Emmette Thompson, the heart and soul and inspirational leader of the Mission of Hope, is retiring later this year. For 23 years Thompson has led this ministry of love and devotion into the hills and hearts of those in rural Appalachia. He has led it with an unrelenting focus and his huge heart.
His shoes will be large ones to fill.
“I have a peace in my heart … that it is now time for me to retire from this wonderful ministry and pass the baton of leadership to the next person, Thompson, 67, said yesterday when he announced his retirement.
“I will also try to assist a new person hired to replace me, in any way I can. I wanted to go ahead and make this announcement now; because of the time that may be needed to search for my replacement.” His exact retirement date has not been fixed, he says, “just later this year.”
The Mission of Hope, as it clearly states in its mission statement, provides Christian ministries during appropriate seasons of the year, including Christmas and Easter, through a system of delivering clothes, food, toys and school supplies to impoverished families; to assist in the repair of existing homes or relocating to other homes when appropriate; to provide scholarships for qualifying children of the area; to assist in developing skills or other expertise for the creation of new or expanded jobs in the area; and to assist in locating jobs for persons who are willing to relocate outside the area.
Thompson, as its executive director, is the catalyst for those initiatives. He is not disappearing. He says he plans to do more volunteer work for his church – First Baptist Church Concord – and that his wife, Valarie, will continue with her real estate business.
“Working and serving at the Mission of Hope has been one of the greatest blessings of my entire life. The people I have met and been privileged to serve alongside of, the various dedicated staff and the volunteers who have given of their time and effort and hard work, the donors and sponsors and supporters who have given so generously… those are the real heroes,” he said.
Thompson is leaving with a poignant message: “Thank you for your servant hearts and spirits. Thank you for your very special friendship. Please know that we are extremely grateful for your encouraging support and love. We love you and we love the Mission of Hope.”