Living Out Radical Love
Living Out Radical Love: A Conversation with Jonathan Heppner of Hope Renews
Today at Grace Community Church, Pastor Scott had the privilege of engaging in an inspiring conversation with Jonathan Heppner, co-founder of Hope Renews, a ministry based on the island of Lesvos, Greece. Together, they explored what it means to live out the gospel beyond traditional church settings and how Jonathan and his wife, Tracey, are building hope through sustainable agriculture, community care, and radical generosity.
The Refugee Crisis and a Call to Action
Jonathan shared how Lesvos, a beautiful Greek island just a short distance from Turkey, became a central point of the European refugee crisis in 2015. With boats carrying thousands of refugees arriving daily, the island was overwhelmed, and humanitarian organizations from across the world stepped in to help.In 2018, Jonathan and Tracey moved to Lesvos, a Greek island at the heart of the European refugee crisis. Faced with overwhelming need, they began their journey without a clear plan, choosing instead to immerse themselves in local challenges.
However, when the Ukraine conflict began in 2022, international attention—and funding—shifted away from Lesvos. What was once a manageable situation for refugees and locals alike quickly deteriorated as support systems vanished overnight, leaving only a few organizations, including Hope Renews, to carry the burden.
Planting Seeds of Hope Through Sustainable Farming
Jonathan explained how the unexpected challenges of COVID lockdowns led to the birth of Hope Renews. With strict government restrictions in place, Jonathan and Tracy found themselves confined to their property and began experimenting with gardening. What started as a personal project soon blossomed into a full-fledged farm, producing fresh vegetables that were distributed to refugees, elderly care homes, mental health facilities, and struggling families.
The heart of Hope Renews lies not only in meeting immediate needs but in empowering communities for the long-term. The farm serves as a model for sustainable agriculture, with Jonathan and Tracey teaching locals how to grow a variety of vegetables and improve soil health. Through partnerships with chefs, mental health organizations, and refugee camps, they are cultivating a culture of generosity and community.
“We want to show people that it’s possible to live differently—through sustainable farming, community building, and generosity.”
The farm quickly grew into a four-acre operation, yielding nearly two tons of fresh produce annually. Beyond meeting immediate needs, Jonathan and Tracey began teaching sustainable farming practices, empowering both locals and refugees to cultivate hope through agriculture.
“We realized that planting seeds—both in the ground and in people’s lives—was a way to embody hope.”
Jonathan also shared a dream for reproducible farm models that could transform not just Lesvos but other villages and communities around the world.
A New Model for the Church: Relationships Over Rituals
During the conversation, Jonathan challenged the conventional notion of church as a structured event. He emphasized that the most impactful expressions of the gospel often occur outside the walls of the church—through relationships, acts of kindness, and the way we do business.
“We are living out what it means to be the people of God in a world that has lost interest with the institutional face that we’re all comfortable with… The most powerful representation of the body of Christ is our personal relationships, our homes, and how we respond to the world around us.”
Jonathan described how Hope Renews embodies this philosophy by building trust and relationships without asking for anything in return. By living generously, they create opportunities for meaningful conversations and slowly break down cultural and spiritual barriers.
“We will kill them with kindness… We will beat you to the ground with how well we love you.”
The Kingdom of God in Everyday Acts
Hope Renews exemplifies the Kingdom of God in practical ways—through sustainable farming, collaborative community efforts, and a commitment to generosity. Jonathan shared how their partnerships with local chefs and businesses are transforming the island’s agricultural practices and creating a sense of shared hope.
One of the most powerful stories Jonathan shared was about a local man, whose initial skepticism toward Hope Renews shifted into friendship and collaboration. Through simple kindness and consistency, Jonathan and Tracey demonstrated the love of Christ, opening doors for genuine connection.
“Kindness has become an act of rebellion. In a world that expects conflict, we refuse to assume the worst of others. Instead, we choose to love deeply, trusting that God will work through every act of generosity.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Jonathan expressed their desire to develop a reproducible farm model that can be adopted by other villages on the island—and potentially beyond. Their dream is not just to grow vegetables but to cultivate flourishing communities, restoring both the land and the people who live on it.
“When everyone does a little, we can accomplish a lot. This is the Kingdom of God—where together, we find a way to bring life and hope.”
Get Involved with Hope Renews
As Jonathan and Tracey continue their mission, they invite supporters to partner with them in prayer, financial support, and volunteering. Whether through small acts of kindness, contributing to their farm, or helping them train others, each partnership helps Hope Renews extend God’s love across Lesvos.
If you’d like to learn more or support their work, visit the Hope Renews website or connect with us at Grace Community Church.
Conclusion: Living Out the Gospel in Everyday Life
Jonathan’s conversation with Pastor Scott served as a powerful reminder that the church is not just a place we go, but who we are. Whether through farming, building relationships, or simple acts of kindness, we are all called to participate in the renewal of hope wherever we are.
As Jonathan said, “The most powerful witness of Christ is a life of love.” This is the invitation for each of us—to embody the gospel by loving generously, serving selflessly, and offering hope to those in need.
Let’s continue to live out radical love and bring the light of Christ into every corner of the world.