I Am Sent

A RESPITE AND RESOURCE CENTER FOR SPECIAL NEEDS INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES

         Hopeland is a vision that was born in Tracy’s heart by the Holy Spirit over seven years ago.  The vision became clear after attending a retreat for families with special needs. We were at the weekend retreat with our son Mitchel, our daughter Aislinn and our youngest son, Connor, who at three years old was diagnosed with severe, self-injurious and aggressive non-verbal autism. 

       Very frequently having a child or adult with a special needs diagnosis causes entire families to live life in isolation, blocking them from many opportunities that are taken for granted by those not suffering in this way. The majority of these families discontinue church attendance, where because of disruptive behaviors or cumbersome equipment parents will decide it is too difficult to attend.  Or, families that do attend do so separately from their children. As a result, many of these families are not in community even though they have a strong need and desire to be connected. 

       The vision of Hopeland is to acquire a property with secured grounds. The property will be landscaped and designed beautifully to be a comfortable, peaceful, healing environment for individuals with a special needs diagnosis and their families. There will be a sanctuary, gathering hall and commercial kitchen where families can come together in community with other families. 

       Worship services will be held not be held on traditional church hours in order for members to be able to minister and still attend their own church. Services will be all inclusive so that the whole family will be able to attend together. The services will provide an opportunity for life-giving healing experiences where encounters with the Presence of God is priority.  

        Only in the Presence of God our Healer can true healing take place and it is our desire to create and sustain an atmosphere and place that will support progressive and miraculous healing. 

       From the original vision of Hopeland Stage I, Hopeland Church began meetings April 14, 2023 and continues to meet the 2nd and 4th Fridays at 6:30pm. These meetings host dinner and fellowship before the meeting.  Currently we are meeting at Christ the Messiah Church 7576 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville Florida 32217 in the fellowship hall. Stage II is  to purchase property and will develop into the construction of cabins to house individuals, fully staffed, for the caregivers of special needs children to be able to take respite.  There will be sensory playgrounds and other appropriate structures  and amenities for guests to enjoy. This respite can be weekends or a little longer but allowing families to rest and relax knowing their loved one is safe and in a loving and nurturing environment.  During this respite families will have opportunities to participate in training for typing to communicate and nutrition intervention training.

         A large part of the vision from six years ago emphasized the reality that the need for healing ministry for the siblings and parents was as great or sometimes greater than the need of the individual with the diagnosis.  This healing endeavor requires many believers to come support the mission by exercising their diverse gifts to minister to those families, and be ministered to by them. And using their gifts in this way will enable all to become further equipped to minister. The Body of Christ in our multi-county area will minister, empowering Hopeland to grow into an equipping center as described in Ephesians 4 where the Body works together to heal the Body. 

       Our son Connor is now 24 and although he is still developing his proficient speech, he communicates by typing age appropriate thoughts, ideas and dreams and is beginning to express these verbally. This wonderful reality and level of healing has come about through the prayers, fasting and support of many, healing and deliverance ministry, diet and lifestyle changes, typing to communicate, riding bikes, equestrian therapy and volunteering for the Peace of Heart Community Farm Enrichment Program.  We thank God for the continued grace over Connor’s life and are still contending for the complete healing that is promised.  When we asked Connor about a name for a church that would encompass this vision he typed, "Hope Church", which gave us the name Hopeland.

       We are so excited to see the fulfillment of the vision! To receive information about joining us for our Services email us at tracyperez@iamsent.org or iamsentministries@gmail.com.  And, subscribe to our newsletter for updates.