I just received this note from the principal of Macdonald Elementary School, whose students, community and staff both HOPE worldwide of Vancouver and the Vancouver Church of Christ have been serving in various ways for almost 20 years. We are very encouraged by his kind words below:
"Last Thursday the Aboriginal School held its annual Christmas celebration. We would like to express our thankfulness for contributions of both money and labour.
Our school has been through a struggle recently. A quick Google search of "Macdonald School" will show how some interests recommended closing the school. Our community, parents, grandparents, elders, and neighbours fought and convinced the Vancouver School Board to keep this unique school open until at least 2020. This was a great victory for our community.
Of all times our community needed a celebration it was this Christmas. Our families are rich in spirit however we lack the resources to put on such an event. Without you generous contribution of $1000 and your volunteers this would not have happened.
I would especially like to commend your volunteers. You came as servants and quietly fed our community, not looking for praise, not looking for anything in return. You came to us as Jesus taught you to:
"14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."
Dear volunteers, we are deeply touched by your generosity and for making it possible for us to have this special event. We spoke, we sang, we danced, we feasted. And you, HOPE volunteers, washed our feet. We are humbled by your service."
With gratitude,
Jonathan Weresch Principal