WHO WE ARE
Our ministry was birthed honestly out of tragedy. In July of 2020, Newcomerstown tragically lost two teenagers. A leader in HPP felt the Spirit of God prompt her to have a prayer service. Our town was desperate for some type of hope. So, in less than 24 hours we had hundreds of people meet at Home Plate in our local ball field (Cy Young Park). As the service was ending, I truly felt the Spirit of God say to me, if I don’t say what God placed in me then it was “on me”. I allowed God to just work in me and in that moment. I was amazed when I opened my eyes and saw the unexplainable comfort and love of God sweep across everyone there. In the midst of death and tragedy, where there was no comfort or peace to have, God gave us everything the Bible says we can have. It was truly an encounter like I have never felt. In that moment we knew that this couldn’t be a one-time thing. A week or so later, while driving back from Cleveland after that service I looked over at my wife and exclaimed “Home Plate Project”! She bawled, as did I, and I knew that was the call from Christ we had been praying for.
The Home Plate Project (HPP) is a ministry existing to help others, currently in our home town (Newcomerstown) in 3 ways.
Mentally and Emotionally
The bible says in Romans 8:6 “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” We believe that scripture tells us that if our minds dwell on sinful things that in will destroy us. Our flesh is run by ungodly things such as anxiety, depression, anger, and so much more. This ministry is currently holding a worship service once a month, that allows us to show all who come who Christ is! It allows us a chance to give them the Word of God in a simple and understanding way. Our goal is that through the Word of God (Bible), that people will see Jesus in a fresh way, that through Him they might be saved, and allow their mind, and heart to process His ways.
Spiritual Health
Our MAIN goal is to see lives surrendered to Christ, NEVER TO BE THE SAME AGAIN!
Scripture tells us in Proverbs 17:22 that “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” As a Christian since a child I understand that if my spirit is weak, then it leaves the rest of me vulnerable. Whether we are in service, outreach, or just having a conversation, HPP’s goal is not just to talk about the joy Jesus gives, but to show it, and teach it. We have already seen the impact that God’s sustainable love has on people. We have seen people accept Jesus into their heart, AND people experience Him in a new way that still burns in them. It’s been a blessing to see God already working in HPP, but I know he has so much more in store!
Financial Health
If we had a million dollars to help people we would, but we don’t. We do believe He is able
to do exceedingly abundantly more than we could ask for or imagine, but we are thankful for the provision he as entrusted to us. Our financial blessing is the ability to help those that may not be able to have a wrapped gift for their child on their birthday. I think of a family who works as hard as they can to make ends meet, only to come up short. Their work ethic is unquestionable, but their paycheck is. I understand what it’s like to go without as I come from a hard-working, poor background. I also understand that even in the midst of poverty my family was filled with joy! It is our mission to find ways to allow God to help navigate the needs, and wants around us, to show us who and how we can help.
We believe that if we can meet the need of each way listed above, then we can see our community grow stronger, and closer than it has ever been, but most importantly revival can truly breakout. I firmly believe that people will turn to Christ in this chaotic time, if we just believe and activate our faith. HPP is just an extension of the Church in which we are being obedient to the call Christ gave.