On Saturday, October 11th, Brent Harlow, Executive Director of New Hope Madera, was in a motorcycle accident that claimed his life. Brent’s “home going service” was attended by many in the community who were affected by this ministry including law enforcement, business owners, and not to mention the men and families who benefited from New Hope Madera. We know from the life that he lived that he would want each of you to rest assured that the God he lived for is the same God that died for Him and greeted him home. He would ask you to rejoice for him as he met his Savior and best friend, Jesus Christ, face to face.

Having known Brent, there are several other things that we believe he may have wanted to share with you. We believe that Brent would thank each of you for giving him the opportunity to serve Christ through your prayers and financial support of New Hope. We believe this man was greeted by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords with a big hug and an exuberant “Well done!” How can we be so sure? After His resurrection, Jesus returned to earth to speak to his disciples and followers. He gave them, as well as those who would eventually follow Him, the following final discourse:

“Go therefore and make disciples (followers of Christ) of all the nations…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:17.

New Hope gave Brent the opportunity to teach young men how to follow God. In addition, by helping to provide them jobs, these men could better follow Christ with “honest” money.

As the Board, we founded New Hope Madera believing that it is God’s ministry, not ours. Nothing has changed. We have been meeting diligently to seek God’s direction for the future. Please join us in prayer as we search for the right person to lead New Hope in Brent’s stead.

Finally, we would like to THANK the Harlow family for sharing Brent with us. His gift of service to this ministry would not have been possible without your support.

Sincerely and in God’s Love,

The Board of Directors for New Hope Madera

Ted Pistoresi, Robert Poythress, Ernie LiCalsi,

Sara Arthurs, Joanne Brazil, Linda Brewer,

Frances McCullough, Max Rodriguez

Any remembrances may be made to New Hope Madera in care of

Valley West Christian Center, 101 W. Adell, Madera, CA 93638

This entry was posted on October 7th, 2007 and is filed under Bio's, Sponsors.