07 Mar A Special Message from our CEO Leon Negen

Dear Friend,

I have some news to share: After more than 30 years of leading Hope Ministries, I will be retiring from my role as Chief Executive Officer on March 31.

I’m stepping into this new season with a lot of joy, but of course it’s also bittersweet. I’m not sure I can fully express what these past three decades of service have meant to me. But as I’ve considered what to write in this letter, there’s a word that comes to mind: remember.

All throughout the Bible, we see reminders to remember the faithfulness of our Lord. The Israelites held festivals and built altars with the purpose of remembering God’s miracles. Psalm 77:11-12 says, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.”

That’s what I want to do in these next few paragraphs, and on into the future—remember the incredible work God has done in and through this ministry that’s so close to my
heart. I want to remember my earliest days here, when there were only a handful of staff members, and our bank account held $94,000.

I want to remember days of dreaming together about how we could serve more people in more effective ways. In 2000, we merged two ministries—Bethel Mission and the Door of Faith—to form Hope Ministries. We built a new Door of Faith men’s life recovery center in 2003, opened our new Hope Ministries Center for Women and Children last fall, and have celebrated dozens of milestones in between. God’s provision—through your financial gifts and support—has grown this ministry beyond anything I could have envisioned all those years ago.

But most of all, I want to remember the people God has led to Hope Ministries: My coworkers in Christ, our faithful board of directors, hundreds of wonderful volunteers, thousands of generous donors and the countless once homeless and hungry men, women and children whose lives have been restored. As I look back on the past 31 years and “remember the deeds of the Lord,” I will be forever grateful for the work He has done in so many hearts—and for the opportunity to be a part of that work.

And you know what? He’s not done! I’m excited about what God has planned for the future of this ministry, for all the ways He will continue to use you—your gifts, your prayers, your volunteer efforts—to care for our struggling neighbors. With every warm meal, every night of safe shelter, every day filled with classes, counseling and other life recovery activities, hope is happening here in Central Iowa.

By the way, though I’m moving into a new season, I won’t be a stranger at Hope Ministries. Effective April 1, Cole Lindholm will step into the role of President and CEO, and I will then serve in an advisory capacity as CEO Emeritus. You’ll hear more from Cole soon!

For now, thank you for all the ways you’ve been a blessing to this ministry . . . and to me.

Your partner in ministry,

Leon Negen
Chief Executive Officer