In Mark 2, we read about four men who helped their friend in desperate need of help, hope, and healing. They carried him to a house where Jesus was teaching, removed a portion of the roof, and lowered their friend to Jesus. He received his healing. Their names were not mentioned; we can only refer to them as “they.” I find it interesting Jesus blessed their paralyzed friend based on “their” faith!
In Acts 9, Luke recounts how unnamed disciples lowered Paul out of a window to save him from capture and potential death at the hands of an angry mob. Paul’s awesome work truly began only after a nameless few acted.
These well-known accounts offer great examples of those willing to anonymously “hold the rope” for the greater good and success of another. Over the years, The Hanna Project has “held the rope” for men, women, and children across the globe who otherwise had little hope for a future.
The Hanna Project welcomes “they” from all walks of life. I’ve been fortunate enough to join in these endeavors with “they” including retired tradesmen, engineers, law enforcement, bankers, farmers, ministers, students, salesmen, factory workers, etc.
“They” have come together to offer help, hope, and healing to those in isolated, difficult, or dangerous places. The group bonding (sometimes through dad jokes) of the cross-section of “they” volunteers is a bonus to the joy of laboring for our greater cause — serving our fellowman across the world by “holding the rope” for those in need. It has never been about who the “they” are, but rather about the joy of accomplishing tasks that would be improbable or impossible without the assistance of THP.
“Holding the rope” may be taxing, time consuming, blistering, straining, emotional, and just downright sweaty. However, the thrill of accomplishing the project is worth it all!
So, put on your gloves, flex your muscles, and grit your teeth!
“Who’s ready to hold the rope?”
About the Writer: A retired administrator for the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Brian Sparks serves as worship leader at Mavity FWB Church in Catlettsburg, Kentucky. In addition to multiple efforts in Mexico, he has taken two trips to Cuba with THP. Learn more about how you can get involved at HannaProject.com
