THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 19, 1995 TAG: 9511170018
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
Tucked away in the Commentary section of a recent Sunday's paper your readers may have missed an inspiring and important article by staff writer Mike Knepler (``Secret lies in citizens giving to community''). It chronicles the lives of several people who conquered despair and found new hope. But how did they do it?
As the article confirms, hopelessness can be scaled when two ingredients are present. First, the individual in need has to reach out and seek assistance. He must recognize he needs help. And equally important to reaching out for help, the second ingredient - there has to be someone there who is ready, willing and able to help.
The article is important because it identifies a number of organizations that provide help and hope, including Urban Discovery Ministries. Over the past two years I have been privileged to meet the founder, the assistant director and several full-time staff members. They are men and women of integrity. Most impressive is their genuine love for people of all ethnic, social and religious backgrounds.
Urban Discovery Ministries has committed its entire existence to the cause of urban renewal; renewal of the mind, will, emotions and spirit of a person. Urban Discovery Ministries and others like them provide hope every day of the year, year in and year out, just because they care.
MARK T. BROUGHTON
Virginia Beach, Nov. 2, 1995 by CNB