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Hope Inspired Ministries will launch its first class for 2025 on Jan. 6. In preparation for the new year, ministry leaders celebrated its final Lowndes County class graduation for 2024 on Dec. 5 and hosted an alumni Christmas party Dec. 13.

Executive Director John Bowman lauded the ministries’ blessings in an end-of-the-year message to supporters, detailing the lives transformed by the program.

“As 2024 comes to an end, it’s incredible to look back on a year filled with blessings and transformation,” Bowman said. “God has truly been at work as we’ve celebrated the graduation of over 400 individuals through Hope Inspired Ministries this year. That’s over 400 lives forever changed — and, by extension, over 400 families deeply impacted as well.”

Five Lowndes County class members graduated from the program in December. Ruby McRae, Shamika Searight, Ariana Jones, Margaret Bradley and Sylvester Smith celebrated their achievements in a commencement ceremony held Dec. 5 at Hayneville Baptist Church.

Bowman described the ministry’s mission of delivering hope to individuals and as a result impacting families and communities.

“This reminds me of Luke 2:17-18, which tells us, ‘When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told to them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them,’” Bowman said. “Like the shepherds who left Jesus forever changed and eager to share the Good News, I’ve seen this same passion for transformation and hope at HIM. Lives are being turned around, and the joy of that change inspires others to seek a new path for themselves.”

Life changing transformation happening in the program enables students, staff, and volunteers to take the message of hope and spread it far and wide, Bowman said.

“As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:16, ‘Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’” Bowman said. “Life change is contagious — it spreads! And isn’t that the heart of the Great Commission? Matthew 28:19 calls us to “go and make disciples of all nations.” This is the mission we carry at HIM, as we equip individuals to live transformed lives while reflecting the love of Christ to those around them.”

Community members can engage in the work by partnering by giving monetary donations, providing lunch or volunteering as a guest speaker, mentor or mock interviewer.

For more information, call (334) 548-4673 or visit www.hopeinspiredministries.org.