For the past six years, Mike and Gina Condella have stood vigil at Challenge House 4 in Hopkinsville — offering assistance, aid and a Christ-centered message to the students and adults of Glass Avenue and North Elm Street.
Tuesday afternoon with the Hopkinsville Rotary Club, they humbly removed the veil on theirs and so many others’ efforts in urban Christian County, where small victories are lauded, losses are lamented, and generational poverty must be overcome on an almost hourly basis.
Gina called every day “a big surrender to God,” because she and her husband don’t “always have all the answers.” In fact, it’s God, she said, and the “Hope of Jesus Christ,” that brings provision and equipment to do “what they do.”
One such celebration recently came through the annual Attitude, Training and Teamwork program — where young adults learn how to transition into life as productive citizens, before earning a $200 check upon graduation from the workgroup.
Three unnamed teens, and their parents, have found a new path through this support.
Not all stories, she added, have a heartwarming ending.
Mike noted that all Bible studies come with the same, steady, important message.
Providing hand-ups, and not hand-outs, the Condellas are but one example of the Challenge House mission. Brittanie Bogard and her family are in charge of Home No. 1 on Central Avenue. Home No. 2, on Bryan Street, plays host to non-profit Men2Be, a mentoring group for students of all ages seeking further nurturing and guidance. Home No. 3, on South Fowler Street, houses the Kirkman family. Home No. 5 is on Crockett Street, with Mary McClearen in charge. Home No. 7 is on Phelps Avenue, Jeff Littlefield its steward.
Executive Director Michelle Wilson noted that “what works in one house, may not work in another,” as different programs and outreach are needed depending on the home’s neighbors and other surroundings.
Furthermore, the organization is in the middle of locating a property for expansion — hopes of adding another house into the fold near the east side.
Wilson also confirmed Challenge House operates strictly on private support, and often cannot apply for certain grant funding because of its Christian status.
For more information, visit challengehouse.org.
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