I am again deeply blessed by what God did both in and through Ragamuffin Theatre during our recent ministry trip to House of Hope in Orlando, last month. This year’s troupe included: Shauna Bradley, Chelsey Haske, Christina Bourassa, Chad Bryan, Brooke Whittaker, Chris Johnson, Tina Sanchez, Brian Cornett, Tyvin Whittaker, Bethany Whittaker, and Ty Whittaker, jr. who along with myself gave of their time, energy, and talents in order to make a difference in the lives of hurting kids - and did we ever!

It is difficult to describe what we feel having witnessed the birth of new found courage and hope reflected on the faces of teens who might of otherwise given up on themselves and the world around them had it not been for our investment in their lives. Perhaps grateful would be the word. We were honored to have been given the chance to impact so many young lives in so short a time. One young man in particular who had come to House of Hope after two failed suicide attempts, discovered an inkling of his worth not only in God’s eyes, but in ours as we gently yet persistently encouraged him to express his voice through song. Little by little over the course of the week, we saw not only this young man but many others overcoming insecurities, fear, and a lot of other “stuff” as they opened their hearts to God through creative expression in the arts. We poured out our hearts, they poured out theirs. We listened a whole lot, and relentlessly pursued even when it felt like we were up against a brick wall, and in the end we saw walls of isolation and anger fall down.

Next year will be our fifth annual trip and we look forward to embracing the challenge with even more faith, hope, and courage. For we know that our labor is not in vain and that God who sees all will reward each of us for the work that we have done in Him. God Bless House of Hope! For more information about this remarkable ministry for hurting and troubled teens and their families, visit House of Hope’s website.