Rainbow of Hope event about sowing hope, showing mercy to all
Abdul Samad was this year's keynote speaker at the annual Rainbow of Hope Foundation weekend in Mt. Hope. Samad's inspiring story shone brightly as he shared about the concept of hope and how people can make a huge impact in the lives of others.
The word “hope” is right out there in the name of Rainbow of Hope Foundation, and while that hope oftentimes focuses on the children of the many families RoH aids in its efforts, it also is hope for humankind.
That hope was on display in many ways at this year’s annual event that took place at Mt. Hope Event Center July 23-24, and two men shared very different stories of how hope runs eternal in the human spirit.
The first example of hope was keynote speaker Abdul Samad, who shared his story of hope and faith for the masses who attended the Friday evening event.
As a 13-year-old, Samad was playing in a field near his home when a shiny object caught his eye. Thinking it was a toy, Samad reached down and plucked it up. In doing so, he detonated a land mine, which proceeded to blow off his arms below the elbow while also claiming his left eye.
That began a young life of hardship for Samad, and it also began a journey in his life that took him from Afghanistan to Pakistan, Egypt, Germany and finally the U.S., where he landed at Liberty, Kentucky, where he found a home at Galilean Home and his journey of faith in Jesus Christ began.
“Through all of this journey, God has provided for me and took me to a world that I never knew existed,” Samad said.
Samad’s story of overcoming included more than his physical handicaps. He entered the United States not speaking any English. Through hard work, study and faith, Samad began to find a new life.
Rather than seeing the negatives in life, Samad has chosen to recognize the many ways he has found joy. “God has blessed me in so many ways. I look at life as a test, and I prayed that God would help me face my trials and tests head-on. God never said life would be easy, and my one true hope is that people would continue to find hope and inspiration through my story. I’m still that poor child from Afghanistan, but God has opened doors for me to share my story and hopefully inspire people through my life and his words.”
After learning to read, the first book he read was the Bible, which changed his life. After mastering the English language, he went to Presbyterian Community College in Eastern Kentucky University, where he majored in business. After college someone encouraged him to put his life story into words, and it became an inspirational piece of literature.
“I learned my ABCs at 17,” Samad said. “I had so many people encourage me to write a book, but I didn’t feel qualified to do so. But that encouragement kept me going.”
He sat down and penned a book and gave it to a college coach, asking him to take a few weeks to read through it because he wasn’t sure it was anywhere near good enough to publish. The coach came back the next day, and to Samad’s surprise, he had roared through it in one evening.
“He told me when he started, he couldn’t put it down, so I thanked God for blessing me so much,” Samad said.
Samad said he has chosen to live life to its fullest, learning patience and gratitude along the way, and having faced so many challenges, he has learned to count his blessings.
Samad, now the father of three young children, will release his book, “Out of My Hands,” on Amazon in October.
The second story of hope came from the man simply known as D.C. A longtime cowboy at heart and a United States Army veteran, D.C. has no family. He simply travels the nation, making friends along the way.
Many years ago D.C. was gadding about in Wooster when someone told him about Rainbow of Hope. He figured he’d check it out. Upon entering, the first person he met was Kaufman Realty & Auction’s Jr. Miller, who greeted D.C., and the two struck off on a lengthy conversation. Twenty-seven years later, D.C. has made RoH a home, coming in early to help set up and get the grounds prepared, doing what he can to help. He also counts the many friends he has made through the event as his family.
“I have nobody in my life, no family,” D.C. said. “I have nothing but the people I meet, and as soon as I came here to this event, I was welcomed with open arms by people who cared.”
A longtime rodeo worker, D.C. has now become a staple at RoH and said not even a broken wrist, four broken ribs and a broken sternum he suffered in an auto accident earlier this year was going to keep him from his new family.
“I am taking 37 sessions of rehab, but I dearly love these people here, good people who love and care about others, and I wasn’t going to miss this,” D.C. said. “With nobody in my life, the way people meet and treat you becomes so important, and from the very first moment I set foot in this event, it felt like home to me.”
While these two examples of hope are inspiring, the true inspiration comes from the many people who support RoH in honor of the children, where each year RoH helps families who are grieving and financially burdened with their struggles.
As it has done for decades, hope reigns supreme at Rainbow of Hope, which has been a driving force in providing funding for area families suffering growing medical expenses of children who are ill or injured.
If anyone knows of a family facing children-based medical financial needs, they can call 330-674-5062 or write Rainbow of Hope Foundation at P.O. Box 8, Mt. Hope, OH 44660, where they will be given the appropriate application to fill out. Anyone wishing to make a donation to help the children may do so by sending their donations to the above address.