The Passion Awards 2012

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen
Ephesians 3:20-21

This doxology by the Apostle Paul was the theme of the 2012 Passion Awards held at the Kansas City Convention Center on Monday night, November 12th.  The Passion Awards, sponsored by the National Christian Foundation Heartland, is a celebration of God's working in the Kansas City area by demonstrating an "unwavering passion to highlight ministries that are making huge impact for the Kingdom and provide resources for them to make an even larger impact."  On that evening $130,000 was awarded to a dozen different local ministries.

HCA was honored to be able to join Mission Southside in celebrating their award at this event.  Mission Southside was established in early 2011 by Craig Howard (joined a few months later by Steve Friesen) to demonstrate a "neighbor's heart by being a partner with churches, 'helps' organizations, businesses, and individuals to bring help and hope to those in need throughout the Johnson County area by meeting both physical and spiritual needs."  As HCA was itself in its infant stage in the fall of 2010, several HCA moms were meeting with me, praying that God would provide an ongoing local opportunity for outreach into our community.  As we prayed, God seemed to bring our hearts together and, in the spring of 2011, the first HCA students began leading a weekly Bible club in a mobile home neighborhood in Gardner.  The students quickly took "ownership" of this ministry, making sure it continued through the summers, developing new leadership as students graduated, and working closely with Mission Southside in their ongoing ministry.

Because of that close relationship, HCA students had a very special opportunity Monday night ... they had the honor of presenting the Passion Award to Mission Southside!  They had to keep this a secret from Craig and Steve, and they did a great job doing so.  In fact, Steve said he almost fell off the ramp going on stage because the tears in his eyes we hindering his vision.

It was such a joy to be able to be a part of this special night.  This was not only a celebration of God's work through the ministry of Mission Southside, but it was also a celebration of the "passion" of the HCA students (both past, present, and future) who have served faithfully alongside Mission Southside, bringing a message of Christ's love and hope to these children in Gardner.