Tuesday, May 14, 2024
INSPIRING HOPE: Kevin Kolb was a quarterback in the NFL and Vick’s teammate on the Philadelphia Eagles. He grew up in Stephenville, played for Art Briles (well-known college football coach) in both high school and college and made it to the NFL. He now lives in Hood County and is a key player in the faith community.
MAKING A COMEBACK: Michael Vick is a former NFL player for the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles. He will share his comeback story during the HOPE NOW 22 event May 13-14 at Pirate Stadium.
The past two-and-a-half years have been filled with uncertainty and stress, not only from COVID-19, but from financial struggles, political upheaval and even war.
To instill a sense of hope back into the community, more than 25 Hood County churches will be coming together at 7 p.m. on May 13 and 14 at Pirate Stadium in Granbury for two nights of worship and fellowship during the first-ever HOPE NOW 22 event.
“Our entire goal is to tell people about Jesus, to give hope in a time where it seems like hope is hard to find, and that's why we titled it HOPE NOW,” said Mark Roath, pastor of Acton Baptist Church. “Hope is available, hope is here and hope can be found.”
Featuring famous speakers, HOPE NOW 22 was recently formed to unite local churches in the community and provide Hood County residents with a sense of hope and peace.
The primary speaker, Jonathan Evans, is the son of Dallas preacher Tony Evans and a chaplain for both the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Mavericks.
On Friday, two former NFL quarterbacks, Michael Vick and Kevin Kolb, will also be guest speakers, sharing their testimony and giving a message of hope.
Vick played for the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles, and was one of the NFL's top quarterbacks. He will share his comeback story and how he found hope in a desperate time.
Kolb was Vick's teammate at one time, on the Philadelphia Eagles. He grew up in Stephenville, played quarterback for former coach Art Briles there as well as in college at the University of Houston, and made it to the NFL. He now lives in Hood County and is a key player in the faith community.
Granbury Live singer/songwriter Josh Weathers will be performing both days at the event, while Jared Greer, three-time competitor on the television show “American Ninja Warrior,” will be assisting in the KIDS ZONE.
For children in kindergarten through fifth grade, a KIDS ZONE will be available in the practice field (north of stadium visitor stands). Greer will be leading the night with a message on overcoming obstacles and will then be joined by his team of six “ninjas” that will help kids navigate three obstacle courses. Kids will be put into age-specific small groups with leaders who will oversee their time on the obstacle course along with other fun activities like a bounce house. The ninja warrior check-in for both days is at 6 p.m.
Babies and toddlers through pre-kindergarten are welcome to stay with their families in the stands or bring a blanket onto the field. Lawn chairs will not be allowed.
On Saturday at 4:30 p.m., 12 local churches will be providing 1,000 free meals to the community on the practice field followed by a pre-show, all-community choir performance at 6:30 p.m.
Roath said the planning for the event started as a “God-driven” pull, bringing churches together to make HOPE NOW happen. He said local pastors have been meeting for more than a year, working to put the event together.
“We've developed friendships and we know each other so much better now than we did before,” he said.
Several local pastors expressed their desires and what they would like to accomplish with HOPE NOW 22.
“What I want to accomplish at Hope Now 22 is to give people something positive to focus on after two-and-a-half years of fear and chaos,” Dan Jones, pastor at Triple Cross Cowboy Church stated in a text message. “God is a God of hope and love and we all need reminded of that.”
“My desire is that those in our community with hurts and hang ups will come to Hope Now to hear some good news!” Mark Forrest, pastor at Lakeside Baptist Church, stated in a text message.
The free event is expected to be the largest event ever held in Hood County, according to the HOPE NOW website.
Approximately 500 volunteers are needed. To sign up to volunteer, visit hopenowevent.com/get-involved/.
Parking is available in all of the Granbury High School parking lots. Additional parking will be available north of the stadium.
“Our entire goal is for people to hear a message of hope and where to find it,” Roath added. “I'm excited about churches coming together, getting to know one another and just being united. The opportunity just to meet and hang out with other Christians from other churches and other denominations is something I'm looking forward to.”
