continue to be in my prayers. In Christ w/ you, Kenyada Gill.
I really enjoyed the ministry vist we had tonight.
The thing that made the biggest impression on me was the compassion that was shown to the people being ministered to. I could see the appeal in such a ministry to make strict rules for the particpants.
This vist opened my eyes to a way of doing grace filled ministry. I left feeling encouraged about God was doing through this ministry.God Bless, Tim Carey
I really enjoyed our visti to Hoskins Park. It was one of the most moving visit I have attended since I joined Urban Ministry. I haven’t stopped talking about it. Everyone was so genuine and spirit filled. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit when I walked on the grounds. Tom, Johnny, Loretta, and Edwin were so inspiring. I left there questioning what can I do to make such an impact on a community whether in charlotte of elsewhere. I pray God’s blessing and His will for the staff and the residents. Thank you for your time and caring spirit.
Vea
What a blessing your ministry has already been to me even though I just met you. I heard about your ministry a while back and have been wondering about it ever since.
The pieces that have fallen into your ministry, God’s ministry, are nothing short of blessings and so much more than mere chance. Your devotion speaks volumes and your passion continues to churn inside my heart and mind, for though it may not be for me to jump into right now, your devotion and passion have taken me one step closer to understanding God’s mission for the lost and the hurting.
A surge of adrenaline rushes through me when I think about the changes that have taken place where you are. It is those types of changes in character and lifestyle prompted by the love of God that really make those verses, psalms and songs about shouting and dancing for the Lord come alive. Those houses and lives that you are helping to change for the better sing of God’s greatness and control. I like the way you have just let God work and shape your ministry instead of putting it in a box and labeling it a program with 12 steps. You have something great and I pray God blesses it more than you can imagine and protects it with great care.
Peace and blessings on your ministry, Jordan
I was so blessed and humbled by the earnest felt servant-hood you provide for all those in need at Hoskins Park. Thank you for your transparency in the things you face. May God bless you richly for your sacrifice and dedication. You inspired my heart. You are truly an extension of God’s love for his people. This world is truly a better place because of you. I pray I serve with the same fervour and spirit. Thank you again, Benita Nance
Thanks again,
Tim
Timothy S. Laniak, Th.D.
Professor of Old Testament
Coordinator, Urban Ministry Program
Mentor, D.Min. Christian Leadership Track
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Charlotte
14542 Choate Circle Charlotte, NC 28273
