Transforming Lives: Hope and Renewal in Crisis
Summary
Growing up immersed in church life, I learned early on that faith is not just about showing up on Sundays, but about living out hope and light in the world, even when circumstances seem impossible. My journey has taken me from being a pastor’s kid in Canada to serving as a missionary and church planter in the Philippines, and now to the island of Lesbos, Greece—a place that has become a crossroads for refugees fleeing crisis. Lesbos is not the idyllic Greek island most imagine; it’s a place marked by suffering, resilience, and the ongoing arrival of thousands seeking safety and a new start.
When the world’s attention shifted away from the refugee crisis, and humanitarian aid followed the headlines, we found ourselves in a forgotten corner, still facing overwhelming need. COVID-19 forced us into isolation, and in that stillness, I stumbled into farming—a city kid learning to grow food on rocky, depleted soil. What began as a reluctant experiment became a revelation: in the act of cultivating the land, I discovered a metaphor for the kingdom of God. Where others saw dead soil and impossible odds, I saw an opportunity for redemption and renewal. Through curiosity, stubbornness, and a refusal to accept “it can’t be done,” we transformed barren ground into a thriving farm, producing thousands of kilos of vegetables and modeling hope for the community.
This experience challenged my understanding of ministry. Too often, we think of God’s work as confined to church buildings or religious activities, but the Spirit is present in every aspect of life—in what we eat, how we relate, and how we respond to crisis. The kingdom of God is not something we bring; it’s already at work, waiting for us to join in. Our calling is to demonstrate hope, creativity, and joy in tangible ways, especially in places others overlook. By building a regenerative farm, throwing legendary parties, and gathering people from all backgrounds, we embody the light of Christ and invite others to do the same.
Now, as we look to expand this vision—purchasing new land, employing refugees, and creating spaces for healing and community—we invite others to partner with us. The work is not just about agriculture; it’s about demonstrating that hope is possible, that light can break through darkness, and that anyone, anywhere, can be part of God’s redemptive story.
Key Takeaways
- God’s work is not limited to traditional ministry or church settings. The Spirit is already present and active in every corner of life, from the mundane to the miraculous. Our role is to recognize where God is moving and join in, rather than assuming we are bringing God to a place for the first time. [45:09]
- Hope often emerges from unlikely places and through unexpected means. What began as a reluctant foray into farming—born out of rebellion and boredom—became a source of redemption for both land and people. God delights in using our limitations and even our stubbornness to birth new possibilities. [44:48]
- The kingdom of God is demonstrated, not just announced. Transformation happens when we embody hope, creativity, and generosity in practical ways, showing the world what is possible before we ever speak a word. This reverses the common order: we demonstrate first, and then, when asked, we announce the reason for our hope. [51:27]
- True community is built by gathering people around shared acts of goodness and celebration, not just shared beliefs. Legendary parties, shared meals, and collaborative projects break down barriers and unite people across divides, reflecting the joy and inclusivity of God’s kingdom. [54:43]
- Responding to crisis requires creativity, resilience, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Whether it’s regenerating dead soil or creating employment for refugees, the people of God are called to be innovators and hope-bringers, finding light in darkness and inviting others to join in the work of renewal. [49:38]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[29:43] - Early Life and Church Upbringing
[33:18] - The Search for Life in Dead Places
[34:44] - Introduction to Lesbos and the Refugee Crisis
[36:37] - Humanitarian Crisis and Global Attention
[38:49] - Shifting Refugee Demographics
[39:45] - The Reality of Media and Aid
[40:48] - COVID Lockdown and New Beginnings
[41:41] - Learning to Farm and Breaking Barriers
[44:48] - From Rebellion to Redemption
[45:09] - Rethinking Ministry and the Kingdom
[48:02] - Regenerating Dead Soil
[49:38] - Modeling Hope and Community Transformation
[51:27] - Demonstrating the Kingdom Before Announcing
[53:52] - The Dream: Expanding the Vision
[54:43] - Building Community Through Celebration
[55:59] - Practical Needs and Invitation to Partner
[57:32] - Employing Refugees and Ongoing Projects
[58:43] - Closing and Call to Action
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Hope in Unlikely Places
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### Bible Reading
Luke 24:5
“Why do you look for the living among the dead?”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 24:5, the angel asks, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” What were Mary and Martha expecting to find, and what did they actually discover?
2. The speaker describes how Lesbos is not the “idyllic Greek island” most people imagine, but a place marked by suffering and resilience. What are some of the realities of life on Lesbos for refugees, according to the sermon? [[36:37]]
3. The sermon mentions that the world’s attention and humanitarian aid often follow the headlines, leaving some crises forgotten. What examples did the speaker give of this happening? [[39:45]]
4. The speaker talks about learning to farm on “rocky, depleted soil.” What was the initial reaction of locals to this idea, and what was the outcome? [[44:48]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The angel’s question in Luke 24:5 challenges assumptions about where life and hope can be found. How does this relate to the speaker’s experience of finding hope and renewal in a place others saw as hopeless? [[33:18]]
2. The speaker says, “The kingdom of God is everywhere and always at work.” What does this suggest about how we should view God’s presence in everyday life, not just in church settings? [[45:09]]
3. The sermon describes how hope and transformation often begin with small, practical acts—like farming or throwing a party. Why might demonstrating hope be more powerful than just talking about it? [[51:27]]
4. The speaker mentions that true community is built around “shared acts of goodness and celebration, not just shared beliefs.” What does this mean for how we build relationships with people who are different from us? [[54:43]]
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### Application Questions
1. The speaker found new purpose and hope by trying something he’d never done before—farming on “dead” soil. Is there an area in your life where you’ve been told “it can’t be done”? How might God be inviting you to try anyway? [[44:48]]
2. The sermon challenges the idea that God’s work is limited to church buildings or religious activities. What is one ordinary part of your week where you could look for God’s presence or join in what He’s already doing? [[45:09]]
3. The farm project became a source of hope and practical help for the community. Can you think of a practical way you could bring hope or help to someone in your neighborhood or workplace this month? [[49:38]]
4. The speaker talks about “demonstrating the kingdom” before announcing it. What is one way you could show hope, creativity, or generosity to someone before ever mentioning your faith? [[51:27]]
5. Legendary parties and shared meals were used to break down barriers and build community. Is there a simple way you could gather people—maybe even those who don’t share your beliefs—for a meal or celebration? What might that look like? [[54:43]]
6. Responding to crisis required creativity and resilience. When you face a difficult situation, do you tend to give up, or look for new solutions? Share a time when you found a creative way forward, or ask the group for ideas about a current challenge you’re facing. [[49:38]]
7. The speaker invites others to partner in the work of hope and renewal. Is there a cause or project—local or global—that you feel drawn to support or get involved with? What’s one step you could take this week to move toward that? [[55:59]]
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Devotional
Day 1: Seeking Life in the Right Places
Many of us spend our lives searching for meaning, hope, or even God’s work in places that are familiar or comfortable, but often miss where true life is found. The angel’s question to the women at the tomb—“Why do you look for the living among the dead?”—reminds us that God’s resurrection power is not confined to our expectations or traditions. Instead, we are called to look beyond the obvious, to see where God is already at work, even in the most unexpected places. Are you searching for God’s presence in places that are lifeless, or are you open to finding Him where you least expect? [33:18]
Luke 24:5 (ESV)
"And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, 'Why do you seek the living among the dead?'"
Reflection: Where in your life are you searching for hope or answers in places that have proven empty? What would it look like to open your eyes to where God is already at work around you today?
Day 2: The Kingdom of God Is Everywhere
The work of the Holy Spirit is not limited to church buildings or religious activities; it is present in every aspect of daily life—from what we eat, to how we drive, to the conversations we have. The kingdom of God is always at work, and our calling is to recognize and join in what God is already doing in the world. Instead of thinking we bring God to a place, we are invited to step into the reality that God is already there, moving and redeeming. [45:09]
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
Reflection: What is one ordinary area of your life where you have not considered God’s presence or purpose? How can you intentionally invite God into that space today?
Day 3: Demonstrating Hope and Light in Crisis
In times of crisis and darkness, the people of God are called to be a demonstration of hope and light, not just in words but in tangible actions. Rather than being known for negativity or what we oppose, we are to be champions of what is good, right, and honorable—celebrating light, throwing parties of joy, and pulling together those who contend for goodness. Our lives should model hope that is contagious, inspiring others to believe that things can be better, even when circumstances seem bleak. [51:27]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Who in your community or circle of influence needs to see hope and light demonstrated today? What is one practical way you can bring encouragement or joy to them?
Day 4: Breaking Through Limiting Beliefs
When told that something cannot be done—whether it’s growing new crops, regenerating dead soil, or building community—faith and creativity can open doors to new possibilities. Refusing to accept narrow limitations, and instead experimenting, learning, and persevering, can lead to transformation not just for ourselves but for entire communities. God often works through our willingness to challenge the status quo and pursue what others say is impossible. [48:02]
Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
Reflection: What is one area in your life or community where you have accepted “that’s just the way it is”? How might God be inviting you to challenge that limitation and step into something new?
Day 5: Building Hope Through Generosity and Community
True transformation happens when we invest in others—whether by giving, supporting, or creating opportunities for those in need. By pooling resources, offering employment, and building spaces of healing and regeneration, we become part of God’s work to renew hope in the world. Generosity is not just about money, but about believing that together, we can make a difference and demonstrate the love of Christ in practical ways. [58:43]
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV)
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can use your resources—time, skills, or finances—to help build hope in someone’s life or in your community this week?
Quotes
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