Renewed Hope In Our Community

Rev. John Samaan
Rev. John Samaan
President
I joined the Boston Rescue Mission's team to run the Boston marathon, an annual tradition for the past 9 years. I pause today to remember those affected during the horrific acts of violence at the finish line of Monday’s Boston Marathon. Our hearts reach out to so many in crisis, grief and mourning; for those who have lost life and limb, those who seemed to have lost dreams and hope..

Yet, hope as always did prevail. The Boston Rescue Mission marathon team was accounted for. Two runners had finished, one was close, but not directly in harm’s way, another about a mile away, and two of us were more than three miles away.

Every other year my daughter Rebecca waited for me at the finish line, just where the first explosion took place. This year she was finishing her graduate degree overseas. I am so grateful for this blessing…but also can’t help but share the sadness with the victims and their families.

Our hope comes in many forms. In this time of sorrow, we hope for healing, for courage, and for the peace and the goodness that surround us all.

Our community, our supporters, and Boston inspire us and remind us how much we depend on each other. Life can be fragile, but hope, community and love will always endure. That truth is manifested daily at the Mission.