Loving Hearts is a new Go Op started by Ed and Marilyn Hester that ministers to special needs adults, as well as their parents and caregivers, by putting on social events throughout the year.  Loving Hearts started with a Christmas Party in December of 2010, and in the past year they have had a Valentine Party, Spring Fling, and Summer Luau, with their 2nd Annual Christmas Party planned for this December.

Loving Hearts has grown from God giving the Hesters a heart to reach special needs adults to him using their small group as the vessel to put their hearts into action.  After they became Navigators and went to Group Link, by the end of the night, they had a full group, about half of whom had adult sons and daughters with special needs.  They did not believe this was coincidence, and so they decided to begin a ministry to serve this group of people who often have few activities and events designed for them.

The first event that Loving Hearts put on was a Christmas Party last year.  The coffee area was decorated, Santa made an appearance, each person attending received a gift, and there were refreshments and plenty of games and activities for everyone to participate in.  In just a short year since then, they have tripled the amount of people attending, have had opportunities to invite people to church, and even have had people get plugged in and serving in different ministries.

The Hesters feel God has really given them big ideas for going forward with Loving Hearts.  They want to continue adding more events, hopefully working to hosting an event about once a week, they would like to expand to include all of the campuses, and even get groups to “adopt” a special needs adult and minister to them throughout the year.  Additionally, they hope to expand the ministry to the parents and caregivers, who too often don’t get the love and support that they need as they care for their sons and daughters.

The next event that Loving Hearts is putting on will be their 2nd Annual Christmas Party on December 11.  If you or your group is interested in getting involved with Loving Hearts, here is how you can help:

–Attending parties to help with the activities

–Decorations (donating decorations and helping set up decorations)

–Providing refreshments

–Donating gifts

Please contact Marilyn & Ed Hester at mredhester@comcast.net or 713-206-7396 for more information on serving with Loving Hearts.