Responding positively to all persons in need

New Hope is more than just the name of this Dodge City based ministry. Dr. Jerry and Sue Ketner offer tangible new hope to visitors as well as new hope through Jesus Christ.

The ministry was started by Dr. Ketner in 1984 while he in Colorado Springs. He continued the ministry when he moved to Dodge City in 1997 as was pastor of the Dodge City Church of the Nazarene. He was soon given the old Lincoln School as a physical base for the ministry. New Hope now operates out of an office in the Iglesia Hispana Nueva Esperanza at 811 Ave. A. This just happens to be the original church building for Dodge City Church of the Nazarene. They added a distribution center at 1311 First Avenue this Fall. (Formerly the Fist Baptist Church parsonage.) The center is not, however, a “thrift store” because everything is freely given to the clients.

Dr. Ketner is quick to identify the purpose of the ministry as “crisis oriented.” They tend to visitors’ immediate needs while assisting them obtain help with long term needs. He says that he works as a team with other ministries and social providers in the area to meet the needs of clients. Most frequently, New Hope will provide clients with tangible “quick fix” goods such as clothing, household items, furniture, personal items, toys and food items. They also offer tutoring for children of all ages, life skills, bilingual assistance and general and specific counseling. When the client’s needs include medical and pharmaceutical items, New Hope has a referral system set up with local physicians and pharmacies.

Dr. Ketner says, “New Hope endeavors to respond positively to all persons in need! Whether their needs are physical, emotional or spiritual. New Hope is a refuge where people can get the help they need.” He continues, “However, we are convinced that self-reliance is the key importance…people must learn to help themselves, rather than become dependent upon us, the government or any other social agency or program. Personal experience has taught us that with spiritual transformation, education and empowerment, people are enabled to rise above helplessness and hopelessness to new levels of personal confidence, faith and ultimate personal success.” His power verse is Romans 12:11. “Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.”

While the Ketner’s maintain a basic workweek, Dr. Ketner points out that they have an answering machine and are available 24/7 when the need arises.

The mission statement for New Hope 2010 is Openness & flexibility…are the driving forces behind New Hope. Our goal is to provide the finest in compassion response…helping people for whatever reason. First priority…Acts 16:31 “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shall be saved.” They also offer free NIV Bibles to all new converts.

Actually, the full name of the organization is New Hope Compassion Ministries USA/International because they have facilities in other USA cities as well as facilities in other nations. Each of the centers operates independently while serving a broad cross section of the local communities. Each center is controlled by a local board of directors, and is connected with a church in the community. They operate centers in Mexico, Mongolia, Colorado Springs, Alaska, Lodge Grass, Montana and Guatemala.

Dr. Ketner points out that the organization is not constantly tapping their supporters for funds, but the supporters just seem to know when there is a need. The Ketners work as volunteers and raise their personal living expenses.

New Hope is also sensitive to seasonal needs of clients and they are now operating a program, “No Child Without Christmas.” Winter brings additional people and needs including vitamins, cold remedies, fuel, emergency shelter, coats and warm winter items.

They are working with the Dillon’s “Angel Tree” program by providing them with the names of children needing a gift donor. Frontier Ford-Kia is also assisting by operating a Christmas alert where they are collecting gifts and food staples at the dealership and Village Square Mall.

Anyone who knows Dr. Ketner, knows that he is constantly thinking and working. His enthusiasm is contagious and exciting. He is by no means your typical social worker tied to a string of requirments and regulations. He’s a bottom-line, get-it-done person. He tells it like it is, and doesn’t pull any punches. His conversation is sprinkled with scriptures and quotes some from of history’s finest leaders. Several of his favorite quotes include, “Don’t worry about the horses, load the wagons,” “Enough talk..get it done,” and his favorite quote by Winston Churchill, “Don’t ever, ever, ever give up.” In summing up life, he says, “Love God and love people…nothing else matters.”

While he is optimistic, he is very concerned about our nation and the direction in which we seem to be headed. Through his travels this year, he has noted a conspicuous absence of Christmas manger scenes, piped in music proclaiming the birth of Christ and banners which joyously wish the public “Merry Christmas.”

If you would like further information about the ministry or would like to offer assistance, the office is at 811 Ave. A in Dodge City. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1534, Dodge City, Ks. 67801. The email address is suek@pld.com or you can call 620-225-5753, 620-225-7970 or the cell number 719-330-0805.