“In the world you have trouble, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Life is hard. Most literature and art produced by human beings over the centuries is about suffering, troubles, and struggle. We all experience such troubles in our own lives. And of course, this is one of the major themes explored in the Bible. “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14: 22). And yet Paul tells us that we also exult in those tribulations (Romans 5:3). The struggle of faith is in part a struggle to hold on to meaning and hope in the face of the sufferings brought upon us by the world, by each other, and by ourselves. Join us at this year’s Summer Institute to explore the challenge of growing in hope as we face the struggles of life.