In 2006, our ministry had the privilege of serving 1853 families, representing 6454 people. We assisted these dear people with food, clothing, and household items through our in-house resource center. We experienced a 60% increase in number of people served over 2005. Forty six people received the Lord or rededicated their lives to Him. PTL! Thanks to all of you who donated food, clothing, household items and time to the resource center. Also a big thanks to our many churches who partnered with us in food drives we held this past year. May God bless you abundantly for giving so generously and helping us accomplish our mission! We were also blessed to assist twenty families with Christmas gifts in 2006. Thank you to those of you who adopted families or provided funds to help in this outreach. To our area churches, please remember that the Resource Center is available to you for referrals, and to serve in as a volunteer/missions project. Volunteers are always welcome!

     Matthew 25 Project Wow! What a year of God’s provision to accomplish His vision! As many of you are aware, in 2006 we partnered with Operation Blessing to bring in 8 tractor-trailer loads of food, toiletries, hygiene items, and household products to distribute to those in need or in a crisis situation. Partnering with over 45 local agencies we distributed over 167,000 pounds of product, at no cost to them, which conservatively helped an estimated 19,350 families throughout Pitt County. The very first shipment came in just before the March 2006 ECU Clement Residence Hall dorm fire. Many of the toiletry and hygiene items were available to the displaced students through the Salvation Army, one of our partnering agencies. We want to thank all of our partnering agencies for getting these much needed products in the hands of those in need, and for helping us to sort and prepare this product for distribution. Also, we offer a special thanks to our generous supporters who sponsored these shipments by contributing financially. Announcing our new Missions Partnership Luncheon! We held our first MPL in September and we host these bi-monthly. We invite our partnering Christ-centered ministries to a hearty lunch, good fellowship, and a message from the Word of God. We utilize this time to build stronger relationships among us, who are on the front lines of our community, in helping those who are in need of life’s basic necessities. We encourage them in their service unto the Lord and challenge them to be soul winners!

     Project Community Transformation Five outreach events were held in 2006 in the Moyewood and Kearney Park neighborhoods. Games, food, fun, and the good news of Jesus Christ were the order of the day for each event. Seventy-nine adults and children responded to the gospel message and committed their lives to Christ! Praise God! Approximately 400 meals complete with 12 to 15 lb. turkeys, sides, desserts, and a gospel tract were distributed to the residents of these two neighborhoods the Saturday before Thanksgiving. We want to thank all the area ministries that partnered with us on these events. Also, thank you to the individuals, families, churches, and businesses that gave to underwrite the cost of these Thanksgiving meals.

     Israel Project Update 1,986 pounds of clothing were sorted and sent to Christian friends of Israel in 2006. These clothes will be distributed to immigrants coming back into Israel. Thanks to all the volunteers who gave their time and provided funds to make this happen. Our next sorting and boxing of clothes for Israel will be on March 31 at 9:00 a.m. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

     2006 Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award Thank you to the Pitt County and North Carolina Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Tony Potter was presented with the Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award for 2006. This award is a reflection of the dedicated staff of Hope of Glory Ministries, our partnering agencies, volunteers, and ministry supporters. Not only do we at Hope of Glory have the honor of getting to meet and assist great people, you have honored us by recognizing our efforts. To our God be all the glory!!!