This December marked a significant moment in my journey as Pastor of Harbor of Hope Church. It was a time of new beginnings, as I had the honor of being officially installed as the Pastor in a meaningful and heartfelt ceremony. But what made this season even more special was the way our church and community came together to celebrate the spirit of generosity, outreach, and unity.

One of the highlights of this holiday season was our Christmas at the Pump event, which was a beautiful testament to what can be accomplished when we come together as a community. In partnership with STOPMichigan State Police, Kalamazoo Excavation, Diane Young and Sisters from Another Mother, and other generous contributors, we set out with one mission: to spread love in a way that truly mattered.

On a cold winter evening, we provided free fuel at two local gas stations: Sunny Spot and Marathon, blessing over 200 vehicles and reaching countless families struggling this time of year. Each car that came through wasn’t just receiving fuel; it was a reminder that our Benton Harbor community is seen, cared for, and supported by united partners who are committed to making a difference. The event was more than just about gas; it was about offering hope and support during a time when many families were facing financial hardship.

Christmas at the Pump was a joy-filled occasion, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it a success. From our community partners to our volunteers, thank you for your generous hearts and commitment to making this event a reality. This is one of our favorite community services, and we can’t wait to do it again next year, continuing to bring light and joy to the Benton Harbor community.

As we reflect on the beautiful impact of this outreach, we also look ahead to even greater possibilities for Harbor of Hope Church. As Pastor, I have big dreams for this church and for Benton Harbor. One of the most exciting projects I envision is the establishment of a computer science lab for the kids in our church and community. Having worked as a computer science teacher, I know how powerful technology can be in shaping the future. The kids in Benton Harbor deserve the opportunity to learn coding, technology, and career development skills that will set them on a path toward higher education and successful careers. By providing them with access to these skills, we can help equip them to thrive in the modern world. Check out some of the highlights from Christmas at the Pump here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/12G93Mftgjz/. 

In addition to the computer science lab, I also dream of creating a greenhouse and hydroponics lab. This will not only provide the community with valuable knowledge on sustainable farming and agriculture, but it will also offer an opportunity for us all to become better stewards of God’s creation. In Genesis, God calls us to care for the earth and its resources, and I believe this project will help foster a deeper connection to the natural world while empowering people to make a real difference in their environment. The greenhouse will be a place where we can learn and grow together, teaching the importance of being caretakers of the earth as we develop sustainable solutions for our community.

And of course, our work at Harbor of Hope does not stop with these dreams. We are continuing our food pantry efforts to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. The food pantry has become a crucial resource for Benton Harbor families, providing them with the support they need to get through difficult times. We believe that no one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, and we are committed to serving our community by meeting this basic need.

As we continue to move forward, we are guided by the words of Matthew 25:35-40, where Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” At Harbor of Hope, we seek to live out this calling by serving those in need in our community. Our outreach programs, like Christmas at the Pump, the food pantry, and the future projects we are working on, all reflect our desire to make a tangible impact on the lives of those around us.

As we head into this new year, I am excited about the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead. I am excited about continuing to build on the foundation of generosity and service that our church has established, and I am thrilled to see our dreams for the computer science lab, greenhouse, and other community programs come to life. Together, we will continue to make Benton Harbor a better place for all, one act of kindness at a time.

1 John 3:18 reminds us, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” At Harbor of Hope, we believe that love is shown through action. Thank you for being part of our mission to spread love, hope, and joy to Benton Harbor. May God bless each of you abundantly in this new year, and we look forward to seeing you in 2025 as we continue to serve together.

With hope and excitement for the future,
Pastor Jonathan Garcia 
Harbor of Hope Seventh Day Adventist Church