The Rural Poverty Initiative is the Fellowship’s 20-year commitment to community development in 20 of the nation’s poorest counties, and Together for Hope is the mantra that drives this commitment. Together for Hope is CBF’s commitment to offer hope by listening to local leaders and others who work among the poor in the nation’s poorest counties, building relationships of trust, learning about existing resources, and walking alongside them to find solutions.

The driving force for the high plains ministry is Jesus’ testament in Matthew 25. “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. . . . Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:35, 36, & 40, NRSV)