Co-Founder of Band "Kansas" Now Anglican Priest

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Dave Hope, an original member and bass player of the band "Kansas" was ordained on April 2nd, 2006
                                                                                                                    The Anglican Mission in The Americas has a new priest whose road to spiritual leadership took him through one of the top American musical acts of the 1970’s.  Dave Hope, an original member and bass player of the band "Kansas" was ordained on April 2nd, 2006, at Immanuel Anglican Church in Florida.  Although once a "rock star", he has been serving in Christian ministry for many years.

Dave was ordained by Bishop Nathan Kyamanywa of the Anglican Church of Uganda in a service that spanned the globe.  Immanuel Church has long had a relationship with the diocese of Bunyuro Kitara in Uganda, led by Bishop Nathan, and members of Immanuel have visited churches there.

(L-R) Rev. Dave Hope, Rev. Mike Hesse, Bishop Kyamanywa

Anglican Mission in The Americas (AMiA), a missionary outreach to the US from the Province of Rwanda

They also are active in supporting a local orphanage, water projects, coffee plantation, clergy training programs and other initiatives in the Ugandan diocese.  Immanuel Anglican Church is part of the Anglican Mission in The Americas (AMiA), a missionary outreach to the US from the Province of Rwanda, so the international scope of the ordination was significant.  “I’m happy to be here with my wife and, of course, to preside over this ceremony,” Bishop Kyamanywa told the Northwest Florida Daily News.  The bishop will return to his home following a month in the states.  He came to ordain Dave Hope at the invitation of the Rev. Mike Hesse, Immanuel's Senior Pastor, and AMiA Bishop Thad Barnum.

     “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry On Wayward Son”  

The Rev. David Hope’s life included years in music as a co-founder of "Kansas".  By the time he found faith in 1980, he had been a part of cultural history through such songs as “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry On Wayward Son”.  

Though he had found fame, he also lived the typical rock star life, with its connection to the drug scene.  He left the band after two more albums.  “I realized I couldn’t be in that environment and stay away from that ‘stuff’ ”, he told an interviewer.

In 1987 he and his family moved to Florida in order to raise their daughter in a small town atmosphere, and he became active in working with youth.  “Finally, at about 50, I decided I was too old to be a youth group minister," he said.  So he began the process toward ordained ministry, first as a Deacon, and now as Priest.

The Rev. Hope will continue his work as an Outreach Pastor.  “God has gifted Dave as a pastor/teacher, as a worship leader and with a longing to see people come to know Jesus,” reflected the Rev. Mike Hesse.

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• Christian Testimonies

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(Except: Text, Album Cover, Photo of Anglican Priests) Copyright © 2007 S.G.P. All rights reserved.  

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