Every once in a while someone comes up with a fresh idea that makes everyone else say, “Now why didn’t I think of that?” 

The latest such common-sense, get-the-community-involved, meet-needs, have-fun, change-lives, glorify-God-with-your-good-works idea in Catawba County is a project called “HOPE” - “Help Our People Eat.”

The visionary coordinator is a Corinthian – Christine Cofer.

Christine was working in her own backyard garden last summer, thinking about how much produce a small plot could generate.  Her mind went to the nearby vacant land where the old St. Stephens Elementary School once stood, and she wondered if the open fields could be put to good use.  Couldn’t we nourish the hungry with locally, lovingly grown produce?

“No,” she thought to herself.  “It’s way too big a project for me.” 

But the Lord wouldn’t let her go, and she finally told God, “OK, this must be your idea/project, not mine for it to linger while you keep pushing me to do it.”

Christine went to work.  She got in touch with Catawba County Schools and received permission for using not only the St. Stephens property but another tract in Newton.  As word spread, the project garnered support from churches (including Corinth), businesses, and government agencies.  Mayor Wright of Hickory proclaimed April 18-24 Project HOPE week.  A large retailer gave a grant of $500 in a process that took only three weeks (it usually takes 3-4 months), and Christine hadn’t yet even filled out a formal application! 

Christine has been amazed by the offers of help, support, and networking.  “God has been involved since Day 1,” Christine says.

Volunteers have already plowed, tilled, and planted the fields.    What’s catching on is not only the provision of food, but the kind of food.  We will feed the hungry with healthy, fresh vegetables in a culture of cans, fast food, frozen dinners, preservatives.

Christine’s prayer request?  More volunteers!  “So pray for continuous volunteers at both locations for the whole season, but we need more to become active at this time in Newton. When it’s time for harvesting we will be in need of baskets, buckets whatever we can find or people to donate in order to transfer the produce to Hickory Soup Kitchen, ECCCM and The Corner Table.”

To offer your help, e-mail ccofer@catawbacountync.gov or call 828-312-8298.

Christine’s a great example of “submitting to the Holy Spirit” when God calls.