A few weeks ago my wife and I were discussing what we could do to gather more people around the work we are doing in the Dominican Republic. My wife Jackie is a piano teacher and thought it would be a great idea to put on a Benefit Concert with local musicians in our area.

With a wide variety of talent from children's choirs to high school jazz ensembles, we found a broad range of interest in our church and community of Marysville.

Our heart from the very beginning is to establish partnerships with people who have similar interests. Locking arms with people who want to serve in meaningful ways to change the lives of others.

Les and I never wanted the development of What Color Is Hope to be where we are pleading for donations but rather give people an opportunity to create some deeper purpose in their lives other than just living to get ahead in life.

Real happiness in life will never be measured by our quest for independence and personal gain. Interdependency and sharing outside of personal gain can bring a measure of fulfillment, joy, and purpose that cannot be attained any other way.

Experience is the best teacher. Watching videos on youtube or reading articles will never fully create the impact that participation will create. Look around you and there are opportunities to make a difference in others by simply being kind and friendly to others.

Simple acts of kindness will always be the most powerful method of bringing hope and joy to others. Show and tell is not just for kindergarten. Show and tell is a life long journey.

When is the last time you made a complete stranger smile?

Try it today...

Do something simple that tells someone they have value and worth.

We asked a group of individuals of all ages to share their musical talent so we could gather people together and give them an opportunity to participate, to partner in lifting people out of poverty in the Dominican Republic.

If you would like to come on one of our trips then just contact me. I would love share with you how you can partner with us to bring hope to others.

John F